1. technology and computing

UOIT Career Centre Transferrable Skills Worksheet Part One
What are transferrable skills?
These are skills that are learned in one situation that can easily be applied in another setting. For
example, if you develop your presentation skills in the classroom, you will be able to use that
skill in a work setting.
Why are they important?
Employers look for evidence that you are able to contribute to the workplace with the skills they
need. They use this information when they are reading your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn
profile and will expect you to provide evidence of your skills and abilities at the interview. The
good news is that employers value skills that are developed in any environment. This includes
coursework, academic projects, paid and unpaid work, extra-curricular activities and hobbies.
What skills are most important?
Each employer will have different needs depending on the position. There are common skills and
attributes that most employers value. According to the Conference Board of Canada
Employability Skills Forum, these include:
 communication (writing, reading, sharing information, listening)
 managing information
 using numbers
 solving problems
 demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviours
 responsibility
 adaptability
 continuous learning
 ability to work with others
 participating in projects and tasks (including planning, organization, adaptability)
Other skills
Many positions require specific technical skills or knowledge. Examples include:
 programming in a particular language
 laboratory skills
 financial analysis
 developing a curriculum
 knowledge of the criminal justice system
©2014 University of Ontario Institute of Technology Career Centre, www.uoit.ca/careercentre
Where do I start?
Using the exercise on the next few pages, select the skills you have and the ones you wish to
develop. Once you have completed this worksheet, you will be able to provide evidence to
employers. If there is a skill that is not noted here, please feel free to add it in the section at the
end of the worksheet. Note: this list has been modified from the Conference Board of Canada
Employability Skills.
Skills worksheet
Please complete the following table as appropriate. You don’t need to mark every skill, only the
skills that you have and the ones’ that you would like to develop. If you have the skill, please
rank it by B (Beginner), I (Intermediate), A (Advanced). Be as specific as you can with your
examples (i.e. instead of saying “demonstrated presentation skills in class”, state “researched
topic X and made a formal class presentation to twenty five students”) or “will be taking AutoCAD training as part of my Capstone project instead of “will learn this in school”.
Communication Skills
Skill
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
Read and understand information in
various forms
Write and speak so others pay attention
and understand
Listen and ask questions to understand
and appreciate the points of view of
others
Share information using a range of
information and communication
technologies
Use relevant technical knowledge and
skills to explain or clarify ideas
Language skills (please specify which
language(s))
Managing Information
Skill
Locate, gather and organize information
using technology
Analyze and apply knowledge from
various disciplines
©2014 University of Ontario Institute of Technology Career Centre, www.uoit.ca/careercentre
Skills worksheet (cont’d)
If you have the skill, please rank it by B (Beginner), I (Intermediate), A (Advanced). Be as
specific as you can with your examples.
Using Numbers
Skill
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
Determine what needs to be measured
or calculated
Observe and record data using
appropriate methods and technology
Make estimates and verify calculations
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
Skill
Assess situations and solve problems
Seek different points of view and
evaluate them based on facts
Identify the root cause of the problem
Be creative in exploring solutions
Use science, technology and math to
think, gain, and share knowledge and
solve problems
Evaluate solutions to make
recommendations or decisions
Implement solutions
Check to see if a solution works and act
on opportunities for improvement
Planning and Organizational Skills
Skill
Plan, design or carry out a project or
task from start to finish with welldefined objectives and outcomes
Develop a plan, seek feedback, test,
revise and implement
Work to agreed-upon quality standards
and specifications
Select and use appropriate tools and
technology for a task or project
Adapt to changing requirements and
information
Monitor the success of a project or
tasks and identify ways to improve
©2014 University of Ontario Institute of Technology Career Centre, www.uoit.ca/careercentre
Skills worksheet (cont’d)
If you have the skill, please rank it by B (Beginner), I (Intermediate), A (Advanced). Be as
specific as you can with your examples.
Interpersonal Skills
Skill
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
Understand and work within the
dynamics of a group
Ensure that a team’s purpose and
objectives are clear
Be flexible: respect, and be open to and
supportive of thoughts, opinions, and
contributions of others in a groups
Recognize and respect peoples
diversity, individual differences and
perspectives
Accept and provide feedback in a
constructive and considerate manner
Contribute to a team by sharing
information and expertise
Lead, support or motivated a group for
high performance
Understand the role of conflict in a
group to reach solutions
Manage and resolve conflict
Adaptability
Skill
Work independently or as part of a
team
Multi-tasking and re-prioritizing of
tasks as necessary
Be innovative and resourceful: identify
and suggest alternative ways to achieve
goals and get the job done
Be open and respond constructively to
change
Learn from your mistakes and accept
feedback
Cope with uncertainty
©2014 University of Ontario Institute of Technology Career Centre, www.uoit.ca/careercentre
Skills worksheet (cont’d)
If you have the skill, please rank it by B (Beginner), I (Intermediate), A (Advanced). Be as
specific as you can with your examples.
Working with Things
Skill
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
Assembling parts or pieces
Constructing or building
Operating tools, machinery or
equipment
Showing manual or finger dexterity
Handling things with precision or speed
Fixing or repairing
Muscular coordination or athletic
ability
Physical stamina
Technical Skills and Specialized Knowledge
For this section, please add any skills or knowledge that is required for your career. These can be
technology based (e.g. AutoCAD) or information based (e.g. knowledge of labour laws). You
can also use this section to add any other skills that have not been covered above.
Skill
B/I/A
Example(s) of where I used
this skill
Want to
develop
For further assistance or to book an appointment with a Career Counsellor or Employment
Advisor, please visit uoit.ca/careercentre.
©2014 University of Ontario Institute of Technology Career Centre, www.uoit.ca/careercentre