4-5 min read. 06/08/2024

Author: Ellie

Topics mentioned:  definition of skills, the importance of transferable and employability skills, the significance of real-life experiences and skill development, the distinction between skills and qualities, and the usefulness of the Skills Passport for tracking personal growth.

About: Ellie explains that skills are learned abilities demonstrated in real-life situations, highlighting the importance of transferable skills — like listening, creativity, and teamwork — for personal and professional success. She distinguishes skills from qualities and emphasises the value of tracking skill development using tools like the Skills Passport.

What are skills?

A skill is something you can do; an ability acquired by training or practise.

It’s a good idea to identify the skills you have and think about how you can develop them. How could you demonstrate them in applications and at interviews? Employers and admissions teams love it when you can describe a real-life experience in which you have shown a particular skill.

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills, sometimes called employability skills or soft skills, are needed for most jobs and they can also support our education, social and emotional wellbeing.

You will probably have some of these skills already and might even have more than you realise.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the core transferable skills and some examples of where you could have got some of these skills from already.

Our Skills Passport, found in your >log on | move on> learner account, is a great place to start. 

It has sections for eight important transferable skills, but you might have more that you want to record too.

Listening

Are you able to take in and process what someone is saying to you? Can you then apply it appropriately to the situation? Are you an active listener, fully engaged in what the person is saying to you?

Speaking

Can you speak to people you don’t know? In front of groups? Can you present? Can you tailor the way you speak and the vocabulary you use to your audience? For example, understanding that the way you speak to your friends will be different to the way you speak to an employer.

Creativity

This is not just about how good you might be at art, though of course you might have some creative skills you want to mention, this is also about thinking creatively, or ‘thinking outside of the box’.

Problem Solving

Can you overcome an obstacle to achieve your goal? Problems which need solving could range from personal tasks through to complex issues. Problem solving can often be thinking of a different way of doing something.

Teamwork

Can you work well with others to achieve a common goal? Part of teamwork is understanding others’ strengths and using them to the team’s advantage. Effective teamwork will include good communication skills, leadership and perhaps negotiation skills.

Leadership

Can you motivate others? Are you confident enough to make suggestions for the group? This might involve listening, speaking, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Aiming High

Do you set high expectations for yourself and those around you? Are you ambitious and motivated? Do you set goals and work out a clear route to achieving them?

Staying Positive

If things don’t go the way you had planned, how do you deal with it? Are you able to stay positive even when things become challenging? This is sometimes called ‘resilience’.

Where do you get skills from?

You might have gained some of these skills through your time in education, such as group projects, or activities outside of school like playing sports, attending scouts or guides, or completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Doing work experience, through school or organised by yourself, having a part time job (even if you no longer work there) or volunteering will definitely give you some skills to talk about!

Remember: skills require practise! You will be gaining new skills and improving current skills with every new experience you have. 

What is the difference between skills and qualities?

Skills have been learned; at school, volunteering, work or through your hobbies and interests. You need to keep practicing and developing skills to remain good at them. It’s a good idea to record your skills in the Skills Passport in your >log on | move on> account and to regularly update it.

Qualities come naturally to you, they are part of your personality. Employers will want you to demonstrate that you can be: kind and caring, resilient, hardworking, motivated, honest, adaptable, dependable, confident. There are lots more. What are your qualities?

Where can I keep track of my skills?

Log in to your >log on | move on> learner account and scroll down to the Skills Passport.