2024 research reveals that a striking 70% of job descriptions now highlight the importance of transferable skills. It means that what you've learned and experienced during your career break can play a key role in helping you take the next step in your career. It’s time to embrace and showcase the skills you’ve gained, no matter how they were acquired!
The return on returners
At ivee, we work with an extensive community of women, employers, and government officials to increase the job opportunities for women returners to the workforce. In our research we have found that:
60% of returners have better commercial awareness
44% of returners are praised as better team leaders
65% of returners are hailed as better listeners
So, whether you’ve been raising children, pursuing personal passions, or navigating a career pivot, the skills you’ve developed during that time are a powerful asset in your return-to-work journey. Women as compared to men are less likely to apply for a job if they believe they do not fulfil all the required skills in the job description. And yet, given the global and dynamic business landscape, transferable skills that were previously less highlighted become more important.
If you are re-entering the workforce or switching careers, now’s the time to rethink how your skills are framed. Through our extensive experiences working with previously vetted companies who employ women returners, we have picked four key transferable skills that employers are actively seeking— and how they can help you thrive as you return to work.
Problem solving: the art of anticipating challenges
Why it matters: When you step back into the workforce, one of your greatest assets will be your ability to solve problems. We encourage you to think about reframing your break to recognise and highlight your skills from life experiences whether it is adjusting to shifting priorities in a busy workday or pre-empting challenges while leading the organisation of an event at your child’s school. These are all valuable skills that should be on your CV.
Industries that value this skill:
- Tech & Software Development.
- Healthcare & Life Sciences.
- Finance & Consulting.
Job titles that require this skill:
- Product Manager.
- Business Analyst.
- Operations Manager.
Critical thinking: data-driven decisions
Why it matters: in an increasingly data-driven world, critical thinking enables you to interpret complex data and make informed, strategic decisions. It’s about connecting data insights with actionable strategies, a crucial skill for sectors like technology and finance that rely on data to drive growth.
Here’s your chance to highlight a time when you had to assess a situation quickly—we do this almost daily, maybe you’ve used your intuition or analysed information on the spot. Transform these situations into actual experience on your CV as employers across fields like technology, finance and even traditionally qualitative fields like marketing are actively seeking them.
Industries that value this skill:
- Tech & artificial intelligence
- Finance & fintech
- Consulting
Job titles that require this skill:
- Data Scientist
- Financial Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Communication & leadership style: leading with empathy
Why it matters: effective communication and leadership are essential for creating inclusive and high-performing teams. Your ability to lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and work across diverse cultures is increasingly valued in today’s global workforce. It is well documented across research circles that women with strong emotional intelligence, along with the pre-requisite IQ make better team and company leaders.
Using your CV to showcase your communication style for roles that require working with a diverse set of people increase your chances for getting an interview, especially when you may feel that you don’t possess all the technical skills for the job.
Industries that value this skill:
- Tech & software development.
- Healthcare & education.
- Non-profits & social impact.
Job titles that require this skill:
- Project Manager.
- HR Manager.
- Diversity & Inclusion Lead.
Adaptability: thriving in a changing world
Why it matters: in today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is crucial for staying relevant and successful, whether you are switching careers, returning from a break, or adjusting to new work environments. The ability to pivot, acquire new skills, and thrive in changing conditions is especially vital for those entering flexible or non-traditional work structures.
Think about how your life has changed over the years—whether balancing family, education, or travel—and how you’ve adapted to those shifts and the skillsets you developed in each of them. Bring them to your CV and be ready to discuss them.
Industries that value this skill:
- Tech & startups.
- Consulting & freelance work.
- Healthcare & wellness.
Job titles that require this skill:
- Consultant.
- Product Owner.
- Marketing Lead.
Need some extra support? We can help.
If you want some extra, personalised support on your return to work journey, we’d love to help.
Join us on our 5-week Return-to-Work Bootcamp focused on providing you with everything you need to return to work. You’ll walk away with a personal CV review, practical tips, recruitment secrets & insights, AI-upskilling, and advice based on real employment research.
Email [email protected] for more information, or visit the link below.
Join the ivee community!
Join our Facebook group. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with like-minded returners, seek advice on returning to work after maternity leave, or share your experiences, our Facebook community is here to help you navigate your journey back into the workforce.
You’ll find:
👉 Latest regulatory changes regarding maternity leave
👉 CV templates for women returning to work
👉 Latest industry updates
👉 Resources and guides to help you on your job hunt
👉 Confidence-building events, webinars and advice on all aspects of returning to work
Our Facebook community
Ready to return to work?
Create an ivee profile and start browsing our flexible jobs today!
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