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Giving a new direction to your career and opting for a career change are appealing to an increasing number of working people. In this context of professional mobility, cross-disciplinary skills are essential and highly valued by recruiters. So how do you acquire cross-disciplinary skills? How are they valued in today's professional world? ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Business School sheds some light on this more topical subject than ever.

Cross-disciplinary skills: what are they?

Cross-disciplinary skills, also known as soft skills or interpersonal skills, are the aptitudes and abilities of an individual that can be used in a variety of professional situations (particularly in several different jobs, companies or workplaces). These interpersonal skills and know-how are professional competencies that are acquired both in the course of a person's working life and through personal experience.

Don't confuse cross-disciplinary skills with transferable skills

Cross-disciplinary skills are different from transferable skills. While cross-disciplinary skills can be used in occupations in any sector of activity, this is not the case for transferable skills, which are limited to a specific type of occupation. This refers to the notions of reskilling and upskilling in the world of work.

Some examples of transversal skills

There are a number of cross-disciplinary skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions:

•  Leadership skills show the ability to guide, take strategic decisions, inspire and motivate team members.
•  Communication skills demonstrate the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, and to listen actively.
•  Critical thinking shows the ability to evaluate information objectively and analyse complex situations.

What are the cross-disciplinary skills most valued by recruiters?

Acquiring and mastering cross-disciplinary skills is an excellent way of enhancing your profile and differentiating yourself on the job market. For career development purposes, it is worth finding out which key skills are most sought after by recruiters today. These skills complement technical skills and are often considered essential for success in a professional environment.

By meeting the criteria valued by companies, candidates can broaden their talents, and their CVs can make all the difference. Here are the cross-disciplinary skills most valued by recruiters:

Taking initiative: companies are looking for people who can take the initiative, come up with new ideas and work independently.

• Ability to adapt: recruiters value candidates who can adapt quickly to change, deal effectively with the unexpected and adjust to new situations.
• Managerial skills: although this skill is often associated with management positions, it is also valued by employees at all levels, as it demonstrates the ability to work in a team and guide a project.
• Having a sense of creativity: the ability to generate new ideas, solve problems and think outside the box is valued in a constantly changing professional environment.

There are other cross-disciplinary skills that are valued in companies, such as speaking a foreign language, prioritising tasks, analytical skills, negotiation skills, etc. It is important to note that these skills may vary depending on the sector of activity and the position. From this non-exhaustive list, it may be wise to exploit those that will serve your professional objectives.

Why are cross-functional skills increasingly valued?

In a context where job changes are commonplace, the development of soft skills is a fast-growing issue in HR professions. Unlike technical skills, these aptitudes can be used at different levels of the company. In companies that have turned the corner on soft skills, employees are more fulfilled, perform better and can progress vertically or horizontally within the company. The development of cross-functional skills is therefore a factor in successful internal mobility.

The versatility offered by cross-disciplinary skills is a considerable asset when looking for a first job, retraining or adapting to new professions. Young graduates can put their skills to good use when applying for a job, to compensate for a lack of practical professional experience, or a working person can use his or her aptitude for figures and rigour, for example, to move into a new profession for which no professional training yet exists.

Identifying and promoting your cross-disciplinary skills

To clearly define your cross-disciplinary skills, you can draw on any personality or aptitude tests you may have taken during previous recruitment, professional assessments, opinions from colleagues or even draw up a list of your qualities at work. It is also possible to determine them on the basis of concrete experience. For example, someone who has helped to organise an event demonstrates an ability to manage, coordinate and plan.

Highlight your skills on your CV, in your covering letter and at interviews in a way that is consistent with your background, but also with the position you are applying for. The recruiter needs to be able to understand the cross-disciplinary nature of your profile.

At ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, students acquire skills and competencies throughout their training, particularly during a Grande École programme, which are highly valued when they enter the job market.

Find out more about the Master's in Human Resources and ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ's other courses to prepare you for the professional world.