How to Identify and Articulate Transferable Skills for Career Paths
Navigating career transitions can be challenging, but understanding your transferable skills is key to success. This article delves into effective strategies for identifying and articulating these valuable competencies, drawing on insights from industry experts. Discover how to unpack your skill stories, map crossover abilities, and gain fresh perspectives through professional reconnections to enhance your career journey.
- Unpack Skill Stories to Reveal Core Competencies
- Map Crossover Skills for Career Transitions
- Gain Fresh Perspective Through Professional Reconnections
Unpack Skill Stories to Reveal Core Competencies
Helping clients pinpoint and articulate their transferable skills is a core part of what we do, because often, people don't recognize the true value of their experiences. It's about shifting their perspective from a list of job duties to the underlying capabilities they've honed.
One method I frequently use involves a "skill story" exercise. I ask clients to recount a challenging or successful project or experience they've had, regardless of the industry or role. As they describe the situation, their actions, and the outcome, I actively listen for the verbs they use and the problems they solved. We then unpack these stories together, dissecting them to identify the core competencies demonstrated. For example, a client who managed a chaotic event might initially focus on the logistical tasks, but by digging deeper, we uncover their strong organizational skills, ability to problem-solve under pressure, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders. This isn't just about listing skills; it's about providing concrete evidence and narratives that bring those skills to life for a prospective employer in a different field.
Map Crossover Skills for Career Transitions
Dear CareerCoaches.io Team,
As a career strategist and the creator of The CrossOver Position Method, I specialize in helping professionals, particularly women and career changers, recognize that they're not starting over; they're starting where their skills already belong.
Here's how I help clients identify and articulate their transferable skills:
One of my core strategies is "Crossover Position Mapping," where we break down their past experience into four key skill zones:
1. Operational Strengths - keeping systems and logistics running smoothly
2. People/Project Management - leading teams, timelines, and vendor relations
3. Compliance/Risk Awareness - ensuring standards and identifying breakdowns
4. Tech Touch points - experience with digital systems, inventory platforms, data reporting, etc.
We then reframe this into language that aligns with their target industry, especially tech, cybersecurity, or Tech/AI-adjacent careers.
This isn't just theory; it's something I've done personally.
I transitioned from military logistics and supply chain management into a six-figure career in tech by identifying my asset management, procurement, risk mitigation, and operational oversight skills. My entry point? A tech-adjacent / bridge role in IT Asset Management, which leveraged everything I already knew. That role led directly to a career in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity.
"You don't need a new degree. You need a new lens on your skills and a strategy to position them where they'll shine."
That's the heart of The CrossOver Position Method: finding the overlap and building from it with confidence.
I'm happy to share more on how I guide professionals to identify their transferable skills, rebrand their experience, and land high-value roles without starting from scratch.
Warm regards,
DaVonda St. Clair
Information Security Architect | Career Strategist | Creator, The CrossOver Position Method™
linkedin.com/in/davondastclair
EntitledAmbitions.com
Gain Fresh Perspective Through Professional Reconnections
Reconnecting with former colleagues, managers, and professional contacts can be an incredibly effective way to reframe your understanding of your own skill set. Too often, candidates develop tunnel vision about what they believe they are good -- or bad -- at. Over time, they begin to internalize limiting narratives such as "I am no good with numbers" or "I'm better at working alone," often repeating them without question.
In my work as a recruiter, I have encouraged many clients to reach out to their past networks, and they are frequently surprised by what they learn. That individual who once saw themselves as a passive contributor may be remembered by former colleagues as a dependable leader. Someone convinced they fumbled through presentations may discover they were seen as a clear, thoughtful communicator.
What emerges from these conversations does not rewrite a candidate's work history, but it can absolutely transform how that history is framed and understood. Perception shapes opportunity, and gaining new insight into how others viewed your contributions can open the door to entirely new career paths you may never have considered.
It is important to remember that looking inward is inherently limiting. When you are the subject, your perspective is constrained. Others can often see your strengths -- and your potential -- more clearly than you can see them yourself.
