CV skills example

Entry-level & transferable skills

Transferable skills for Your CV

Transferable skills are abilities that apply across different jobs and industries — like communication, organisation, problem-solving, and reliability. This guide shows how to identify, describe, and prove your transferable skills on a CV.

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In short

What transferable skills mean on a CV

Transferable skills are abilities you have developed in one context that apply in another. A cashier's accuracy with money is valuable in bookkeeping. A waiter's ability to stay calm under pressure is valuable in a call centre. These skills are the bridge between industries.

Why transferable skills matter to employers

Most people change industries during their careers. Transferable skills are how you show a new employer that your experience counts — even if the job title was different. They are especially important for career changers, entry-level candidates, and people returning to work.

When to include transferable skills on your CV

Always identify transferable skills when applying for a job in a different industry or role. Pick the skills from your experience that match the new role's requirements, and describe them in the new role's language.

How to prove transferable skills with evidence

For each transferable skill, follow this structure: 1) Name the skill using the new industry's language, 2) Describe the specific situation where you used it, 3) Explain the outcome. This makes the connection between your old role and the new one clear to the employer.

CV bullet examples for transferable skills

Use these as inspiration. Adapt the wording to match your real experience. If the specifics do not apply to you, do not copy them — write a version that describes what you actually did.

Managed cash and balanced tills daily as a cashier, demonstrating the accuracy and trustworthiness required for bookkeeping.

Handled 60+ customer calls per shift in a call centre, building the composure and communication skills needed for any client-facing role.

Organised stock and maintained inventory records in a warehouse, showing the attention to detail required for data capturing.

Supervised a team of four during the evening shift, proving leadership and decision-making ability applicable to any supervisory role.

Resolved customer complaints at a retail service desk, demonstrating the conflict resolution skills relevant to HR and admin roles.

Used Excel daily to track sales figures, showing the computer literacy and data skills needed for office administration.

Trained three new team members on procedures, proving the communication and mentoring ability valued across all industries.

Maintained a perfect attendance record over two years, demonstrating the reliability every employer looks for.

Weak vs better examples

Small changes in wording make a big difference. The better versions show what you actually did, how often, and with what outcome — not just a label.

Weak

Transferable skills: communication, teamwork, reliability.

Better

Handled 60+ customer calls per shift (communication), trained three new team members (teamwork), and maintained a two-year clean attendance record (reliability).

Weak

Can adapt to any role.

Better

Managed cash and balanced tills (accuracy), organised stock records (attention to detail), and supervised a four-person team (leadership) — skills that apply to office, admin, and supervisory roles.

Weak

Good all-rounder.

Better

Used Excel for daily sales tracking (computer literacy), resolved customer complaints (problem-solving), and covered short-notice shifts (reliability).

Roles where transferable skills is useful

Career changers

Entry-level candidates

Returning workers

General workers

Cashiers

Waitrons

Call centre agents

Cleaners

Keywords and phrases to use if true

These are words and phrases that naturally appear alongside transferable skills on CVs. Include them only if they describe your real experience.

adaptable

cross-industry

career change

diverse experience

transferable

soft skills

core competencies

portable skills

Common mistakes to avoid

Listing transferable skills as a separate section with no examples.
Using old-industry language without translating it — "cleared tables" becomes "maintained a clean and organised service area".
Assuming the employer will figure out the connection — spell it out for them.
Claiming skills you cannot demonstrate with examples.

How to tailor transferable skills to a job description

Read the job advert carefully. Highlight every skill, tool, or behaviour mentioned — even if it is in the "nice to have" section.
Check your real experience. For each skill in the advert, ask: "Have I done this or something similar?" If yes, note where and when.
Use the employer's language. If the advert says "written reporting," use "written reporting" rather than "wrote reports." Match the phrasing where truthful.
Write a bullet that combines the skill and the context. "Prepared written daily reports for the shift manager summarising incidents and stock issues" is stronger than "good at reporting."
Remove anything you cannot back up. A short, honest skills section is more credible than a long one full of unproven claims.

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Frequently asked questions about transferable skills

How do I know which of my skills are transferable?

Look at the job description for the role you want. For each requirement, ask: "Have I done something similar, even in a different setting?" If yes, it is a transferable skill. Describe it using the language of the new role.

Should I have a dedicated "Transferable Skills" section on my CV?

Usually, no. Instead, weave transferable skills into your experience bullets and skills section. A separate "transferable skills" section can sound like you are admitting your experience does not fit. Better to show the fit directly.

CareerDad provides CV guidance, tools, and resources to help South African job seekers present themselves honestly and effectively. No CV tool, skill guide, or set of examples can guarantee job interviews or offers. Always ensure your CV accurately reflects your skills, experience, and qualifications.