The Power of Transferable Skills (and How to Show Them Off)
No job experience? Transferable skills unlock doors—if you sell them right. A glimpse inside Bitvocation’s POW Lab.
This week in the POW Lab, we’ve seen two member stories that prove a point: transferable skills can open doors—but only if you know how to showcase them. Here’s what’s happening inside our community and why it matters for anyone chasing their dream job in Bitcoin.
Tale of Two Bitcoiners
One POW Lab member received a polite “No” from an online retailer about a remote customer service role. They’ve got tons of customer-facing experience from their student days in hospitality (think angry diners and chaotic shifts) and now work as a service engineer by day and volunteer at Bitcoin conference booths on the side. They’re a passionate Bitcoiner. Yet, the feedback? “Lack of experience.” Ouch.
Meanwhile, another member landed an interview with a prominent Bitcoin company for a role they admitted they had zero experience for. Why? A Bitcoin friend vouched for them, their CV (imperfect as they thought it was) reached the CEO, and their passion for Bitcoin plus language skills sealed the deal for a first call.
What’s the difference? It’s not just luck—it’s about transferable skills and how they’re presented.
The Hidden Superpower: Transferable Skills
The first member has dealt with customers under pressure—solving problems, staying patient, and being attentive in way tougher conditions than a remote gig demands. Those are gold-star customer service skills! But if their CV didn’t scream that, the hiring manager missed it.
The second member leaned into their Bitcoin passion and language skills. They didn’t have the “official” experience either, but their enthusiasm and a little networking made the case. The lesson? Skills you’ve built in one context—hospitality, engineering, or conference booths—can unlock doors in another. You just need to connect the dots for the recruiter.
A CV isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s your pitch. If it doesn’t show how your past translates to the role, it’s like handing over a puzzle with missing pieces.
The Second Key: Communication
A CV isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s your pitch. If it doesn’t show how your past translates to the role, it’s like handing over a puzzle with missing pieces. The first member’s hospitality hustle and engineering problem-solving are customer service skills—problem-solving, efficiency, kindness—but the CV didn’t bridge that gap.
The second member’s story shows the flip side: passion and a few standout traits (language skills, Bitcoin networking) got them in the door, even with a “not yet perfect” CV. Imagine what happens when you polish that pitch.
If the job ad doesn’t spell it out, consider the soft skills the role might demand.
Not sure what those are? Ask AI! For a Customer Service position, beyond product knowledge (which your employer will train you in), you’ll need to be attentive, responsive, detail-oriented, efficient, kind, and patient—plus you’ll need sharp diagnostic and problem-solving skills. If you’ve got these, show them off by explaining how you’ve used them in past experiences.
How to Make Your Skills Pop
Name the Skill, Not Just the Job
Instead of “Team Member at Restaurant X,” try “Customer-Focused Problem Solver” or “Service-Driven Hospitality Specialist.” Titles matter—make them reflect the skill, not just the gig.Tell the Story in the Details
Under each role, don’t just list tasks. Show outcomes. “Resolved 20+ customer issues per shift with a smile, boosting satisfaction in high-pressure settings” beats “Served customers.” Highlight transferable wins like attention for detail, efficiency, or attentiveness.Add Your Passion
Bitcoin isn’t just a hobby—it’s a signal of curiosity and adaptability. The first member’s conference booth gig? That’s service experience too. The second member’s networking? That’s initiative. Weave these into your CV or LinkedIn to stand out.Tailor It
Read the job description. If they want “problem-solving” and “communication,” pull those exact words into your CV, backed by examples. Make it impossible to miss the match - for ATS systems or the recruiter!
Want in?
These stories are just a taste of what’s brewing in the POW Lab’s Telegram group. Whether you’re revamping your CV or leaping out of your comfort zone, the Bitvocation team and fellow POW Lab members have your back.
Beyond our small, supportive community, we’re also building the biggest talent pool in Bitcoin—and every member gets a spot in our job-seeker database.
Ready to unlock your opportunities? Join us!
Let’s buidl your Bitcoin career together!
Nice one Anja! Thanks for the insights.
I think I know who got that interview call. :-)