Changing career direction can feel daunting, especially if you’re moving into a sector you’ve not worked in before. But here’s the truth we’ve seen time and time again: the most impactful candidates aren’t always the ones with the most “direct” experience. They’re often the ones who bring fresh perspective, adaptable thinking, and transferable skills.
And in today’s job market, that matters more than ever.
At Kin, we regularly speak with brilliant people from marketing, sales, comms, and digital backgrounds who are exploring something different. Maybe it’s a shift into the not-for-profit world. Maybe it’s a role with more purpose, more people focus, or more opportunity to see their work make a real difference.
What we tell them? Don’t underestimate the power of your existing toolkit.
So what are transferable skills, and why are they such a big deal?
Transferable skills are the strengths you’ve built that aren’t tied to one specific job title or sector. They’re the skills that show up wherever you go. Think:
Storytelling and content creation
Relationship building and stakeholder management
Strategic thinking and problem solving
Campaign management and delivery
Communication - written, verbal, digital
Data analysis and insight-driven decision making
Project management and coordination
Creativity and innovation
These are skills we see in marketers, fundraisers, account managers, digital specialists, product leads, you name it.
They’re also exactly what hiring managers are looking for, especially in growing organisations that need people who can wear multiple hats and bring a fresh perspective.
Making a shift? You’re not starting over.
One of the biggest misconceptions about changing direction is the idea that you’re starting from scratch. But when you look closely, most industries are more connected than people think.
For example:
A marketing exec moving into partnerships already understands audience, tone, and brand.
A fundraiser shifting to digital content already knows how to build trust and drive engagement.
A project manager joining a purpose-led business brings structure, foresight, and team collaboration.
It’s not about having the exact job title on your CV, it’s about showing the value you bring and the impact you’ve had.
What employers are really looking for
While sector experience can be a bonus, it’s rarely the whole story, especially in purpose-driven roles, where the why behind your application carries weight.
More and more, we’re seeing employers value:
Curiosity and willingness to learn
Clear communication and collaboration
Fresh ideas and creative thinking
Empathy, resilience, and people skills
Ability to adapt to fast-paced environments
Sound familiar? You might be more ready for that move than you realise.
Let’s talk about purpose
We’re not here to tell you that every job needs to change the world, but we are big believers in finding work that feels meaningful to you.
For some people, that means working for a values-led brand. For others, it’s supporting causes, building communities, or mentoring junior team members. Purpose comes in many forms.
So if you’ve been feeling the itch to try something new, or you’re wondering whether your experience “counts” in another sector, it probably does.
And we’d love to help you find a role where it matters.
Ready to explore what’s next?
If you're thinking about a move into something more meaningful—whether it’s in marketing, comms, fundraising, or something totally different, we're here to talk it through.
Drop us a line at info@kin-collective.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.
You might be closer than you think to your next brilliant move.
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