Job interviews can create anxiety for even the most seasoned professional, but you may feel especially apprehensive if you are making a career transition to a new field. How can you put your best foot forward when you are new to the industry? Career transition coaching can help you to feel more confident about your interview, whether you are trying to change roles or move to a new industry.
Transition Coaching Tips for Your Job Interview
Highlight your transferable skills. Our first transition coaching tip is to show how your transferable skills qualify you for the job position. Even if you are new to the industry, you will want to demonstrate that you have used the skills needed for the job in other ways in your previous industry. Take a look at the job listing to determine the keywords and main skills the position requires. Then think about 2-3 situations in your previous industry where you have used each of those skills. You can make a short bulleted list to help you remember during the interview if needed.
Marketable results. Our next tip is to show the hiring manager what you bring to your new industry and the best way to do this is by showing any marketable results from your previous job and industry. This could also include completed projects, client kudos, recommendations, and/or your portfolio. It may be helpful to prepare a short presentation or handout to provide to the hiring manager so that they have your marketable results on file after the interview.
Ask questions. It’s important to ask the hiring manager questions during your interview. Especially since you are making a career transition, you will want to make sure that this new job position and environment will be a good fit for you. Consider asking the following:
- What is expected of the person in this role in the first 30, 60, 90 days?
- What is a typical week at work in this position like?
- How would you describe the company culture?
It’s also important to ask the hiring manager if they would like you to touch on anything else that hasn’t been covered.
Anticipate red flags. Another transition coaching tip is to anticipate any red flags that may come up during your interview. For example, one red flag could be the fact that you are making a career transition. Then, take the initiative to address that issue in a way that puts you both at ease. You could start the interview by saying “You may be wondering why I am transitioning into this industry after so many years in another.” Then, explain briefly why you are making a career transition. Make sure to keep things positive and what you hope to contribute to your new industry.
Dress for your new industry. Every industry has a certain style of dress, so one way to show that you fit in is by what you wear to your job interview. For example, the attire that a lawyer may use for an interview would be different from what a computer technician may wear for an interview. If you are unsure of what would be appropriate in your new industry, reach out to your network and ask them what is common to wear to work and for job interviews in that particular industry. Then, be careful not to overdress or underdress for your job interview.
Do you need career transition coaching? Schedule a free consult with us today.
