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Developing your skills

Transferable skills

All job sectors require either specific skills, experiences or qualifications. For example, the ideal candidate for an IT role will have experience with certain technologies, and HR roles may require specific qualifications.

However, both these careers will require developed problem-solving and planning skills. By developing these transferable skills you will become more attractive to prospective employers and may even be able to move between job sectors.

The best thing about these transferable skills is that you can develop these both in and out of the work place.   

Leadership skills

Leaders take responsibility while leading or guiding others. Good leaders take the initiative and move situations forward while motivating and inspiring others to come with you.

Ways to develop your leadership skills:

• Chairing a project group
• Captaining a sports team
• Taking a position of responsibility on a committee

Teamwork

Most jobs require teamwork, meaning you are able to work well with others. Team players are good listeners, co-operative and have strong negotiation skills.

Ways to develop your teamworking skills:

• Team sports/outdoor pursuits
• Participating in the delivery of team presentations

Problem solving

The ability to solve problems in a systematic and logical way is key to many professions. Problem solving is the ability to find a solution that best suits the circumstances and environment.

Ways to develop your problem-solving skills:

• Working in an environment with difficult staff or customers
• Developing a system/new way of working to improve efficiency
• Leisure activities - e.g. chess, logic games, computing, role playing

Planning

Organisation is important in many roles. Whether it is simply organising your own daily activities, or scheduling larger project pieces of work, the ability to plan is vitally important.

You'll need to be able to recognise and order tasks in order of priority and develop appropriate plans. 

Communication

Both verbal and written communication is essential to success in all roles. Written work needs to be clear, accurate and well presented, while verbal communication needs to be clear and articulate. Good communicators are able to chose the appropriate format, length and style for all situations.

Ways to develop your communication skills:

• Take every opportunity to speak in public to develop your confidence
• Evaluate the communication you are exposed to every day - and consider what was good and bad about it

Self-awareness

Being self-aware in all situations means you understand your own strengths and development areas, as well as the impact you have on other people. People who show developed self-awareness constantly evaluate their own abilities and have the confidence to challenge any development areas, but also to appreciate their own strengths.

Motivation and enthusiasm

If an employer is to invest in you, they want to see that you have positive motivation and a desire to succeed. Be prepared to answer questions about your motivation to the role you are interested in, and to show real enthusiasm for the position and the organisation that you are applying to. 

Initiative

Many roles require you to take ownership for managing your own time, rather than waiting for direction - to seize opportunities, rather than being told.

Ways to illustrate your initiative:

• Volunteering