I've got an interview coming up soon and I've been told that I need to be able to explain what skills i've got that are relevant to the job. I've read your stuff about how I should spend some time to analyze my skills which I've gained through every job, course and leisure activities I have been part of.

But are these the best transferable skills that are of interest to most employers? Or should I try to describe examples of skills just from my work experience?

I know that emphasising the most relevant job skills is important during the job interview to clearly show the employer what makes me stand out from all the other job candidates, but can you advise me where to start please?

Reply from Peter Fisher your-career-change.com

Thanks for the question about skills based interview questions.


Emphasizing your skills during the interview is important to show the employer what makes you different from all the other job applicants. In this highly competitive job hunting world, companies search for the most qualified employees by comparing the skills of the applicants to determine how well they would add value the organization.

The biggest majority of companies search for potential employees who stand out from the other candidates based on their experience and expertise, their ability to bring new ideas and on having personalities that will enhance the organization and not conflict with the existing team of workers.

Skills are essentially grouped into three types: knowledge-based, transferable, and personal characteristics.

1) Knowledge-based skills are those skills that are learned from experience - usually in the workplace but often from personal projects or community involvement.

Knowledge-based skills include computer and communication skills, marketing or managerial knowledge, product development, and many more. These skills will obviously vary depending on the industry sector or job type of each job candidate.


2) Transferable or employability skills are those you bring to a specific job. This is the reason why interviewers ask, “What could you offer the company?” Transferable skills are important because companies strive to look for quality employees that will enhance the development and skills mix of the workforce.

Employability skills include problem solving, leadership potential, organization, writing and communication skills, customer service orientation, time and project management and being good with numbers and budgets. This kind of skill varies depending on the experience and versatility and seniority of each job candidate.

3) Personal characteristics determine what type of person you are. In a job interview, one of the most common things an employer says is “Tell me something about yourself.” Your response is vital because it would set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Personal characteristics include good judgment, self management, analytical, goal oriented, flexibility, creativity and innovative. Try to sell yourself in as modest a fashion as possible within the limited time of the interview.

Self-assessment. In order to provide an impressive self description, examine your CV and list all the skills you have used for each past job experience. Make a comprehensive list of your skills and strengths including personal characteristics, knowledge-based and transferable skills as the basis for your personal 'sales pitch'.


Although many companies require a unique set of skills, you should also highlight your technical skills in the interview. These skills, which top companies usually seek, include leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility, problem solving and energy.

Emphasizing all of your strengths and skills on job interviews will increase your chances of landing the job you want, so don't be unnerved by skills based interview questions, just do your homework first.

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