You're thinking of switching to a new industry. How do you know if your communication skills will transfer?

Communication skills are often universal and can transcend industry boundaries. If you're switching industries, assess your ability to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt your communication style. Since communication is a fundamental skill, it's likely transferable. Language proficiency might be a concern for non-native speakers, but effective communication goes beyond industry-specific jargon. Focus on highlighting your ability to articulate ideas, collaborate, and tailor messages to diverse audiences, showcasing the versatility of your communication skills across different contexts.

This article is misleading. Communication skills are universal. The way you talk, use social cues, address others doesn't change. They are the baseline for daily life and some industries can expand off of it but it's really unnecessary. Knowing how to communicate will help you create your own methods that tailor to the industry you're in. How one person communicates is never going to be the same as another. I speak clearly to others, don't like leaving messages on read, and I'm usually quite open. Others are not like this because personality traits affect the way someone communicates.

Communication strengths can be tied to public speaking for example. Can you speak without verbal tics? Do you fidget when you talk? Do you look away from people when you speak? How is your expression when you talk to others? Do you talk very fast when you speak? Do you enunciate when you speak? These questions indicate communication weaknesses and are simple questions to identify what weaknesses you can work on to turn them into strengths. People don't suddenly become great at speaking in front of large crowds or in front of people in general. It is something you're conditioned in as a younger person.

If you possess excellent communication skills, you can apply them to any industry you are interested in. As you embark on this road trip to a new industry, remember that your communication foundations, such as audience recognition and data-driven decision-making, are transferable. So, go ahead and showcase them to your potential employers. Choose a few strong examples of your communication skills and frame them in the context of the new industry you are trying to break into. If you face difficulties doing this, it is a good opportunity to evaluate your skills and determine the most crucial ones to highlight.

Interviews are the perfect opportunity to showcase your communication skills. Remember that the time during the interview is YOURS - so slow down, maintain eye contact, be relaxed. No need to rush your answers - everyone else in the room is there to listen to you. Do your homework, build your strategy, and execute.

Regardless of the industry, a communications-heavy role or a highly technical role you hope to switch to; you need to demonstrate proficiency in the following communication-related skills: -Collaborating with coworkers -Interacting with customers -Reporting to superiors -Promoting goods or services These skills maybe verbal, written, or visual. You need to be able to articulate your ideas and substantiate the reasoning. A resume is a good place to start. Instead of merely listing “communication skills”, find creative ways to demonstrate them during the application process. Example: -A well-written cover letter will speak of your written communication abilities. -An oral portfolio can further illustrate the extent of your skills.

Good communication is good communication - regardless of the industry or the specificities of a topic. Oftentimes, newbies can bring clarity to communication by asking questions that haven't been asked for a while and teaching more seasoned colleagues how they can communicate their expertise in an inclusive way also to those who aren't experts in the field.