What is the Difference Between Soft Skills and Transferable Skills?

It can be challenging to differentiate between what soft and hard skills you possess, particularly when the term “transferable skills” is added to the mix. How do you accurately categorize these to display them concisely on your resume?

When seeking the next step in your career, skills are your greatest asset, especially in a dynamic environment like Westgate Resorts, where each and every member of our team contributes to creating extraordinary vacation experiences.

We’ve compiled some information to help you understand the key differences and similarities between soft and transferable skills, showing how both can elevate your career at Westgate. 

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills and soft leadership skills are best thought of as habits and personality traits that are unique to us as individuals. It’s likely you use these skills every day, even outside of the workplace. After all, soft skills shape how you interact with others, build connections, and, when working in hospitality, create memorable guest experiences.

Here are some examples of soft skills for your resume:

• Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interaction.
• Teamwork – Ability to collaborate and work effectively with others.
• Adaptability – Willingness to adjust to new situations and challenges.
• Problem-Solving – Critical thinking and creativity to resolve issues efficiently.
• Time Management – Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Leadership – Inspiring, motivating, and guiding teams or projects.
• Emotional Intelligence – Understanding and managing emotions for better relationships.
• Conflict Resolution – Handling disputes professionally and finding solutions.
• Work Ethic – Being reliable, dedicated, and responsible.
• Creativity – Thinking outside the box to develop new ideas and solutions.
• Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in work.
• Customer Service – Providing excellent support and fostering positive relationships.
• Networking – Building and maintaining professional connections.
• Flexibility – Being open to new tasks, roles, and responsibilities.
• Resilience – Handling setbacks with a positive attitude and perseverance.

Hospitality is at the heart of what we do at Westgate, which means these skills are critical day to day. Whether you’re welcoming guests at the front desk or serving up plates of food in a restaurant, soft skills help you deliver top-quality customer service with warmth and professionalism. 

If you’ve got your eyes set on becoming a manager in the future, it pays to know some soft skills for managers, too.

It’s worth noting that soft skills and transferable skills can overlap. For example, the skills we mentioned above can all be thought of as transferable to different roles and industries. 

What Are Transferable Skills?

A transferable skill can be categorized as a versatile ability that applies across various jobs, roles, or industries. This is why soft skills can sometimes fall under this umbrella. If you’re looking for a more in-depth transferable skills definition, make sure to check out our article on how transferable skills set you up for success. You’ll also get some advice on identifying your skills. 

Here are some examples of transferable skills:

• Project Management – Planning, organizing, and executing tasks efficiently.
• Data Analysis – Interpreting and making decisions based on data.
• Customer Service – Providing support and maintaining positive relationships.
• Sales & Negotiation – Persuading and influencing decisions to drive results.
• Public Speaking – Confidently presenting ideas to groups.
• Research Skills – Gathering and analyzing information effectively.
• Budgeting & Financial Management – Managing money and financial resources wisely.
• Technical Literacy – Understanding and working with different software and tools.
• Leadership & Team Management – Leading, motivating, and managing people.
• Problem-Solving – Finding solutions to challenges in any work setting.
• Training & Mentoring – Teaching others new skills and guiding professional development.
• Writing & Editing – Creating clear, concise, and professional content.
• Adaptability – Learning new skills and adjusting to different environments.
• Conflict Resolution – Mediating disputes and fostering collaboration.
• Multitasking – Managing multiple responsibilities efficiently. Compared to soft skills, transferable skills are more grounded in experience and can be adapted to new challenges or opportunities, as opposed to being innate personal qualities. 

In the hospitality industry, transferable skills prove that you are flexible and adaptable. They serve to empower Team Members to transition between roles or bring expertise from other industries to provide an enriched guest experience.

We’ve got an article on hospitality skills that will make you stand out to your employer. It contains a useful mix of both transferable and soft skills to help you get started.

Why Both Types of Skills Matter at Westgate Resorts

We value well-rounded Team Members who can bring both transferable and soft skills to the table. During your time with us, you’re guaranteed to pick up new skills, and, with our internal growth opportunities, you’ll have a chance to polish these skills in various departments as you pick and choose your career path within Westgate.

Soft Skills

Here are some hospitality jobs that heavily rely on soft skills:

Hotel & Resort Management

• General Manager – Leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
• Front Office Manager – Customer service, conflict resolution, and multitasking.
• Concierge – Communication, customer service, and problem-solving.

Food & Beverage Services

• Restaurant Manager – Leadership, time management, and customer service.
• Bartender – Communication, multitasking, and emotional intelligence.
• Server/Waitstaff – Customer service, adaptability, and teamwork.

Guest Relations & Customer Service

• Guest Services Representative – Communication, problem-solving, and patience.
• Event Planner – Organization, time management, and negotiation.

Housekeeping & Maintenance

• Housekeeping Supervisor – Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management.
• Facilities Manager – Problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership.

Entertainment & Recreation

• Casino Host – Customer service, networking, and emotional intelligence.
• Spa Manager – Leadership, customer service, and adaptability.

These roles require strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to create great guest experiences.

Transferable Skills

Here are hospitality jobs that heavily rely on transferable skills, distinct from those that emphasize soft skills:

Sales & Marketing

• Hotel Sales Manager – Negotiation, relationship management, and business development.
• Digital Marketing Specialist – Content creation, SEO, and data analysis.
• Reservations Agent – Sales, customer relationship management (CRM), and communication.

Operations & Logistics

• Revenue Manager – Financial analysis, forecasting, and pricing strategy.
• Inventory Coordinator – Supply chain management, budgeting, and logistics.
• Purchasing Manager – Vendor negotiation, cost control, and contract management.

Human Resources & Training

• HR Manager – Recruitment, conflict resolution, and employee development.
• Training Coordinator – Public speaking, curriculum development, and leadership.

Technology & Data Management

• IT Support Specialist – Technical troubleshooting, cybersecurity, and software management.
• Data Analyst – Market research, trend forecasting, and reporting.

Health & Wellness Services

• Spa Director – Business operations, financial planning, and service coordination.
• Wellness Program Coordinator – Event planning, health education, and customer engagement.

These transferable skills—such as sales, financial analysis, negotiation, and data management—can be applied in multiple industries, making these roles versatile beyond hospitality.

Bring Your Skills to a Role at Westgate Resorts

Soft skills and transferable skills are both equally important for building and advancing your career at Westgate Resorts. 

If you’re ready to make the next move in your career, take the first step today and explore our career opportunities. Who knows what skills you’ll pick up?

Browse our other skills-related content:

1. What Skills Do I Need As a Bartender?
2. What Skills Do You Need For Housekeeping Jobs?
3. 10 Workplace Skills Essential for Success
   
4. How to Build Leadership Skills at Work