If you are considering switching careers or just trying something different, it is essential that you understand transferable skills. Employers look for candidates with such abilities when hiring candidates.

To identify your transferable skills, take an inventory of tasks and responsibilities you've performed at previous jobs, internships or volunteer positions - and pay close attention to any feedback from supervisors or peers.

1. Look at Your Past

Your professional career has given you many transferable skills that can be utilized across several roles - this is known as transferability.

As you search for your next role, be sure to highlight these skills on both your resume and during interviews. Doing so will set you apart from other candidates while increasing the odds of receiving an offer - particularly if changing careers!

Glekeria Kalathas, talent acquisition manager at Actalent, suggests job seekers take a moment and evaluate their experience in terms of transferable skills they possess. She notes that people often disregard the value of their abilities and experiences when making significant career shifts; for instance, some may fail to appreciate that customer-facing experience gained in previous jobs (for instance navigating disgruntled customers or keeping organized during stressful periods) could prove highly sought-after in another role.

Review the requirements of the position you're applying for and create a list of required competencies, before identifying those most essential for that job and their applications in past experience.

2. Review Job Descriptions

Employers' expectations regarding candidate skills can be gained by reviewing job descriptions. Skim through phrases such as "teamwork skills" or "communication skills" to gauge which transferable skills employers seek in applicants. Also take time to peruse any required and desirable qualifications a position may require, which will provide examples of which attributes an employer looks for in candidates.

Recognize which skills align with those listed in the job description. For instance, if an employer requires someone who can work independently and take initiative, discuss your prior experience doing just this along with any related achievements. You could even use this data to write a targeted cover letter which supplements and expands upon your resume.

Given the increasing likelihood that people will switch careers throughout their working lives and multiple employers exist today, it has never been more essential for individuals to have a clear grasp on transferable skills. By recognizing and communicating them effectively to prospective employers, job seekers can demonstrate their adaptability in today's job market - whether a recent graduate looking for their first position out of college, an executive looking for another industry to move into or someone considering an industry change; transferable skills are invaluable assets in building success in business.

3. Ask for Feedback

Job hunters often struggle to identify their transferable skills when applying for new roles, given all the different variables to consider - hard skills, educational background, years of experience and character fit can all make it challenging to determine how well their abilities align with those required of their new position.

Employers can assist applicants by giving them a clear view of the skills necessary to perform well in a particular job role. For instance, if a company needs someone to run its project management team and excel at meeting deadlines and schedules, taking a situational judgement test that presents scenarios asks candidates to choose the most effective course of action is one way employers can help candidates land employment.

As part of your career journey, it is wise to solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors and mentors. Their input may provide an important window into which skills may prove helpful in other roles -- for instance interpersonal communication or effective leadership - identifying transferable abilities is essential in becoming a more versatile worker -- possibly landing that dream job you never even thought existed! For a quick way to assess your transferable abilities use this checklist!

4. Review Your Resume

Once you've eliminated candidates who do not meet basic criteria - such as having too little experience or not possessing specific credentials - it's time to focus on those piles that were marked "yes." Examine each resume carefully for transferable skills listed either separately or within an objective statement or summary; look for examples of leadership, communication or analytical problem-solving being applied within previous roles by an applicant, pushing beyond job limits while improving processes, increasing revenue or strengthening client loyalty.

Glekeria Kalathas, talent acquisition manager at Actalent, advises candidates reentering the workforce to focus on career-wide transferable skills when creating their resume. She suggests candidates also emphasize personal and interpersonal abilities such as leadership, teamwork, dependability and enthusiasm to thrive in any industry or role.

Do not get too caught up in the fine details when reviewing an applicant's resume. While an employment gap might appear like a deal-breaker, it could simply mean they took time off to care for an ailing parent or return to school. Furthermore, excessive job-hopping may indicate either lack of ambition or just that this individual didn't find their last employer suitable enough.