In today’s dynamic job market, transferable skills, especially in a job interview, are more valuable than ever. These are the versatile abilities and knowledge you’ve acquired in one role that can be successfully applied to another seemingly unrelated position. While resumes often highlight specific job duties, a skilled interviewer can uncover many transferable skills hidden within a candidate’s experiences.
1. The “Tell Me About Yourself” Opener:
This classic question isn’t just an icebreaker. Pay close attention to how candidates describe their past roles. Do they focus solely on job titles and responsibilities, or do they emphasize the skills they developed?
- Look for keywords: Instead of “cashier,” listen for “customer service,” “problem-solving,” “communication,” or “handling cash transactions efficiently.”
- Assess their narrative: Do they frame their experiences as a series of accomplishments that demonstrate valuable skills, such as “successfully increased sales by 15% through improved customer interactions”?
2. Deep Dive into Past Projects:
- “Describe a challenging project you faced.” This question encourages candidates to share specific examples of how they overcame obstacles.
- “How did you approach this problem?” This probes their analytical and problem-solving abilities, regardless of the industry.
- “What skills did you utilize?” Directly prompt them to identify the transferable skills they employed, such as “project management,” “teamwork,” “adaptability,” or “critical thinking.”
3. Behavioral Questions Unmasked:
- “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.” This reveals their customer service skills, conflict resolution abilities, and emotional intelligence.
- “Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team.” This highlights their teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- “How do you prioritize tasks when you’re facing multiple deadlines?” This assesses their time management, organizational, and decision-making skills.
According to Equalture, asking open-ended questions and follow-up probes, you can assess a candidate’s transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
4. “What are your biggest weaknesses?”
- A genuine answer: A well-articulated response demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
- Focus on skills, not personality traits: Look for answers like “I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks effectively, but I’m actively working on improving my delegation skills by…” This reveals their ability to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for growth.
5. “Why are you interested in this position?”
- Beyond the job description: A strong answer will connect the candidate’s skills and experiences to the specific needs and values of the company.
- “This role aligns with my skills in…” This demonstrates their understanding of their own transferable skills and how they can contribute to the company’s success.
If you are an employer, read this blog to learn how interview preparation can make a big difference during the hiring process.
6. The “Tell Me About a Time You Failed” Question:
- Resilience and learning: How the candidate responds to this question reveals their resilience, ability to learn from mistakes, and personal growth.
- “I learned that…” Look for answers that emphasize the lessons learned and how they have applied those lessons to future situations.
7. “Do You Have Any Questions for Me?”
- Demonstrates engagement: This is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their research and ask insightful questions about the role, the team, or the company culture.
- “Could you tell me more about the company’s approach to [relevant skill]?” This demonstrates their interest in how their transferable skills can be utilized within the company.
Beyond the Interview:
- Review their portfolio or work samples: Even if they are not directly related to the current role, these can provide valuable insights into their creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills.
- Check their online presence: LinkedIn profiles and personal websites can offer additional information about their skills, experiences, and professional interests.
By actively seeking and evaluating transferable skills during the interview process, you can identify candidates who possess the potential to excel in your organization, regardless of their prior industry experience. Remember, it’s not just about the skills listed on a resume; it’s about uncovering the hidden gems of transferable abilities that make a candidate truly valuable.