by Becky Cole

Transferring Your Skills

With all of the twists and turns in the job market lately, chances are good that your next job won’t be like your last job. As jobs are being lost, the functions of the existing jobs change to meet the demand of the work that still needs to be done. I once had a job testing websites, but I still was expected to answer the phone when the receptionist went to lunch.

What do you do, if you just can’t find a job in the same field you have worked in for the past 10 years? Your best bet is to learn how the skills you have can be transferred to a new job. Once you get a handle on what skills you have that can be utilized in different industries, you may be surprised to learn that you have more options than you first realized.

Learn the Language

Read the job descriptions, rather than just look at the job titles. Let’s say in your previous job you had the title of, "retail clerk." In a department store this could mean you spent most of your time at the cash register. In a grocery store, this could mean you stock merchandise.

Did you have a job in sales that you really liked? There’s sales in fundraising, in event planning, and in business development.

Do Some Research

www.doleta.gov
The Department of Labor’s website is a great resource for learning about the skills needed in different industries. Under the "Find Job and Career Info" tab, you will find links to several career resource sites.

The "Skill Profiler" link will take you to another website where it will match up your skills to different jobs in which these skills are used. At the end of your own assessment, it will give you a list of many different occupations. Click on one of them, and it will tell you what additional type of training you might need and what other skills you might need, in addition to the skills you already have, to work in that field.

The information is not intended to make the decisions for you, and most likely won’t be a perfect match, but it will give you some new things to think about in looking for your next job.

www.HireVetsFirst.gov
If you are a veteran looking, this is a great website with resources to help you translate your military experience into a civilian job. The website will also help you to write a resume for civilian employers.

Explain it in Your Cover Letter

When you write your cover letter, tell the employer how you see your skills transferring into the new job. This is important, especially if you are changing industries. For example, if you worked in healthcare, and are applying for a job in education, the person who is reading your resume may not "get it" on their own. Even if they do understand how skills translate, by doing this it shows them you put effort into applying for this job, and that’s a good thing to do.

The Employment News does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the websites in this article or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The links are provided for informational purposes only.

Becky Cole is a consultant for non-profit organizations specializing in capacity building for both individuals and corporations throughout the Twin Cities.  She has an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. Becky Cole can be reached at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com