How to Identify and Use Transferable Skills on a Resume

We all have transferable skills, but not all job seekers know they have them or what they are. Transferable skills are valuable because they show that the job seeker is well-rounded and that their capabilities extend beyond direct knowledge of the position.
This article explains who benefits the most from transferable skills, how to identify them, and how to use them on a resume to snag a job.
What transferable skills are
Transferable skills are the hard and soft skills that can be applied across industries and job titles. They can be learned and acquired, like software and processes. They might be innate qualities or personality traits we are born with or develop over time, like problem-solving and collaboration.
Who should use transferable skills on their resume
To make the best impression on hiring managers, you have to present the skills you excel at that are most relevant for the job you want, especially if you don't have direct experience. So, while it never hurts for anyone to apply some transferable skills to their resume and cover letters, some job applicants, such as career changers, new workers, job seekers who have been out of work for some time, and applicants aiming for first-time supervisory or management roles benefit more than others when they highlight their transferable skills on their job applications.
Such job seekers don't always go for that new role or management job, or they don't know how to begin their new (or renewed) resumes. They think they'll never get the job because they're unqualified. But that couldn't be further from the truth. If you are one of those job seekers, read this carefully: You are qualified! Use your transferable skills to help you shine.
How to use transferable skills on a resume
By now, you're probably thinking, "How is it possible for me to land the job I want based on my skills?
To which I answer: It depends on your background and goals. But before we dive into examples of transferable skills by case, let's look at the basic steps:
Now let's consider a few case studies: