Top Transferable Skills that Startups Want

Transferable skills are talents and abilities of an employee that can be used in many career paths and jobs. They are usually acquired through previous job experience, hobbies, internships, school, and life experiences. Most jobs require different skills combination, some are soft skills, and others are hard skills. Hard skills are teachable while soft skills are harder to simplify like in terms of managing time. Most employers list out the skills they need while putting out a job description, it is very important as an employee to always highlight the transferable skills you are confident about and also make sure it matches what the employers are looking out for in a job. When you have the skills that are desirable to the employer, you save them the stress of training you. With this, you can make exploit whatever relevant career field you find yourself in.

Some of the transferable skills that most startups or employers want to include;

1. Analytical Reasoning- This is also similar to problem-solving skills with you breaking down problems to identify a solution. It involves you being very logical and concrete. In summary, a person can look at pieces of information and discern ways out of it. It’s essential for making rational decisions, gathering data, solving complex problems, visualising ideas, researching, being creative and also communicating.

2. Leadership Skills- It doesn’t just centre on your ability to lead, supervise and manage a team. Leadership skills involve your ability to get a team to lead on a project and accomplish it by commonly shared goals. It encompasses every transferable skill. Some employers are always looking out for employees that can carry the business like their own. Every good leader needs some skills like communication, persuasion, people management, planning and delivery, time management, commitment, creativity, honesty, and confidence.

Leadership skills can assist you in all areas of your career from applying to jobs to seeking career advancement, by incorporating several personality traits and communication abilities. To be a good leader, remember that you need to be very empathetic to understand your team.

3. Adaptability- this is the ability to easily adjust to situations and circumstances. An adaptable personality in a new environment is very advantageous because they’re skilled at dealing with changes at work in terms of handling projects, clients, technology, or any sort of priorities. Few adaptability skills that are relevant include;

• Being resourceful
• The ability to learn
• Communication
• Being organisational and logical
• Teamwork can help in the areas of diversity while working with different people
• Being curious can lead you to be open-minded about new opportunities that can increase your growth mindset.

4. Communication- This is the topmost transferable skill any employer is looking for in an employee. The ability to share ideas clearly and concisely without leaving no room for misunderstanding. There are 7cs of communication every employee should have which include;

• Clarity
• Concrete
• Correct
• Coherent
• Complete
• Courteous

Some of the essential communication skills include;

• Writer communication
• Oral communication
• Non-verbal communication
• Active listening
• Empathy
• Assertiveness
• Contextual communication.

5. Attention to detail- Being meticulous in details means you pay close attention to details. No matter how small or large, you are very detail-oriented, very intentional, and very logical in how projects are executed. People with these kinds of skills are seen sometimes as perfectionists because they are excellent at reviewing their work their work is generally more accurate with fewer errors. Some of the skills possessed include;

• Time management skills
• Active listening skills
• Observational skills
• Organisational skills

6. Computer skills- It is very important to have basic knowledge about the computer even if you do not have wizardry skills. For example- having your way around software like Microsoft office application, email, typing, social media, etc.                                  

7. Management- This skill is divided into four functions- planning, organising, controlling, and leading. it enables you to make sure that people are where they should be and their tasks are completed effectively. Management skills are very important because they position you to act as an effective leader with great decision-making, excellent communication, and a problem-solver who can bring clarity to any situation.

8. Project management skills help you manage tasks from start to finish. You make sure everything stays on time and also adjust the timeline when things aren’t going as planned. Employers want people who can not only see a task through but who can visualise what needs to happen on a project from start to finish. This transferable skill helps ensure that deadlines are met and projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

9. Teamwork means working together as a group to achieve a common goal. But being on the team and part of the team are two separate things. Employers don’t want employees who show up but don’t help the team accomplish its goals. They want team players, people who are focused and can make positive contributions to the group to help it succeed.