When discussing transferable skills in a job interview, it’s important to keep in mind that these are skills that can be applied to various situations or roles, not just the specific job you are applying for as a candidate. 

Here are some tips on how to effectively discuss your transferable skills in a job interview: 

1. Research the company and the job requirements: Before the interview, take the time to research the company and the job for which you’re applying. Identify the skills and qualities that the employer is looking for and think about how skills you’ve acquired over time align with these requirements. (HINT: A great place to start is the job description.)
2. Identify your transferable skills: Think about the skills you have gained from previous work experience, education or even personal interests that can be applied immediately and write them down. Be familiar enough with your skillset and how it would benefit the company to discuss it with your interviewer. Examples of transferable skills include communication, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, adaptability and time management. 
3. Give specific examples: When discussing your transferable skills, give specific examples of how you have used these skills in the past. Similar to number 2, be familiar with the particular skill, but also be able to elaborate on how you applied that skill in a real situation. It’s best to be able to discuss how you used an individual skill to achieve a positive outcome or solve a problem. 
4. Relate your skills directly to the job: Once you’ve covered how you used your skill set in past circumstances, set out to show your interviewer how you can immediately help solve a particular problem in their workplace. A great way to do this is to do some fact finding up front – so ask questions like, “What challenges do you find in the position currently?” Based on their answer, be ready to give them an example of how you might be able to lend a helping hand. 
5. Be confident: When discussing your transferable skills, be confident in your abilities and highlight the value that you’ll be bringing to the job. This will show the employer that you are a strong candidate who is capable of handling the job responsibilities and are a progressive, forward thinker that will be able to take some of the workload without needing to be heavily managed. 

Transferable skills are the best way to highlight where you’ve been and where you want to go. If you’re looking a switching to another industry, move up in a company you’re already in or move laterally to a competitor, transferable skills will help guide you through the in’s and out’s of the interview process and highlight your capabilities in an impressive way your resume may not be able to do for you.