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Pivot your career with your transferable skills

Posted On October 14, 2026 

Transferable skills are the skills, knowledge and abilities you have developed through your work and life experience which can be applied across different roles and industries.

At PN Personnel we meet many talented individuals with extensive experience in one specific industry who are ready for a change. But if you have spent most of your career in one type of role, how do you break the mould and find something new? 

Focus on what you can offer and highlight your transferable skills as a benefit to the role.

Why are transferable skills valuable?

You may not meet every requirement listed in a job advertisement, but you may have many skills desirable to an employer.

For example, strong communication, organisation, problem solving, relationship management or leadership skills can be valuable across a wide range of roles.

Combine these skills with a willingness to learn and a motivated approach, and you could build a compelling case for joining their team. 

Common transferable skills include:

  • General: multitasking, organisation, time management, planning
  • Technology: computer literacy, information management, adapting to new systems
  • Interpersonal: relationship building, teamwork, motivation
  • Critical thinking: problem-solving, analysis, planning
  • Communication: listening, writing, negotiation, persuasion
  • Clerical: computer literacy, managing information
  • Numeracy: budgeting, forecasting and financial management
  • Management: leadership, decision-making, delegation

Identify and promote your transferable skills

Transferable skills are valuable abilities you can take from one role, industry or life experience to another. Start by making a list of your key skills and write down examples of how you have used them. Consider your achievements, challenges you have overcome, and responsibilities you have taken on.

When applying for jobs, carefully review the job description and identify where your existing skills align with the employer's requirements. Even if your previous job title or industry is different, focus on demonstrating how your experience and capabilities can add value in the new role.

If you need inspiration, check out SEEK NZ’s Transferable Skills checklist.


Create a transferable skills-based CV

Create a CV based on the requirements of the specific role you are applying for.

Use the Job Description to identify the skills the employer is looking for, then highlight your relevant transferable skills and back them up with examples.

Rather than simply listing what you have done, showcase what you achieved, the skills you used and the value you could bring to your next role.


A recruiter on your side

Changing careers or industries can be daunting, particularly when you are unsure how your experience will translate to a new role.

Your Recruitment Specialist can help you to identify the relevant transferable skills and promote your experience to a potential employer in a way which highlights the value you can offer to them. 


If you are considering a new role or industry, talk to the PN Personnel team to explore where your transferable skills could take your career.

Cushla Brasell

Cushla effortlessly tackles our fast paced industry with her pro-active nature. As General Manager and a shareholder in the business, Cushla appreciates the value of a successful recruitment approach aligned with your operational and strategic goals.


Cushla has a positive upbeat attitude and extensive knowledge from her 20 year career in recruitment, so call her today for a confidential chat.

 

Phone 06 280 2402 Mobile 027 540 6153 Email 

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