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 above the surface—it’s 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—the unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you unforgettable. Here’s where to start looking:

Your Skills

It’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you do it differently. Maybe it’s the way you handle conflict, create systems, or turn chaos into clarity.

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.

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 similar tools, so your experience here is gold.

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 those audiences is a must.

The Bottom Line: Be the Whole Iceberg, Not the Tip

Think of your skillset like an iceberg. The foundational transferable skills are the tip—important but visible to everyone. What makes you stand out is the good stuff 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 Layers

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

In the 90-Day Career Pivot Coaching Program, 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!