Preparing for your future job search: Part 1 – Identifying and building on your skillset

Periods of transition can feel uncertain, even a little paused. You might be finishing your degree, recovering from an injury or illness, supporting family, or simply taking time out to reset. While you may not be ready to start applying for roles just yet, this phase offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, reset and prepare for what comes next.
With the right focus, even small, consistent actions now can set a strong foundation for your future career.

Identify your transferable skills

One of the most empowering things you can do during a career break is take stock of your transferable skills. These are abilities you’ve developed in one context that can be applied in many others, and they’re often more valuable than people realise.

Transferable skills might come from formal employment, but they can just as easily come from everyday life. Perhaps you’ve built leadership skills through coaching a sports team, strengthened your communication skills through babysitting, or developed project‑management abilities while organising a community fundraiser. Studying, volunteering, participating in sport, running social events, or even managing a household all build capabilities that employers value.

Skills like communication, teamwork, problem solving, organisation, adaptability and time management are relevant across almost every industry. Recognising them helps you understand your strengths and opens up new possibilities, especially if you’re unable to return to your previous role or are considering a career shift.

Invest in upskilling

Another powerful way to use this in-between time is to build on your existing experience through targeted upskilling. Short courses and targetted 'micro-credentials' offer a flexible way to strengthen both technical and soft skills, without the commitment of long-term study. You might choose to develop practical capabilities such as digital tools, data literacy or industry-specific knowledge, or focus on areas like leadership, communication or emotional intelligence. These incremental additions not only keep your skills current, but also create a clear point of difference when you return to the job market. Over time, they can position you with a stronger, more competitive profile, demonstrating initiative, adaptability and a genuine commitment to growth.

Explore volunteering opportunities

Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to stay engaged, build confidence and keep your resume active during a break. It allows you to contribute to your community while developing new skills and expanding your network.

You might volunteer with a charity, help run events for a community sports club, support a professional association, or take on a remote project that aligns with your interests. For graduates, volunteering provides practical experience that bridges the gap between study and employment. For career returners, it can help rebuild momentum and remind you of the value you bring.

Start today and reap the benefits

You don’t need to take on everything at once or commit to a full job search. Focusing on building your skills, gaining experience and staying engaged can create meaningful progress over time.

As you begin to understand your strengths and shape your direction, the next step is learning how to position yourself in the market. In Part 2, we’ll explore how to build your online presence, grow your network and start creating opportunities through visibility and connection.

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