Why Basic Transferable Skills Aren’t Enough to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market

The key to competing as a career changer is understanding and articulating all of your transferable assets, especially the really good ones hidden under the surface. 

The Problem with "Stepford" Resumes

Let’s get real: the job market is crowded. Every day, recruiters sift through hundreds of resumes that look, and sound the same. You know the ones:
“Strong communication skills.”
“Highly organized.”
“Team player.”

While these are great skills, they’re also the bare minimum. When everyone’s saying the same thing, how do you stand out?
Here’s the hard truth: sticking to surface-level skills (what I call foundational transferable skills) won’t cut it. These are the skills we all see above the surface, but they don’t tell the whole story of what makes you YOU.

Why Employers Are Looking for More

Employers aren’t just looking for someone who can do the job, they want someone who brings a unique perspective, solves problems creatively, and understands the bigger picture.

Think about it: When hiring managers choose between candidates with similar foundational skills, they’re looking for the one who can say:

• “I’ve worked with your type of customer and know their challenges.”
• “I understand how to use tools that can streamline this process.”
• “I’ve been in your industry and can hit the ground running.”

That’s the stuff that sets you apart. And spoiler alert: it’s not what you see on the surface. It's buried deep below. 

Where to Look for Your Secret Sauce

If you’re ready to go beyond the basics, it’s time to uncover what I call your special sauce. It is the unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experiences that makes you unforgettable. Here’s where to start looking:

Your Standout Unique to You Skills

We are going beyond what to you, to how you do it differently. Maybe it’s the way you handle conflict, improve processes, or turn chaos into clarity for others to understand.

Your Industry Knowledge

Have you spent years in a specific field? That knowledge doesn’t disappear when you pivot careers. It becomes your secret weapon. Think about the things you know about your industry that put you a couple steps ahead of someone who doesn't have your experience. 

Your Tools Experience

Have you worked with tools that manage customer data or streamline processes? (These are often called CRM systems, like Salesforce.) Many tech companies use and sell similar tools, so your experience here is gold. It's one less thing you have to learn. 

Your Customer and Problem Familiarity

Do you know your customers inside and out? Maybe you’ve worked with small businesses, teachers, or healthcare professionals. That familiarity can translate into roles where understanding a specific audience is an advantage. Who better to sell software to healthcare professionals than someone who used to work with them directly? See where we are going?

The Bottom Line: Show your entire iceberg, not just the bit above the surface.

Think of your skillset like an iceberg. The foundational transferable skills are the tip. The important but visible skills that everyone can easily see. What makes you stand out is the unique combination of skills and knowledge below the surface: your industry expertise, familiarity with certain processes or tools, and specific problem and customer awareness.

If you’re only showing what’s above the surface, you’re missing the chance to showcase what makes you unforgettable.

Want to Go Deeper? Here’s How to Find Your 4 Layers of Transferability™️

The key to landing roles that pay what you’re worth is understanding and articulating all your layers.

In the P.I.V.O.T. to Tech Coaching Intensive, I’ll walk you through identifying, mapping, and leveraging your unique skills across these layers. You’ll learn how to craft a bespoke value proposition that makes you impossible to overlook.

Your skills are more valuable than you think. Ready to see what’s below the surface?

If you are looking for support with making your career goals a reality, explore ways you can work with me to make it happen!