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Recycle your skills

by Irene Krechowiecka

Skills are like old but favourite tops: root them out and they can make a surprising comeback

Being in one job for a long time – or out of work for a while can make you believe there’s not much you’re good at, apart from what you’re already doing. Let yourself fall into that trap and the rut you’re in will feel deeper than it really is.

There are so many skilled things we do instinctively every day that we stop recognising them as special. The worst culprits are women who have taken a break to look after young families – one of the most demanding jobs there is, yet one which often leaves them stripped of confidence when it comes to competing for jobs. Knowing you are skilled and capable gives you the confidence to try new things. But how easy do you find it to see just how good you are and then describe that to someone else?

The big six

Qualifications and experience aside there are some very important attributes that all employers feel they can’t get enough of.

  • Communicating effectively
  • Working well in a team
  • Problem solving
  • Using initiative
  • Being well organised
  • Being adaptable

These top six transferable skills, essential for success in the most high-powered jobs, are often learnt and perfected in ordinary situations. Ironically, many women completely overlook their abilities just because of that. A typical day at home with small children can test those skills far more than a typical day in the office. It doesn’t matter what examples you use to provide proof that you have the qualities employers are looking for, what does matter is that you identify and describe them in a convincing manner.

Next page: a success story

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