Everyone has transferrable skills they can bring to a role, that are valuable to prospective employers and Hospitality and Tourism workers are no different! The varied work days, wide range of international clients and multi-tasking involved in the majority of Tourism and Hospitlaity businesses means staff are usually equipped with lots of skills that are attractive to potential employers. Working out what yours are will help you to stand out when you start applying for new jobs.

What are transferrable skills? 

Transferable skills are a core set of talents and abilities, learned and acquired over time from every role, or experience you have ever had. For example, if you used to be a Travel Consultant and spent most of your time on the phone processing sales with clients, then you could transfer these communication skills over to a Call Centre role. Or, perhaps you were a Tour Guide and would rather remain active, working outside, than taking on an office job; working a season fruit picking could be a great option to take your physical aptitude into a new environment.

Transferrable skills can be just as valuable as work experience and you should showcase them on your CV.

Below are some transferrable skills from various industry roles, that you might not have considered before. Remember to provide examples on your CV where they have been applied or learned, in previous jobs:

Hospitality Professionals

• Time management 
• Problem-solving (i.e. thinking quickly, on your feet)
• Strong customer service
• Financial management (i.e. cashing up the till each day)

Travel Consultants

• Researching and reporting
• Financial management (i.e. keeping track of what your clients are spending)
• Sales and marketing (i.e proven ability to influence clients' travel decisions)
• Creative thinking (i.e. navigating travel and booking requirements)
• Communication (i.e. great in-person and phone manner)

Flight Attendants

• Leadership (i.e. prioritising and delegating tasks, problem solving)
• Strong time management
• Interpersonal skills (i.e. compassion, empathy, co-operation, teamwork)
• Health and Safety knowledge
• Great under pressure

Tour Guides

• Strong client relationships (i.e. rapport)
• Listening (*this is one of the most important skills for any employee to have)
• Flexibility (i.e. being able to adapt plans)
• Problem-solving
• Working outdoors, in all weather conditions

Event Managers

• Administration
• Planning skills
• Financial Management

Hotel Receptionists

• Interpersonal skills (i.e. awareness, empathy, reliability, teamwork)
• Strong customer service
• Problem-solving
• Administration

And the list goes on!