How to Identify Transferable Skills in Job Descriptions

When you’re pivoting careers, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how your current experience fits into a completely different role or industry. The good news? You likely already have what it takes— you just need to learn how to spot and frame it. One of the most effective ways to do this is by learning how to identify transferable skills in job descriptions.

These clues are often hidden in plain sight. Once you know what to look for, you’ll start to see patterns that help you tailor your resume and confidently talk about your value, even if your background doesn’t seem like an obvious fit.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities you’ve developed in one setting that can be applied in another. These can include communication, leadership, problem-solving, project management, data analysis, and more. The key is not just knowing what your skills are— but how they show up in job descriptions across different industries.

For example, if you’ve been working in the federal government and are looking to pivot into the private sector, you might not see your exact job title reflected in listings. But if a position mentions things like “cross-functional collaboration,” “strategic planning,” or “change management,” and you’ve done those things in your current or past role, those are your transferable skills in action.

Where to Look Transferable Skills in the Job Description

The transferable skills in job descriptions are usually hiding in these areas:

• Responsibilities Section: This outlines what the day-to-day looks like. Take note of phrases like “coordinate with stakeholders,” “manage timelines,” or “analyze performance metrics.” If you’ve done any of those things in a different role or setting, highlight that in your resume.

• Qualifications or Requirements: Even if you don’t have the exact certifications or years of experience listed, pay close attention to the qualities they want. Words like “self-starter,” “adaptable,” or “detail-oriented” point to soft skills that are highly transferable.

• Preferred Skills or Bonus Points: This section is gold. It often lists experience that’s “nice to have” but not required—things that make a candidate stand out. These can give you insight into how you can differentiate yourself by showing you’ve picked up similar skills in a different environment.

Using Job Descriptions as a Career Pivot Tool

Once you identify the transferable skills in job descriptions, the next step is to align your resume with those insights. That doesn’t mean copying language verbatim—but it does mean using similar phrasing to describe your accomplishments. This helps you show up better in both ATS systems and with recruiters.

Here’s an example:

Job Description Says: “Must be able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.”

You Write: “Led concurrent community engagement projects across three departments, consistently meeting deadlines in high-pressure settings.”

It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about framing what you’ve done in a way that speaks their language.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Many people looking to pivot careers worry they don’t “qualify” for the roles they’re aiming for. But in most cases, it’s not about qualification— it’s about translation. Employers don’t always care where your skills were built, as long as you can show how they’ll benefit their team.

That’s why recognizing transferable skills in job descriptions is such an essential strategy for jobseekers, especially in today’s job market. It gives you the confidence to apply for roles that align with your future— not just your past.

Get Extra Support

If you're still unsure how to read job descriptions effectively or how to tailor your resume to reflect your transferable skills, you're not alone. This process takes strategy—and sometimes a second set of eyes.

That’s why we offer free Beat the Bots workshops to help professionals like you decode job postings, identify what really matters, and align your experience with confidence.

You’ll get practical tools for spotting hidden expectations in job ads, understanding what the ATS is really scanning for, and showcasing your strengths—no matter what stage you’re at in your pivot.