How to Use Transferable Skills for Tech Jobs

Thinking about a career change? Here’s how to actually make it happen, step by step. I’ve spoken with hundreds of people stuck between “I don’t want to do this anymore” and “But where do I even start?” Here’s the truth: Changing careers isn’t about starting over. It’s about repackaging what you already know, and proving you can solve a new set of problems. Here’s how to do it (with examples): 1. Start with your story. What’s pulling you away from your current path—and what’s pulling you forward? ✅ Example: “I’ve spent 6 years in education, but what I really loved was designing systems and learning tools. I’m now pivoting into UX design for edtech.” Make the shift clear and intentional. 2. Identify your transferable skills. You’ve built real value, name it. ✅ Example: Sales → Relationship-building, persuasion, handling objections Ops → Process design, cross-functional collaboration, execution List your strongest 4–6 skills and align them with your new target role. 3. Learn the language of the new industry. Every field has its own lingo. Start speaking it. ✅ Tip: Search 10 job listings in your target role. Write down the top 5 repeated words/phrases. Mirror those in your LinkedIn, resume, and pitch. 4. Rewrite your resume to match the direction, not the past. Lead with relevance, not chronology. ✅ Example: Add a “Career Summary” section: “Operations leader transitioning into product management, with 7+ years leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and delivering results.” 5. Build proof fast. Don’t wait to get hired to show your skills. ✅ Options: Freelance Volunteer Build your own project Take a short course and create a case study Demonstrate that you’re not just interested, but also taking action. 6. Apply smart, not just often. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on quality roles in flexible environments. ✅ Pro tip: Use DailyRemote to find legit, remote-friendly roles across industries. It’s especially helpful for career changers who want fresh opportunities and a bit more breathing room. 7. Network with purpose. Start with conversations, not asks. ✅ DM example: “Hi Alex, I saw your post about transitioning into UX. I’m making a similar shift from content strategy. Would love to hear about your journey, no pressure at all.” Career changes take courage. But they’re absolutely possible. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now package it with purpose, and go get what’s next.

Breaking into Tech: A Personal Perspective on Paving Your Pathway 🚀💡 1️⃣ Harness Transferable Skills 🧠🔄: Every profession equips you with skills that tech needs. My journey taught me that analytical thinking in healthcare or finance can be invaluable in tech. What skills can you transition? 2️⃣ Network Intentionally 🤝💬: From my experience, it's about who you know as much as what you know. Join LinkedIn groups, participate in tech discussions, attend virtual webinars, and be visible in tech circles. Engage, ask questions, and seek advice. 3️⃣ Invest in Targeted Learning 📜📚: I've seen peers transition swiftly with targeted certifications or bootcamps. No need for a full degree. Focus on niche areas like cybersecurity or AI that resonate with you. 4️⃣ Seek Tech-Adjacent Roles 🌐🔗: My colleague transitioned from a finance expert to a fintech project manager, using her domain expertise as a unique strength. Where can your experience be an asset in tech? 5️⃣ Pilot Side Projects & Volunteer💡🔧: A friend developed an app solving a healthcare problem and that became his tech portfolio. Consider creating solutions in your current field or volunteering your skills. 6️⃣ Stay Engaged & Updated 📰💻: Tech is dynamic. I ensure I'm subscribed to key tech newsletters and participate in forums. What's your strategy to keep up? Transitioning might seem a mountainous task, but remember, every tech leader started with a single step. Your tech journey is unique and valuable; embrace it. 🌟 I'd love to hear about your transition stories or any additional tips you might have. Let's form a reservoir of shared knowledge and experiences! #TechTransition #CybersecurityFuture

In an interview I was asked how my experience could translate to data analytics, I said: "If I can draft legal documents, I can write SQL queries." One of the biggest challenges I faced when changing careers from paralegal to data analyst was being able to explain my transferable skills. How does being a paralegal relate to data analytics?  ✅ Attention to detail - If I can find a tiny comma in a legal document then I can spot inaccurate or missing data.  ✅ Communication - If I can work with high profile clients on legal cases I can work with stakeholders and their needs. ✅ Problem solving - If I could research legal cases then I can figure out how to write a query or create a dashboard. I had the skills to become a data analyst. I just had a difficult time communicating it. But once I figured it out, my interviews went a lot better. ❓ How have you described your transferrable skills in an interview?

#DearPhDs, did you know that one of the most valuable transferable skills you bring to industry is often overlooked during the hiring process? I’m talking about YOUR ABILITY TO LEARN. You studied more than 98% of the world's population. You found answers to the world’s hardest problems. You learned things you never thought you could. Your ability to learn is your superpower. Applying learnings to new contexts is its sidekick. Use this duo to mitigate recruiter concerns. So the next time an interviewer mentions your 'lack of industry experience' or 'an excessive academic background', structure your response in three parts:  (1) reiterate how your transferable skills fit job requirements; (2) explain how you'll apply these skills to perform job duties; (3) highlight how you’ll use your ability to learn to fill any gaps. Learning is your superpower. Use it to stand out during your job search. During your industry interviews, make a point to highlight your ability to learn quickly and comprehensively and how you will use it to get up to speed in the role. Good luck with your interview! 💛

🚀🐸 Making the Leap into Sales Engineering 💻 🛠️ One of the questions I get asked most often is, "How can I transition into a Sales Engineering role?" Switching career lanes, especially towards a niche like sales engineering, can seem like an uphill task. But, believe me, with determination and the right strategy, it's within reach! Here's a roadmap to guide you: 1.) Educate Yourself: ◉ Understand the Role: Before diving into technicalities, take a step back. Understand what a Sales Engineer does, how they fit into the sales cycle, and the nuances of client interactions they handle. ◉ Product and Technology Insight: Equip yourself with knowledge about the products and technologies pertinent to the industry you're aiming for. There's an abundance of online courses, webinars, and certifications waiting for you. ◉ Sales Techniques: A Sales Engineer isn't just about engineering. Immerse yourself in sales methodologies and strategies to truly be effective in the role. 2.) Network: Connect with established Sales Engineers. Their real-world experiences, challenges, and stories of triumph can be your learning curve. Their guidance can also pave the way for potential opportunities. 3.) Spotlight Transferable Skills: ◉ Identify and Highlight: Assess your past roles and identify skills that can be aligned with a Sales Engineering context. It might be product expertise, relationship management, or analytical thinking. ◉ Speak to Them in Interviews: When you discuss these skills during an interview, frame them within the context of a Sales Engineer's responsibilities. This not only demonstrates your understanding of the role but also assures the interviewer of your potential success in it. Embarking on a sales engineering journey is as much about the hunger to learn as it is about expertise. Stay curious, remain persistent, and always remember: today's expert is yesterday's learner. If this has sparked more questions or you're seeking some mentorship, feel free to reach out. We rise by lifting others! #SalesEngineering #SolutionConsultant #ValueEngineering #Sales #Presales #PresalesConsultant #CareerChange #EnjoyTheJourney

Updating your “Teacher” language to “Corporate” language series continues! 🎉Here's part 8! I’ve reviewed hundreds of teacher resumes and because I see this a lot I figured it time to start a series of examples for you all 😊 Go back to review parts 1-7! This next example is great for all #transitioningteachers who have skills related to technology integration, digital resource management, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to roles that involve digital transformation, technology implementation, or process optimization. Lets go! 🔠Educator Task: "Implemented innovative technology tools and digital resources to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement in the classroom." 📣Adapted for a Corporate Role: "Utilized cutting-edge technology solutions and digital platforms to optimize business operations and client interactions." Breakdown of Transferable Skills: ⭐️ Technology Integration: Demonstrates proficiency in leveraging technology tools or platforms to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive innovation in educational or professional settings. ⭐️ Digital Resource Management: Shows the ability to curate, implement, and manage digital resources or tools effectively, enhancing access to information and facilitating collaboration or communication. ⭐️ Problem-Solving: Highlights the skill of identifying challenges or opportunities, exploring technological solutions, and implementing strategies to address them, fostering continuous improvement and adaptation. ⭐️ Adaptability: In both educational and corporate contexts, this involves being flexible and open to embracing new technologies, methodologies, or practices to enhance performance and outcomes. Please take this and apply it to your resume if the experience aligns! Want more personalized resume help? Comment “resume” to get the conversation started. Talk soon🚀

Could your unique skills translate into the tech field? For me, the answer is a resounding YES! My journey from equine therapist to solution consultant proves that transferable skills can unlock exciting career possibilities, no matter how seemingly unconventional. As a solution consultant, I empower clients to leverage technology for innovation and growth, exceeding their expectations. But my path began far from the digital world, guiding children with special needs through the magic of horseback riding. While seemingly worlds apart, my experience in equine therapy honed three essential skills that now fuel my tech success: >> Patience & Persistence: Like adapting to each child's unique learning style, I tackle complex software issues with unwavering patience and find creative solutions. >> Effective Communication: Translating complex horse behavior for children and families honed my ability to simplify technical jargon for clients, ensuring projects perfectly align with their needs. >> Emotional Intelligence: Reading non-verbal cues from horses and children translated beautifully! I now understand client anxieties, foster positive team dynamics, and create a collaborative environment. My journey is a testament to the power of transferable skills. No matter how unconventional your background, embrace your unique path that can unlock exciting career possibilities! ✨ What unexpected skills have powered your career journey? Share your story in the comments!

I’ve looked at 100+ resumes and interviewed dozens of candidates over the last 3 months. Meeting candidates is one of my favorite parts of what I do. Yet so many people show up for an interview without having prepared to stand out and be relevant to the opportunity. So I want to share my process, in the hopes that it helps those going through interviews right now. And share what candidates who stand out do. First, before every interview I do a few things. I know candidates are taking their time to apply and then show up for several interviews. Interviews are a two-way street, and as a hiring manager I do my part too. Here are a few ways hiring managers can prepare, with a social media lens as that’s what I hire: 1. Read the resume, cover note if there’s one. 2. Visit their LinkedIn profile, posts and conversations. And the rest of their social footprint. 3. Explore the social media feeds of their current/past companies. 4. Experience their past company cultures on social media. 5. Research accomplishments and accolades highlighted in the resume. Now it’s your turn. Want to stand out and get the offer? Here are six things I look for: 1. Learn about the company you’re interviewing with so you can integrate relevant points for the role into the conversation. Example, if you’re applying for a social media role, look at the company’s social channels and come prepared to demonstrate your skills, highlight something that resonates, ask questions, etc. 2. Slow down, it’s not about answering questions the fastest. It’s about demonstrating that you’re a direct fit for the role through your answers. If you’ve not done it before that’s ok. Show your interviewer that you’re prepared to do it. 3. Share why you want this role at this company. Shared values? Connection to colleague culture? Speak to how it connects into your career goals, etc. 4. Lead with your skills and how they equip you to deliver results and impact for what the job description outlines. You may not have direct experience but skills are transferable, put that front and center. 5. Demonstrate that you understand the strategy behind your work, IE the ‘why.’ By doing this you show how your goals align to your team’s goals which align to your company’s goals. It speaks to your growth mindset, and that separates you from the pack. 6. Focus your resume to emphasize your skills and relevant experiences in relation to the job accountabilities. No relevant experience? That’s ok, lead with headlines that put your transferable skills front and center. Applying for job opportunities and the interview process can be can be stressful and intimidating. But when you get that interview it’s your time to shine! What tip can you add to help candidates land their next career experience? Please share in comments. #career #futureofwork #interviewtips #jobsearch

What I wish I’d known 4 years ago: ⇣ There’s a correlation between lesson plans and content calendars. As a former ELA teacher with ~15 years of experience, transitioning into a content role at a startup tech company has been a journey. Yet, one aspect that made the shift surprisingly smooth was the invaluable organizational skills I honed in the classroom. And it wasn’t until recently that I realized: 🗂️ Lesson planning as a teacher taught me the art of scheduling and time management. ✅ Now I create a content calendar that keeps our startup's messaging on track and encourages brand awareness. Here's how my teaching background helps me in my content role: ⇢ Structure: I outline our format, topic, and publish dates just like I used to plan my weekly lessons. ⇢ Consistency: I make sure our social posts, newsletters, and blogs go out as needed and as anticipated. ⇢ Flexibility: I’ve learned to adapt when needed, and sometimes pivot strategies. ⇢ Variety: I mix up formats - informative blog posts, engaging carousels for social media, scannable monthly newsletters. So, keep in mind - the skills you develop in one domain can be remarkably transferable to another. If you also have transitioned careers, how are you using past skills in your current role? #contentcreation #organization #careerchange #transitioningteachers