Most In-Demand Transferable Job Skills for Newcomers

Transferable job skills can open the door to a variety of career opportunities in Canada. People with a diverse skillset can take steps toward different job titles, industries and career paths. And transferable job skills are a vital asset for newcomers,

Moving to a new country often means a shift in your career. As a result, you may take on work in different fields when you first arrive. This could be because you need to acquire new certifications or pass licensing tests to work in your area of expertise in Canada. This can take some time. As a result, you may need to work in an unrelated job to supplement your income until you can resume your career in Canada. 

Here we will define transferable skills, how to identify your skills and provide the most in-demand skills in Canada. 

What are Transferable Job Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities and attributes that you can use in a variety of situations and for different types of work. Most of these skills that you have developed over time through:

• previous work experience

• education, and

• life experiences.

Transferable skills include hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills refer to your technical ability. Soft skills include skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. While your hard skills are important, it’s your soft skills that help you stand out among other job applicants and succeed in your role. You can learn more about skills and behaviours that Canadians value from this Conference Board of Canada resource.

How To Identify Your Transferable Job Skills

Everyone has transferable skills. What are yours? Consider your experience and identify the skills you used from your:

• Previous jobs and work experience

• Education and training

• Volunteer experiences

• Personal hobbies, and

• Other life experiences.

Use the list you come up with to search for jobs that call out these skills in the job description. This will help you determine if you are a good match for the role. Once you have a list, add these transferable skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile. This will help employers to search for those skills and find you!

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Most In-Demand Transferable Job Skills Right Now In Canada

Canadian employers value transferable skills. But it’s helpful if you can clearly explain how your transferable skills relate to the role you apply for. This is an advantage if you apply for a job that doesn’t directly relate to your professional background, but you have the skill set that would allow you to succeed. 

Here are the most in-demand transferable job skills right now:

• Adaptability and change management: The ability to continue to change as the economy, industries, and jobs evolve over time.

• Technology skills: Coding, social media, ecommerce, digital communications.

• Critical thinking: Evaluating and interpretation of data or a situation.

• Creativity: The ability to come up with outside the box solutions.

• Project management: Strong attention to detail, well organized, and the ability to get things done on time.

• Interpersonal skills: The ability to build relationships, have empathy, understand others, manage people, and take on leadership roles.

If you’re searching for a job, be sure to emphasize the transferable skills that employers are seeking. Highlight these skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile so that employers can clearly see the value that you offer.

Transferable job skills are important, especially if you plan to apply for other job titles and industries. Everyone has transferable skills, and taking the time to identify and develop them can open the door to new career opportunities in Canada.

For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!