Too often we limit the use of our skills by putting technical or professional labels on them, which lock them into a particular profession. Assessing them under broader headings gives you more flexibility to transfer them to another form of work.

A good administrator can be described as ‘just an Admin Assistant’ or as being very skilled at understanding instructions, getting on with people making decisions, interpreting information, using co-ordination, pacing, breaking things down … where else can these skills be applied?!

Women, particularly those who’ve had a career break or who are not in paid employment, tend to underrate their skills or not recognise how transferable they are. Make sure you don’t do this.

For example:

• The skills used by a call centre worker will transfer into any job dealing with people. Could you transfer your skills to teaching or caring for other people?
• Planning and buying groceries for a family can be translated into skills needed by a Retail Buyer or Project Manager. Anyone who has taken a break to raise a family will have buckets full of skills needed for these roles!
• Do you enjoy using social media to keep in touch with your friends? If so, you could use these same skills to support a charity or local cause.

Take some time now to really think about what you’re great at. What skills do you have, that you can transfer? If you’re feeling stuck in your job, or you don’t think you have the confidence to apply for that promotion, carefully consider your skills. You’ve got so much more going for you than you realise!

If you need a little top up of confidence, or a bit more guidance, let’s chat. Just call me on 0797 707 2760 or email me at sue.hewitt@develomenta.co.uk. No skills required to reach out to me!