Globalization, computerization and increased competition—all these factors have contributed to the adaptability of workers. In parallel to the skills specific to each job, qualities that allow greater efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness at work have taken on importance. These are what are referred to as "transferable" skills
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are not specific to any one sector or discipline. They are common to all occupations and are complementary, consisting of tools used by workers to handle the various situations they may be faced with. Moreover, recruiters and educators agree on their importance. Quebec, for example, has restructured its education system on the basis of transferable skills. Teachers must now highlight these skills and incorporate them to a greater extent in the learning process to promote their acquisition.
Transferable skills can be grouped into four categories. The intellectual category includes critical judgment, professional curiosity, creativity and the ability to analyze and use information. Methodological skills comprise the development of efficient work methods and the use of information and communication technologies. The personal and social skills include cooperation, initiative and the development of one's potential. As for communication, it focuses on sharing information, language proficiency and negotiation.
Prized abilities
Transferable skills are very much in demand in services, sales and management, where interpersonal skills can make all the difference. According to a study conducted in 2007 by OfficeTeam, HR.com and the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), transferable skills are more valuable than technical skills. Of the 400 human resources directors surveyed, only 9% said they would hire a highly technically qualified candidate with poor interpersonal skills; for 93% of them transferable skills prevail in recruiting since they are difficult to teach. Organization, verbal communication and teamwork were rated as the top skills to have.
A degree: no guarantee of transferable skills
A degree usually helps acquire these transversal skills, because someone with a degree has had to adapt to a codified, regulated environment, and has had to observe deadlines and instructions. It is also likely someone with a degree to have developed intellectual, theoretical and methodological skills. While learning skills are practically a given, degrees don't guarantee good social or communication abilities.
Cheri Ditsch, 61, is an assistant in the Education and Professional Development Department at IAAP, as well as a secretary for the same employer for 19 years: "If a candidate has a degree in business or management, an employer is likely to think that he or she has acquired sound transferable skills in school. But a degree guarantees nothing; professional experience is worth a lot more. I was hired here straight out of high school. I learned in school, but mainly I learned on the job. I started out at the bottom of the ladder and learned by listening, observing and imitating. In my opinion, communication is the most important aptitude. Once you have that under your belt, the rest is easier."
"Only transferable skills let you stand out from the crowd",
Henry Goldbeck, President of Goldbeck Recruiting Inc., Vancouver
How important are transferable skills when you recruit someone?
In my field, sales, they are crucial. In order to sell, you need a strong personality and a state of mind attuned to the sales approach.
How do you tell if a candidate has the skills you're looking for?
It all goes down in the interview. I assess the transferable skills as I probe the technical side of things. I listen to how candidates present themselves, and I observe and test them. Is the candidate impressionable? Does he or she show self-confidence? I try to figure out their personality. And references are useful too; contacting three or four of them generally gives you a pretty good idea of the candidate's organizational, communication, learning and leadership skills.
Which do you think is the most important skill?
Communication is often mentioned, of course, but I think that initiative is also crucial. Employees who demonstrate excellent knowledge of their sector and are able to function independently lighten their manager's workload and are reassuring. So during the interview, I like candidates who impress me, but intelligently, with specific examples. Boasting about your skills but without providing any details or stories doesn't cut it.
Do people with degrees have an advantage?
Not necessarily. Everyone invited to an interview has already convinced me of their technical skills in their CV. Whether they have a degree or not, they are all at an equivalent technical level, and therefore have the same chances. So ultimately, only transferable skills allow you to stand out from the crowd!