Many professional skills translate well from one industry to another. For job seekers who are looking to change industries, it’s important to be specific about how their professional experiences will help them be successful in their new chosen field.
One way to do this is to leverage online platforms to showcase your expertise and transferrable skills. To help, 20 members of Fast Company Executive Board share strategies for translating existing skills into new career paths to stand out to potential employers. Follow their advice to build your professional network, showcase past projects, and provide thoughtful commentary on relevant topics to establish yourself in a new industry.
1. HIGHLIGHT OVERLAPPING SKILLS.
As a career transition provider, we coach candidates to leverage their overlapping skills to pivot their careers. For example, education and human resources share the following overlapping skills: 1) Communication skills; 2) training and development; and 3) problem-solving. These shared skills highlight the importance of understanding and managing human dynamics in both education and HR roles. – Maryanne Piña, Career Management Partners (CMP)
2. SHOWCASE PAST PROJECTS.
Professionals can translate skills into new industries by focusing on foundational skills that bridge past experience with their target industry. Leverage digital platforms by showcasing these transferable skills in a way that is tailored to the industry. Highlight past projects/experience that show a strong work ethic and positive attitude because good character is important. – Chalmers Brown, Due
3. FOCUS ON YOUR SKILLS.
With an increasing number of companies looking to become skills-based, understanding how existing skills translate represents a huge opportunity for job seekers. It’s no longer about what you know now but also what you’re inherently adept at, something that can be expressed through digital coursework, certifications, and online profiles. In a noisy labor market, standing out requires deep intent. – Caitlin MacGregor, Plum
4. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON LINKEDIN.
We’re often afraid of telling other people what we think. But the best way to let people know your opinions and how your skills have evolved is to post your thinking on LinkedIn. Start out commenting on other like-minded posts and then start posting your own ideas. The more you post, the more confident you’ll become, and before you know it, you’ll become a sought-out thought leader! – Barry Lowenthal, Inuvo, Inc
5. BUILD YOUR NETWORK.
Focus on learning and networking. Career pros should take relevant courses or certifications to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills. They can connect with industry leaders and join professional groups to expand their network. Tailoring their LinkedIn profiles to showcase new talents and engaging in online conversations can boost visibility and attractiveness to potential employers. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC