Transferable Skills That Are in Demand
June 12, 2025 – When embarking on a job search or considering a career shift, your transferable skills—those versatile capabilities gained across various roles and industries—can serve as your most powerful advantage. These skills demonstrate your adaptability and potential to thrive in new environments, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with a specific job description. But what exactly are they? These are abilities and expertise that you’ve gained in one role, industry, or life experience that can be applied to a new position or workplace, according to a just-released report from NPAworldwide. “Whether you’re shifting industries or advancing in your field, having a strong set of transferable skills ensures that you remain competitive and adaptable,” the report said.
The NPAworldwide report explained that employers value these because they highlight traits that are universally beneficial in the workplace. These skills show your ability to adapt to new challenges and thrive in diverse environments. The study noted that while technical skills may be specific to certain industries, transferable skills such as communication or problem-solving are relevant across practically all roles.
“Developing and showcasing your transferable skills can set you apart from other candidates,” the NPAworldwide report said. “For instance, if you’re transitioning from hospitality to project management, customer service experience and time management skills illustrate capabilities that align with your new role.”
NPAworldwide offers the following five in-demand transferable skills to focus on as you build your career:
1. Communication Skills.
Being able to clearly express ideas, actively listen, and adapt your communication style is vital no matter where you work. Strong written and verbal communication aids collaboration and enhances workplace efficiency.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving.
Employers want candidates who can identify issues, analyze data, and develop effective solutions. Whether you’re designing a marketing campaign or resolving client concerns, this skill is indispensable.
3. Leadership and Teamwork.
Knowing how to inspire and guide others, motivate a team, and contribute to group success makes you invaluable. Whether you’ve already held leadership positions or simply worked on collaborative projects, these competencies are key.
Related: Private Equity’s New Leadership Playbook: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Ever
4. Time Management and Organization.
Being organized and efficient helps you handle multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively. Employers seek candidates who can deliver quality work without unnecessary delays.
The Culture Edge: Driving Enterprise Performance
As businesses navigate constant change, the influence of corporate culture on organizational success is unmistakable. Companies are increasingly aware that a vibrant, adaptable culture is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a critical driver of employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Recent findings reveal that 89 percent of highly engaged employees recognize their organization’s culture as a positive force, underscoring the powerful connection between cultural strength and business impact.
On June 18, 2025, Hunt Scanlon Media will unite hundreds of leading culture officers, CHROs, senior talent executives, and executive recruiters to examine how cutting-edge cultural initiatives can address today’s unique challenges. Attendees will delve into the latest strategies, from empowering adaptable teams and leveraging cultural analytics to aligning cultural values with organizational goals.
5. Adaptability and Resilience.
The modern workplace changes rapidly, and companies look for individuals who can adjust to shifting priorities. Being able to stay calm and flexible under pressure demonstrates strength and foresight.
How to Highlight Transferable Skills on Your Resume
“When updating your resume, emphasize these skills by matching them to the job description,” the NPAworldwide report. For example, the report pointed out the following:
- If the role requires teamwork, mention specific projects where your collaboration contributed to success.
- Use metrics to quantify your skills. Instead of saying you’re good at communication, point to a presentation you delivered that boosted client satisfaction by a measurable percentage.
“Adding specific, relevant examples ensures your transferable skills are meaningful to hiring managers,” the NPAworldwide report said.
Preparing for Interviews
Once you’ve landed an interview, prepare to talk about your transferable skills with confidence, according to the NPAworldwide report. “Be ready to explain how experiences from your previous roles will bring value to the company,” it said. “If you’re switching industries, draw parallels between responsibilities in your past job and those in the new position. Transferable skills are powerful tools that can help you achieve success in your career goals. By identifying and refining these skills, you position yourself as a versatile, qualified candidate for any opportunity.”
NPAworldwide is a global recruitment network facilitating placements between its member firms. The recruitment network has more than 550 member offices across six continents. Its headquarters is in Grand Rapids, MI.
Related: Why Soft Skills and Continuous Learning Are Key to Thriving in a Changing Workplace
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
