This is the second of four weekly advice posts, written by Donegal ETB’s experienced Adult Guidance and Information Service staff, for those members of our community who have either lost their jobs because of COVID-19 or are now at home because of containment measures and are looking for something useful to do. This one looks at transversal skills.
In these turbulent times you may find yourself out of work. Whether it’s a temporary measure or a permanent lay off, this could be an opportunity for you to build and develop your skills profile and prepare you better for the next stage in your career planning.
It is likely that you have experienced different jobs and working environments throughout your lifetime. It pays to be adaptable and flexible, especially if you’re looking at a change in career.
Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025 states that:
‘Core transversal skills are becoming ever more important to an individual’s successful and sustainable employment. They also enable people to move between jobs and careers, to participate in lifelong education and training and also to improve the flexibility and competitiveness of the labour market.’
Transversal skills are abilities, aptitudes and qualities that can be transferred from one job or activity to another. These skills can be learned through all sorts of activities including past employment, voluntary work, hobbies and sport.
What abilities, aptitudes and qualities do you have?
Think about:
- How might others describe you?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What jobs have you had in the past, what skills did you need or use (look at the job description for guidance on this).
- Self-analyse, identify specific skills/competencies (there are a few examples below). Do you have that skill? When have you used that skill in work/at home/community work/sporting activities?
Be fair on yourself to get a clear picture.
Skills employers look for
As well as IT, numeracy and good communication skills, these are some of the common skills employers want their staff to have:
- problem solving
- organising
- working to deadlines
- management and leadership
- motivating people
- flexibility and ability to adapt
- team working
- decision making
- research skills
If you feel you need more information or would like to talk to one of Donegal ETB’s Adult Guidance and Information staff about building your skills profile and identifying your transversal skills, email them at adultguidance@donegaletb.ie or complete and submit this short online form and they’ll call you back: https://www.donegaletb.ie/further-education-training/adult-guidance/.