Highlighting Transferable Skills in Behavioral Interviews: A Guide for Career Changers

By Vidal Graupera on 5/15/2023

As a career changer, one of the challenges you may face during behavioral interviews is demonstrating how your previous experiences can translate to success in a new industry. This article will guide you through the process of identifying and emphasizing your transferable skills during interviews, helping you make a strong case for your potential in a new role.

Understanding Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities and competencies that can be applied across various roles and industries. These skills are often acquired through work, education, or life experiences and are highly valued by employers as they demonstrate adaptability and versatility.

Some examples of transferable skills include:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Leadership
• Time management
• Project management

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

Before heading into a behavioral interview, take some time to reflect on your past experiences and identify the transferable skills you've developed. Ask yourself:

1. What skills have I gained from my previous roles that are relevant to the new position?
2. How have I demonstrated these skills in the past?
3. Can I provide specific examples of situations where I've successfully applied these skills?

Emphasizing Transferable Skills in Behavioral Interviews

When answering behavioral interview questions, be sure to:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed examples of situations where you've applied your transferable skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
2. Highlight the relevance: Clearly explain how your transferable skills relate to the new role and how they will contribute to your success in the position.
3. Demonstrate adaptability: Show that you can learn quickly and adapt to new environments by sharing examples of times when you've successfully transitioned to new roles or taken on unfamiliar responsibilities.

Conclusion

As a career changer, emphasizing your transferable skills during behavioral interviews can help you stand out among other candidates and demonstrate your potential to excel in a new industry. By identifying and showcasing your relevant skills, you'll be better equipped to tackle any interview question and make a strong case for your suitability for the role.