You are so much more that your list of formal CV accomplishments.  

Last week I chatted about how interview prep is so helpful to becoming comfortable with talking about  yourself in a way that is natural and self assured.   This week I would love for you to look beyond your more formal achievements and to notice your ‘transferable skills’. This term is one regularly used in the business world and applies throughout our lives, no matter the stage or situation.    

These ‘transferrable skills’ include concepts such as communication, flexibility, determination or time management and it is these attributes that really DO matter in ensuring results!

I have recently been tackling Sudoko.  I think that it is rather painful for my family to watch as I keep trying, one puzzle after another, and I have yet to really crack that code!  It is an interesting excercise as so many of my old reactions to just not ‘getting it’ are surfacing and I confess that I have rapidly descended into my former 7 year old!  This time, however, I am wiser and able to talk myself through the urge to have a tantrum and just give up. I know that I have the capacity keeping going and I know that I will find a way!  (years of further studies and travels have proved this to me).  I enlist the help of my son (very useful) for tips and I know that I am getting there, even if very slowly! I am extremely frustrated and at times very  embarrassed that this is taking so long, but then I just put that aside and come to the puzzle freshly optimistic that I am excited to be solving it.

The above is seemingly irrelevant – but I am bringing into the challenge other attributes that have ensured that I just keep trying until I get to the solution.  It is the same in the classroom or office – keep striving; remaining undeterred on the task at hand; working alongside your peers; seeking wise advise when needed; putting in the effort to learn something new; or, (often not in my case) remaining cool, calm and collected when challenged.

So, some things to consider when thinking about the ‘other things’ that matter:

When are the times that your friends seek your advise.  Is it because you seem to be able to put yourself in their shoes and provide an excellent listening ear?  Do you have innate empathy?  Or is it because you are trusted?  These are extremely valuable assets.

And what kind of compliments do you receive from friends and family?  Are you seen as an encourager or wise?  Perhaps you are known for not gossiping, making you so dependable? You may be a great solver of  problems?  It might be that your response to issues is always thoughtful and perceptive. 

Perhaps you are an excellent manager of your time – ensuring that you hand in assignments when due and able to prioritise efficiently.  Are you valued as being very dependable with your group. Another great asset! 

Perhaps it is your optimism, despite uncertainties?  Even when school or university life is difficult and things are not necessarily going in the way that you want them to be, you remain upbeat and able to keep going? This attitude of optimism is infections and another great attribute that will serve you well in all sorts future jobs.

Is there something that you avidly collect, for instance soccer cards or stamps?  Does the research and focus invigorate you?  You could turn this around into having an  aptitude of being inquisitive, focused and able to add depth to your knowledge.   And if you can do this in one area of your life, you can most certainly do it in others! Again, these examples of skills and attributes  that are very valuable across areas of your life.  

Have fun allowing your imagination to run away with you as you think about how you approach your day to day life, taking notice and appreciating those other attributes that are respected and needed and will stand you in very good stead in future situations.