By Catherine Rayner
In today's fast-moving world, being able to roll with the punches is super important. As things shift and change in industries, employers realize how valuable it is to find people with skills that are applicable across industries or job roles. This blog dives into why hiring for these kinds of skills, especially from similar fields or roles, can make a big difference when things get shaky.
Here are 4 reasons transferrable skills that can help your recruiting.
Add Value of Skills That Move with Candidates:
When everything's up in the air, having skills that candidates can take from one place to another becomes a huge plus. These "transferable skills" are like the Swiss Army knife of abilities – they work in lots of different situations. Things like communication, problem-solving, and being able to adjust to new stuff quickly can help teams keep their cool and keep moving forward, no matter what's going on.
2. Expand Options:
Looking beyond the usual places for new team members can open up a whole world of talent. By considering candidates from similar industries or roles, companies can get a mix of fresh perspectives and ideas. It's like having a spice rack full of flavors – each one adds something special to the mix. This not only makes teams stronger but also helps companies stay ahead of the game.
Example:
Imagine a marketing agency looking to hire a new project manager. While they typically focus on candidates with marketing backgrounds, they decide to consider someone with experience in event planning. They find a candidate who has successfully managed large-scale events, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. This unique perspective brings a fresh approach to project management, leading to more creative and innovative campaign strategies.
3. Fill in the Blanks:
As the world changes, some skills become super important, while others might not matter as much anymore. Hiring for transferable skills lets companies find people who have what it takes to fill in those gaps. For example, someone who's great at organizing projects in one field might be just what's needed to bring order to chaos in another.
Example:
Consider a tech startup experiencing rapid growth and transitioning to a more structured project management approach. While they lack experience in traditional project management roles, they recognize the value of transferable skills. They hire a candidate with a background in event coordination, knowing that their strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously will be invaluable in streamlining project workflows and meeting tight deadlines.
4. Roll with the Punches:
Job titles and descriptions can change faster than the weather. Hiring for transferable skills means focusing on what really matters – the skills that keep the wheels turning, no matter what the job title says. This makes it easier for companies to adapt when things shift, or new opportunities pop up.
Tips for Finding the Right Fit:
When it comes to hiring for transferable skills, here are some things to keep in mind:
Make a list of the skills that matter most for the job and industry.
Ask candidates about times when they've used those skills in the past.
Give candidates a chance to show off their skills in real-life situations.
Encourage everyone on the team to keep learning and growing, so their skills stay sharp.
In a world where change is the only constant, having the right skills can make all the difference. By focusing on hiring people with transferable skills – especially from related fields or roles – companies can stay nimble and ready for whatever comes their way. With a diverse team of adaptable folks who bring their own unique strengths to the table, companies can tackle any challenge with confidence and creativity.
Do you hire people with transferrable skills?
Let us know about your experience in the comments.
If you need help looking for candidates with transferable skills, TalentRemedy’s consultative recruiting approach can advise you on which roles and industries would be great sources of high-quality candidates. Contact us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to set up a time to learn more about how our team can support your hiring needs.