Behavioral interviews focus on understanding how candidates have handled past situations to predict their future performance. One of the most effective ways to succeed in these interviews is by identifying and selling your transferable skills—abilities and qualities you’ve developed in previous roles that can be applied to new job contexts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to identify those transferable skills and strategically present them in behavioral interviews.
Understanding Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are competencies that are relevant across different jobs and industries. Unlike technical skills, which might be specific to a particular role or field, transferable skills are broadly applicable. Examples include communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, adaptability, and conflict resolution.
Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills
Begin by reviewing your entire work history, volunteer experiences, academic projects, and even hobbies. Look for recurring skills or strengths that helped you succeed in various scenarios.
How to identify these skills:
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Review Job Descriptions: Look at past job descriptions and highlight the skills you used repeatedly.
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Analyze Past Achievements: Reflect on accomplishments or challenges you overcame. Which skills were key in those successes?
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Ask for Feedback: Sometimes, others can see strengths you may overlook. Reach out to former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors for insights.
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Self-Reflection Questions:
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What tasks do I excel at regardless of the role?
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How have I adapted to new roles or environments?
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Which skills helped me solve problems or manage teams?
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Step 2: Match Transferable Skills to the Job Requirements
Analyze the job description of the position you’re applying for. Identify the core competencies and skills the employer values. Then, match your transferable skills to these requirements.
For example, if the role demands strong leadership and communication, think about instances where you demonstrated these abilities, even if your previous job was in a different industry.
Step 3: Prepare STAR Stories to Showcase Skills
Behavioral interviewers often use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to assess your skills and experiences. Prepare clear and concise STAR stories that highlight your transferable skills.
How to craft your STAR stories:
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Situation: Set the context by describing the scenario.
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Task: Explain your responsibility or goal.
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Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation, emphasizing transferable skills.
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Result: Share the outcome, quantifying it if possible.
For example, if you’re emphasizing problem-solving, describe a time you faced a difficult challenge, what actions you took to resolve it, and how it benefited the organization.
Step 4: Use Skill-Specific Language During the Interview
Incorporate language that reflects your transferable skills naturally in your responses. Instead of vague statements like “I’m a hard worker,” say, “I demonstrated strong time management and prioritization skills by managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.”
Using strong action verbs and specific skill terms helps interviewers recognize your qualifications clearly.
Step 5: Address Skill Gaps Proactively
If the job requires skills you don’t yet possess fully, show your willingness and ability to learn. Highlight related transferable skills and share examples of how you quickly adapted to new challenges or learned new technologies.
For instance, if the role demands data analysis but you have limited experience, discuss your analytical thinking, attention to detail, and your proactive steps toward acquiring relevant knowledge or certifications.
Step 6: Practice Common Behavioral Interview Questions
Prepare answers to frequently asked behavioral questions by aligning your transferable skills with the questions. Examples include:
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Tell me about a time you led a team.
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Describe a situation where you faced conflict at work and how you handled it.
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Give an example of how you managed multiple priorities.
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Share a challenge you overcame through creative problem-solving.
Answer these questions using your STAR stories, focusing on transferable skills.
Step 7: Demonstrate Your Soft Skills Throughout the Interview
Beyond verbal responses, demonstrate transferable skills like communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism throughout the interview. Listen actively, maintain eye contact, and engage thoughtfully with the interviewer.
Step 8: Follow-Up with a Skills-Focused Thank You Note
After the interview, send a thank-you email that reiterates your key transferable skills and enthusiasm for the role. This reinforces your fit and leaves a positive impression.
Examples of Transferable Skills to Highlight
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Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication.
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Leadership: Leading projects or teams effectively.
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Problem-solving: Identifying issues and generating solutions.
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Teamwork: Collaborating with diverse groups.
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Adaptability: Thriving in changing environments.
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Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
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Conflict Resolution: Managing disputes constructively.
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Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and quality.
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Customer Service: Meeting client needs and building relationships.
Identifying and selling your transferable skills in behavioral interviews requires preparation, reflection, and strategic storytelling. By aligning your experiences with the employer’s needs and clearly demonstrating how your skills apply, you can confidently present yourself as the ideal candidate, even when transitioning to a new role or industry.
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