Showcasing Transferable Skills: How to Highlight Them in Your CV and Cover Letter

In today’s dynamic job market, many professionals find themselves navigating multiple industries or shifting roles within the creative sector. Whether you’re moving from graphic design to UX, journalism to content marketing, or theatre to project management, transferable skills are your secret weapon.

But what exactly are transferable skills, and how do you showcase them effectively in your CV and cover letter? Let’s dive in.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities and strengths that you can apply across different roles, industries, and work environments. They are not tied to a specific job title or technical expertise but instead reflect how you work, communicate, solve problems, and interact with others.

Examples of transferable skills in creative careers include:
– Communication (verbal, written, visual)
– Project management
– Team collaboration
– Creative problem-solving
– Research and analysis
– Time management
– Client relationship management

Why Transferable Skills Matter in Creative Careers

Creative industries are constantly evolving. New platforms, tools, and mediums emerge regularly, making adaptability essential. Employers value individuals who can pivot, learn quickly, and bring a broad set of capabilities to the table.

For example, a theatre producer may transition into event management, a journalist may shift into digital content strategy, or a photographer may move into branding and marketing. In each case, the underlying skills (planning, storytelling, audience understanding, and attention to detail) remain highly relevant.

How to Highlight Transferable Skills in Your CV

1. Tailor Your Skills Section

List relevant transferable skills explicitly, using keywords from the job description. For example:
Key Skills:
– Creative storytelling
– Deadline management
– Visual communication
– Stakeholder engagement

2. Show Evidence in Your Experience

Instead of listing job duties, highlight achievements that demonstrate your transferable skills. For instance:
“Led a cross-functional team to deliver a multimedia campaign on a tight deadline, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement.”

3. Use a Professional Summary

At the top of your CV, include a brief summary that ties together your experience and transferable strengths:
“Creative professional with a background in visual design and digital marketing, bringing strong project management, communication, and storytelling skills to drive audience engagement.”

How to Talk About Transferable Skills in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the ideal place to connect the dots between your past experience and the role you’re applying for:

1. Start with Your Why

Explain why you’re interested in the role and how your background brings unique value.

2. Tell a Story

Share a brief example of a past project or achievement that highlights relevant transferable skills.

3. Link to the Role

Show how these skills will help you succeed in the position you’re applying for.

Example:

“In my role as a magazine editor, I honed my storytelling, project management, and team leadership skills, all of which I am excited to bring to the content strategist position at your organisation.”

Final Tips:

– Avoid jargon from your previous industry that might not resonate in your new field.
– Focus on outcomes and results.
– Be confident—skills like creativity, adaptability, and leadership are highly valuable across sectors.

In Conclusion

Transferable skills are the threads that tie your experiences together and make you a versatile candidate in the creative industries. By presenting these skills thoughtfully in your CV and cover letter, you can position yourself for exciting new opportunities, no matter where your creative journey takes you.

Ready to find your transferable skills? Complete your Creative Careers Skills Audit here!