We recently had some work done on the house. The carpenter showed up with his van full of tools and toolboxes in various sizes and shapes. Depending on what needed to be done, he selected a different tool from a different box.

As someone who is changing careers, looking for a new job or returning to the workforce, you also need to have your tool box in order. Just as a carpenter needs to have a set of core skills and know how to use his tools in different contexts, you need to be aware of your set of skills and how you can use them in different contexts, with different employers in different industries and perhaps countries.

To get your tool box in order start by simply listing your experiences, skills and achievements in general. To make sure you have included everything, ask a good friend who has known you a long time, a former or current trusted colleague or a family member what he or she thinks are your strongest skills and achievements. You will be surprised!

Then reorganize your skills according to your area of expertise and relevance. The questions are; what are you best at and in what setting have you used a skill? Try to connect each skill to a result or an achievement; this will be useful in future job interviews.

The next step is to evaluate your list of skills and how you can use them at your next job or in your new career. For example, budgeting, client service, supervisory, leadership, analytical and research & communication skills can be easily transferred to a new industry or a related career or job.

However, to make the best of your tool box, you need to know what tools are needed now and in the future. This is where research and exploration comes into question. If you are planning for a strategic career move or a career transformation make sure you know what skills employers are looking for, and how you can use the skills in your tool box to get the job done or meet the needs of your future clients.

Finally, remember to devote time to keeping your tool box in order and up to date.