Which Transferable Skills Make Candidates Stand Out? From LA Dodgers Recruiter

Feb 14, 2023

An informative image highlighting key recruiter insights aimed at helping individuals successfully navigate their career changes.

Ready to get the inside scoop from a top-notch recruiter at the Los Angeles Dodgers? Julia Price, who brings diverse talent to the winning team at this elite sports organization, is here to share her expert tips on transferable skills.

In this blog, we'll explore the essential transferable skills that can elevate your job application and help you navigate a career change. You'll learn:

How to identify and leverage your transferable skills effectively
The most sought-after skills that employers look for
Practical tips for showcasing these skills in your resume and interviews

Whether you're seeking to switch industries or advance in your current field, this guide will provide actionable insights to enhance your job search strategy and boost your career prospects.

These insights are the secret sauce you need to ace your next interview and stand out in today’s competitive job market!

Current recruiting trends and strategies for job seekers

As the job market evolves rapidly, staying informed about current recruiting trends can give you a significant edge. To uncover the latest insights shaping recruitment, I turned to Julia Price. Here’s what she has to say about the trends and strategies job seekers need to know:

Julia, what new trends do you see happening in recruiting?

Julia: In 2023, I see companies being more conservative with their hiring numbers and headcounts especially given the wave of layoffs we experienced in recent weeks and months. This presents a unique challenge for applicants that we haven’t faced in many years. Now more than ever, candidates need to lean into their professional network, have a concise resume, and in some cases, submit cover letters to give them higher chances of being seen and considered.

Theresa: Yes, 2023 has certainly been an unusual time on the job market. Even though we have historically low unemployment and a tight labor market, candidates are struggling to land positions. This year is all about standing out – from getting clear on your career direction, networking, to having an excellent resume, you have to cover all your bases.

Adapting your job search strategy to the new recruiting landscape

With the current trend of conservative hiring practices, it’s crucial to adapt your job search strategy to stand out from the competition. Here’s how you can apply Julia Price’s insights to enhance your job search:

Leverage Your Network: In a tight job market, personal connections can be your strongest asset. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn.
Networking can lead to valuable opportunities and insider information on job openings.
Optimize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Ensure your resume is concise and impactful. Highlight your key achievements and skills relevant to the roles you’re targeting. Tailor your cover letter to each application to demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the position.
Be Proactive and Persistent: Given the competitive landscape, don’t wait for job postings. Consider speculative applications and follow up on any contacts or leads you’ve developed.

Applying these strategies will help you navigate the current job market more effectively and increase your chances of securing a position.

What tips do you have for someone wanting to make a career change?

Transitioning to a new career can be both exciting and daunting. Let's dive into Julia Price’s expert advice on leveraging your skills and obtaining relevant certifications:

Julia: Biggest tip for someone wanting to make a career change is to lean into those transferable skills. For example, if you have experience in sales and enjoy working with external stakeholders, perhaps you transition to talent acquisition or customer success roles. Leveraging your transferable skills will likely be the easiest way to transition careers or industries, given the current climate in the job market.

I would also recommend getting certified. A variety of companies and higher education institutions provide certification programs that teach the necessary tools and hard skills needed to excel in your preferred industry. A few places to look for these resources are universities with hybrid/online certification programs or online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Grow with Google—the list goes on and on!

Which transferable skills make candidates stand out to you?

When evaluating candidates, certain transferable skills can make a significant difference. Here’s what Julia Price looks for:

Julia: Transferable skills that stand out to me are customer service and leadership. In addition to having the experience or credentials, I like to see that an applicant knows how to work with people, can take a lead on tasks (when needed), and can communicate effectively to get the job done. I truly feel these traits make a candidate stand out because you can’t really teach them – you either got em or you don’t.

Theresa: Absolutely! And if you have them – show them! From project management, writing, problem-solving, teamwork, to communication skills – all of them are in demand and can position you for opportunities outside of your past work experiences.

How to articulate transferable skills effectively

To make your transferable skills shine, follow these tips:

Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize how your skills apply to the new roles you're targeting. Use specific examples and achievements to demonstrate your expertise.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice how you’ll explain your transferable skills and how they relate to the new position. Be ready to provide concrete examples of how you’ve used these skills in past roles.
Leverage LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your transferable skills and connect with professionals in your desired field. Engage in relevant groups and discussions to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm.

By effectively showcasing your transferable skills, you can stand out to recruiters and increase your chances of securing your desired role.

What resume tips do you have for someone wanting to make a career change?

Crafting an effective resume is crucial when you’re shifting careers. Julia Price offers valuable advice on how to make your resume stand out:

Julia: Keep it simple. You want your resume to be easy to read and well-formatted for the company’s hiring team. Make sure to not only list the responsibilities of your current and previous roles but emphasize the impact that you made in your work. An example of this may be ‘Designed and implemented a company-wide referral system that improved tracking accuracy of referral submissions by X%’.

You want your resume to speak for you, in a good way! Make sure you use it to relay all your best attributes, not only in the workplace but in all aspects of your life. This may include but is not limited to your education, volunteer work, organizations you may be an active member, and more.

How to sell transferable skills in an interview?

Once your resume is polished, the next step is to excel in interviews. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:

Practice Responses: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers that highlight your transferable skills and achievements.
Research the Company: Understand the company’s culture and values so you can tailor your responses to align with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
Prepare Questions: Have a few questions ready for the interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

How do you show confidence in job interviews?

Navigating interviews effectively can make all the difference in securing your desired role. Julia Price sheds light on a key interview question she frequently asks and what she hopes to uncover through candidates' responses:

Can you share one interview question you often ask and what you’re looking for in an answer?

Julia: One interview question I often ask is “What are you looking for in your next position?” This question is unique because there’s not one correct answer. My goal as a recruiter is to make sure both the candidates and hiring manager feel confident in moving forward to the offer stage and will find success working together long-term.

Answers I like to hear from candidates are:

1) Their career aspirations (perhaps they see themselves as a senior leader or people manager in the future).

2) Their salary expectations (it’s important that they feel comfortable with the salary range provided, and it’s within their ballpark).

3) A thirst for new challenges (this shows they are eager to learn and look forward to new tasks).

Theresa: A thirst for new challenges – that’s such an important one! Employers are looking for employees who are ambitious, have already thought about their career goals and whether the position and the company will help them get to where they want to be. Recruiters and hiring managers want win-win outcomes – a great fit for the candidate AND the employer.

How to highlight your career goals in interviews

Now that you know what interviewers are looking for, here are some tips on how to effectively communicate your career goals and fit during an interview:

Be Clear and Specific: Clearly articulate your long-term career goals and how they align with the role you’re applying for. This shows that you have a vision for your career and that this position is a step towards achieving it.
Research and Relate: Connect your goals with the company’s growth and opportunities. Demonstrating that you’ve researched the company and understand how it can help you reach your aspirations can make a strong impression.
Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine excitement about the role and the challenges it offers. Enthusiasm can be contagious and can help convince interviewers that you’re the right fit for their team.

FAQ: Navigating Career Changes and Transferable Skills

How do I prepare for an interview when making a career change?

Research the company and the role thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your transferable skills and past experiences make you a strong fit for the position. Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to explain your career transition clearly and confidently.

How do I identify my transferable skills for a career change?

Start by reviewing your past job roles and identifying skills that are applicable across different industries, such as leadership, communication, or project management. Reflect on accomplishments that highlight these skills and consider how they align with the new roles you’re targeting.

About the author

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Coach, Job Search Strategist, and President of Career Bloom. With a background in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Management
After struggling with career uncertainty and the fear of starting over, I finally discovered my true calling and found a job that makes me excited to wake up every day. This clarity transformed my career and filled me with joy, knowing I’m doing work that truly matters. How did I achieve this? By gaining crystal-clear insight into my purpose. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through this discovery process to help them find their ideal career.

Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.

Conclusion: Mastering Career Change with Transferable Skills

Navigating a career change can be challenging, but understanding and leveraging your transferable skills is key to making a successful transition. Julia Price's insights into the current recruiting trends and effective strategies for showcasing your skills offer invaluable guidance for job seekers. By identifying and highlighting your transferable skills, tailoring your resume to reflect your impact, and preparing for interviews with clarity, you can set yourself apart in today’s competitive job market.

As you embark on your career change journey, remember that focusing on what you bring to the table and how it aligns with your new career goals can make all the difference. For more detailed strategies and actionable steps to leverage your transferable skills effectively, be sure to check out our Ultimate Transferable Skills Guide.

Transferable Skills Resources

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