Can you transfer your skills?
Sometimes it's difficult to assess the skills you already have. If you've just left school you may not really know what you're good at. Likewise, if you're currently working in another industry, you may not be sure whether you'll be able to transfer your existing skills.
One good way of focusing your thoughts is to look back at other jobs you've done in the past, or what projects you were involved in as a student, and remind yourself what you enjoyed and what you found difficult or taxing.
The chances are that the experiences you've gained so far will tell you a lot about the direction you should take. If you're still unsure, ask a trusted friend or relative what they think you're good at. Use the document below to assess what skills you've got.
This kind of checklist not only helps to boost your confidence, but will also help you present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers by focusing more closely on the day-to-day reality of what you will have to do in a specific job. For instance, if you work well under pressure or are highly organised, that's fantastic, but if you don't you'd be best not to embark on a career where these are seen as essential skills.
By making an ordered checklist of your strengths, past experience, qualifications, likes and dislikes - you may be surprised how many transferable skills you already have!
We've also produced it in PDF version, in case you want to print it out and scribble on it. Download it here: 
What skills do you have?
If your computer has the relevant software, click the document icons or document titles to view the relevant document. Right-click (PC) or hold your mouse-button down (Mac) on the document icon/title, you'll be given the option to save the file to disk. If you don't have the necessary software to view the documents, take the above links to download free reader programs.
