I rarely go a week without hearing from a client who is changing industries, fields, or general direction. The biggest problem that they’re running into is what they perceive to be a lack of transferrable skills. They are under the impression that there is a huge barrier that keeps field experts in and everyone else out, but there are several universal skills that - in well written resumes - successfully portray the candidate as having valuable, adaptable talents that increase their impact and reduce training time.



Here are some examples:



Communication Skills

Can you lead teams, work with challenging people, or calm irate customers? These are high-demand skills! Another communication skill I have come across a lot lately is the ability to conduct cross-functional communication between the tippy-top of the executive ladder, the great folks in the mail room, and everyone in between. Communicating with all levels, functions, and personality types (especially if you are bilingual) are incredibly valuable in your resume no matter your field.



Software Skills

So, you have been in school trying to wait out the recession, and you’ve acquired an impressive arsenal of software skills. Utilize all that value-added know-how you’ve picked up in school and over the years working with Microsoft Project, Adobe Creative, Java, SAP, QuickBooks – whatever seemingly random software you’ve picked up and list the knowledge that applies to your prospective jobs. Does your dream job require MS Publisher skills? Take a weekend class and get it on that resume!



Sales & Marketing Skills

As one marketing executive recently told me, “If you’re good in sales, you can sell anything.” That is a demonstrated truth, and while taking your skills selling automotive parts to working for a pet food manufacturer may be a stretch, there are undoubtedly parallels. Research the company and match up similarities (i.e. what sales techniques, processes, or sales tracking tools do they have in common?) Additionally, the bottom line in selling yourself in sales across industries comes down to results. If you can cultivate client relationships and sell a gazillion widgets, it’s a good chance you can do the same with thingamajigs as well.



There are other areas that could transfer across industries such as leadership and speaking capabilities, planning and organizational skills, linguistics, and other talents that are in high-demand in virtually all industries that professionals must have. Compare your resume to the jobs you are pursuing and match up the similarities. If you have trouble finding any that is a good indicator it’s not the job for you.