Recruitment of Candidates with Transferable Skills
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals faced unemployment, creating a challenge for employers who later struggled to attract qualified candidates as the situation improved. Within the hospitality sector, the shortage of suitable personnel posed a particularly pressing issue, exacerbated by factors such as governmental support incentives for remaining out of the workforce. Consequently, filling vacant positions became an arduous task, with many former hospitality workers opting not to return to their previous roles, citing various reasons including a desire for a career change. Today, attracting new talent to your hospitality enterprise necessitates the implementation of innovative recruitment strategies, some of which are detailed below. However, a valuable yet often overlooked approach is to engage candidates possessing transferable skills.
Understanding Transferable Skills
Ideal candidates possess the requisite skills, talent, and knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Moreover, incorporating individuals with transferable skills, which are skills that are applicable across various industries, roles, and situations, can significantly enhance the capabilities of your workforce.
Transferable skills are competencies inherent to an individual employee, which can be applied across different roles and industries. These skills are not necessarily taught by an employer, but are developed and strengthened through previous employment and life experiences. They are cultivated through engagement in diverse projects and challenging tasks over time.
For instance, imagine requiring a head chef for your establishment. By engaging the services of a respected recruitment agency such as Gecko Hospitality, a suitable candidate can be identified. Subsequently, it may come to light that the selected chef possesses valuable team-building aptitude honed through diverse professional experiences. This transferable skill presents an advantageous asset to your organization.
Skill Types
Transferable skills come in a variety of forms, whether gained through academic pursuits or diverse work experiences. For instance, consider the scenario of hiring a casino manager who previously worked as a construction manager. The positive takeaway is leveraging the valuable skills acquired during her earlier role for the benefit of your organization.
Some of the most valuable transferable skills today include:
- Motivation
All employers value employees who are self-motivated. If you have to constantly push them to work, it indicates a lack of natural motivation. Engaged employees are typically those who are driven and proactive. According to a 2018 Gallup Survey, individuals in the highest engagement bracket experience significantly improved customer satisfaction, increased productivity, enhanced employee retention, reduced accidents, and a 21% rise in profitability. Engaged employees also tend to have better overall health. - Problem-solving
This job skill is essential for all roles across various industries. While all employees engage in problem-solving in their jobs, not everyone excels in this area. Candidates with strong critical thinking abilities, able to generate solutions promptly, are highly sought after. This valuable skill is transferable and can be adapted to any work setting. Employees possessing this skill adapt to new systems swiftly, comprehending key success factors swiftly. - Communication
Effective communication skills are vital in all industries. Workers who excel in both written and oral communication can effectively communicate thoughts, connect with others, and efficiently address issues. According to a Forbes article, hiring managers and executives consistently rate strong communication abilities as a top skill for employees. This adaptable skill can help in conflict resolution, enhance customer service, foster strong team dynamics, and convey innovative concepts. - Teamwork
The valuable skill of being an effective team player goes beyond interpersonal relationships to include the capacity to actively participate as a team member. A recent study in the Harvard Business Review revealed that workplaces promoting shared responsibility among employees for specific projects experienced higher levels of productivity and improved product and service quality. By depending on each other to fulfill their roles, teams boosted financial performance and fostered a stronger sense of commitment among employees towards the organization. - Management
Possessing strong management abilities involves everything mentioned above. Individuals with the adaptable skill of management are also adept at applying emotional intelligence in their interactions. A recent Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) article highlighted this, stating that it entails being self-aware, having self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills to engage with others in a mature, empathetic manner. - Creativity
One advantage of recruiting individuals with a knack for creativity is gaining access to innovative thinkers who can offer alternative solutions by thinking unconventionally. Their unique perspective, untainted by traditional norms, provides a fresh viewpoint. They are impartial to the status quo and deliver valuable recommendations to enhance procedures and frameworks. - Leadership
Having leadership skills goes beyond simply overseeing others; it may also involve spearheading a project. Individuals with leadership qualities often address necessary issues independently and proactively. They exhibit a proactive approach for the betterment of the team and the organization, rather than seeking personal recognition. - Adaptability
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ability of individuals to adapt quickly to sudden changes. An employee who possesses the transferable skill of adaptability embraces change as a natural part of the job and can pivot effectively when needed, whether it’s due to a shift in product, service, or market conditions.
Comparing Transferable Skills to Direct Experience
Candidates bring a variety of transferable skills to your business. For example, some may excel in technology, able to offer valuable guidance for advancing your organization. Others may speak multiple languages, which can be advantageous in a diverse business setting. Additionally, some candidates may possess skills in negotiation, interviewing, writing, and accounting that can benefit your business operations.
All of these aspects hold value for you in various capacities. Transferable skills are highly regarded by many employers as more than mere previous work experiences. They encompass both hard skills, which are quantifiable, and soft skills such as time management. Regrettably, a significant number of job seekers are unaware of their transferable skills. According to a survey conducted by LiveCareer, 57 percent (21.1 million individuals) are uncertain about how to incorporate transferable skills into their resumes.
Identifying Candidates with Strong Transferable Skills
Identifying candidates with the transferable skills you need may pose a difficulty. While employee referrals are effective, they may not generate a sufficient pool of suitable candidates. A more effective method is to engage a recruiter with expertise in screening and selecting candidates tailored to your company’s requirements.
By recruiting employees who possess a combination of valuable experience and strong transferable skills, you will effectively lower turnover rates and enhance productivity within your organization. Empowering employees to leverage the skills they have acquired through various life experiences leads to higher levels of satisfaction and engagement. Actively seeking, attracting, and retaining such talented individuals will undoubtedly drive your business towards heightened success and prosperity.
