Interview Questions for Career Changers
Here is a list of some of the most popular interview questions asked. Obviously, there can be no guarantee you will be asked any of these questions but if you practise and prepare you will be in a better position to respond.
1. You say a career in this industry is right for you. Why?
The interviewer is asking this question to check that this career change has been well considered and that you are knowledgeable about the industry you are trying to enter. Consider how long you have been interested in this area and what skills and attributes you possess that are suited to this industry and the specific job.
2. How did you reach your decision to follow this career?
The interviewer is asking you to share your decision making process with him or her. Try to avoid waffling with this question. This is an opportunity to emphasise that this has been a considered choice based on extensive research, work experience, educational input and that it is reflective of your interests, skills and attributes. However, was there one defining moment when you realised that this was the job for you? Is this something you would like to share with the interviewer?
3. How do you explain your decision to change your career direction?
The interviewer is interested in understanding your motives behind this proposed career change. This is an opportunity to reassure the interviewer that although you are coming from a different career area, you possess the necessary transferable skills and personal attributes to be successful in the job you are applying for. Provide examples from your previous or current job of where you have developed skills that are relevant / essential requirements for the job you are applying for.
4. This field of work is extremely competitive - your background is, to say the least, unusual. What makes you think you could succeed in this profession?
The interviewer is trying to assess:
1) Whether you will cope with the job due to your unusual background. Are you aware of any training you might need to do to offset your unusual background and to support you in the job? If so, what are you currently doing to address this? If you are not aware of anything then research may be needed.
2) How passionate and committed you are about this field of work. The interviewer will be observing how you respond to this challenging question. Try to provide a calm, rational, well-supported justification. Do not feel threatened; the interviewer is simply assessing how aware you are of the hurdles you will need to overcome to be successful in this competitive career area.
5. How do we know that this change in career direction won’t just be a passing phase?
The interviewer is looking for reassurance that you are committed to this career / job and that it will be worth investing money to train you. Highlight your commitment to learning about, studying, or working within the career area up to the present day. Outline any ambitions / longer-term career aspirations you have within this career area and, ideally, within the company i.e. where you see yourself in 5 years’ time.
6. How do you feel about having to start at the bottom again when you have had considerable responsibility in your last job?
The interviewer is looking to see whether you are happy to follow instructions rather than give them. State that you don’t mind at all and that you relish the opportunity to learn and develop your knowledge about the industry. Highlight that you are a quick learner and will enjoy the training.
7. Because of your lack of experience in this field, we couldn’t pay you what you are being paid in your current job. How will you cope with taking a drop in salary?
The interviewer is assessing how committed you are to the job and whether you have really considered and planned for the change in financial circumstances. Prior to interview, YOU must financially assess whether you can afford and are happy to take the pay cut. The interviewer will be unwilling to employ someone they think will later squabble over their pay and perhaps resign. Explain to the interviewer that you understand why the salary is what it is and that you have budgeted for this. You may also want to highlight that the starting salary will act as an incentive for you to work hard and gain the necessary experience to warrant a better salary.
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