This Q&A captures Chanell’s thoughts on supporting candidates who want to transition into new industries and guiding employers in recognising the exceptional value they often bring.

One of the biggest missed opportunities in hiring is overlooking candidates from other industries. You could be bypassing exceptional transferable skills — whether it’s stakeholder management, strategic thinking, or customer insight — that are highly relevant but simply packaged differently. These candidates often bring fresh energy and a strong culture fit, aligned more to the company than the industry itself. They’re choosing to enter the sector deliberately, not just falling into it. Which speaks volumes about their motivation and engagement. Combine that with someone who’s intelligent, a quick learner, passionate, a self-starter, and you’ve got someone who’ll pick up industry nuances fast and start adding value early. Plus, outside experience brings a different lens, they challenge assumptions, spot gaps, and often introduce ideas that elevate the role beyond its traditional scope.

It really depends on the role, but there are certain transferable skills that consistently add value — things like stakeholder management, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. These are often overlooked when candidates come from outside the industry, but they can be game-changers. Take an EA role, for example. If a candidate can clearly demonstrate their experience and quantify their achievements — whether that’s diary management across multiple time zones, coordinating high-stakes meetings, or streamlining processes — then they’re absolutely worth considering. This isn’t about saying you must hire out of industry. But to not even interview someone because of their background? That’s definitely missing a trick. The key to a strong recruitment process is giving yourself choice — and the more choice, the better. That’s how you find the standout candidates.

Hiring managers can feel more confident evaluating candidates from different industries by focusing on how they think, not just where they’ve worked. Asking the right questions at interview stage is key, it helps assess all candidates fairly, not just those transitioning sectors. Creating an open, conversational interview environment (not an interrogation) allows candidates to perform at their best. And if you’re unsure about transferable skills, a short task or presentation, nothing too heavy. This can be a great way to see how they approach problems and communicate ideas. It’s about giving candidates the space to show you how they think, not just what they’ve done. That’s where the real value often lies.

Organisations can attract candidates from other industries by rewriting job descriptions to focus on skills, not just sector experience, broadening where they source talent, and training hiring managers to spot transferable strengths. Creating a welcoming interview environment and using short tasks or case studies can also help assess capability beyond industry familiarity. Its about expanding the talent pool without lowering the bar.

Hiring people from different industry backgrounds helps companies future-proof by injecting fresh thinking, broader perspectives, and adaptable skill sets. These candidates often challenge assumptions, spot new opportunities, and bring innovative approaches that traditional paths might miss. Diversity without lowering the bar is priceless. It builds resilience, creativity, and a workforce ready to evolve with changing markets.

Just have a conversation! They may surprise you!

If you’re looking to switch industries, the key is to make your value crystal clear. Tailor your CV to each role possibly working with a professional CV writer to highlight transferable skills and quantify achievements that align with the new sector. Put the most relevant skills and systems right at the top so hiring managers don’t have to hunt for them. Get support from a trusted recruitment consultant who can actively advocate for you, not just forward your CV. And don’t underestimate your own network — everyone knows someone who can help open a door. With the right positioning and support, switching industries is absolutely achievable.

If you’re looking to strengthen your team or explore strategic talent solutions, schedule a call with Mason & Dale here.