Building a workforce for the future with transferable skills

Businesses today can’t afford to focus solely on candidates with traditional qualifications. The transformation of work conditions, integration of emerging technologies, and reshaping of job functions demand an adaptable, resilient workforce capable of applying expertise across contexts. Transferable skills — the abilities to perform effectively across roles, industries, and environments — are becoming the foundation of long-term business success.

Understanding transferable skills is crucial for business leaders and HR professionals to future-proof organisations in a constantly changing landscape. Companies prioritising these skills in their hiring and talent development strategies will stay ahead, navigate disruptions, capitalise on new opportunities, and build high-performing teams for sustainable growth.

Why transferable skills matter more than ever

Transferable skills aren’t new, but their importance has grown recently. Work has changed and traditional career paths are less linear, with employees transitioning between industries, roles, and work modes. Automation, AI, and digital transformation have shifted the skills landscape, and businesses need to focus on abilities that transcend specific technical proficiencies. While technology may render some roles obsolete, human capabilities like problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and leadership remain invaluable.

Beyond technological shifts, economic and global disruptions have shown how quickly workforce needs can change. Entire industries faced upheaval, and professionals were forced to pivot, like moving from hospitality to customer service roles in e-commerce or leveraging analytical skills from finance for data-driven marketing roles. Companies that embraced a broader view of talent, recognising the potential in candidates to apply their skills in new ways, thrived amid uncertainty.

A diverse workforce with strong transferable skills supports innovation and resilience. Employees with varied experiences can approach challenges from different perspectives, identify creative solutions, and drive strategic initiatives. Businesses that actively look for individuals with these competencies benefit from an agile workforce capable of responding to market shifts without extensive retraining or recruitment.

Identifying and evaluating candidates’ transferable skills

Identifying transferable skills in potential hires requires a nuanced approach beyond scanning for industry-specific experience. Recruiters and HR professionals must go beyond traditional CVs and qualifications to uncover candidates with the adaptability and core skills necessary for success in dynamic work environments.

One of the best ways to assess transferable skills is through behavioural interviews and competency-based assessments. Asking candidates to describe how they’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, managed cross-functional projects, or adapted to new work environments can provide insight into their ability to apply skills across contexts. For example, a sales professional who has led negotiations and built strong client relationships may be able to transition into account management or business development in a different industry.

Recruiters should focus on candidates’ learning and problem-solving abilities. A candidate’s history of upskilling through formal education, self-directed learning, or new responsibilities indicates adaptability. A candidate who has proactively learned a new technology or taken on leadership in a cross-functional team demonstrates the skills that make them an asset.

Creating a skills-centric workforce

As organisations prepare for the future of work, shifting focus from job titles and industry experience to the core capabilities that drive success across domains is imperative. Companies that build a skills-centric workforce will be better equipped to manage disruption and create environments where employees feel empowered to grow, contribute, and innovate.

At Kelly, we’ve embraced this way of recruiting and placing talent since inception. Our pool of permanent placements excel because of their transferable skills. As a result, we’ve built deep, trusted and long-standing relationships with our clients and a reputation for rapid, personalised placement solutions. Kelly continues to deliver the most comprehensive and innovative recruitment service to the African market in our chosen sectors. Chat to our team to discover how we can help you.