career pivot part 3 tough interview questions
TRANSCRIPT
Developing A Career Business Plan
Tough Interview Questions for Career Changers
About me
Yue-Wen LIM25 year corporate career veteran
http://careerhmo.com/coach/yue-wen-lim/[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/limyw
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First of allCongratulations on getting the interview!You have gone against the oddsThere is something that the recruiter has seen in you despite limited previous experienceNow is the time to sell them what you have and how this can help them
Recruiter Key Concerns About Career ChangersLack of prior relevant experience? How long will you stay? How will you fit in?
How will this candidate make me look good?
Key Questions for Career ChangersWhy do you want to switch careers? Why do you want to work here?Why should we hire you?How long will you take to settle in
Why do you want to switch careers?Tell a storyconnect the dots
Create a connection from past to presentHave a themeAvoid over-emphasizing personal feelings (eg personal fulfilment)Talk about value you bring to the table
ie What did you do wrong in your last job?
Why do you want to switch careers?Your history is not a liability but a strength
Why do you want to work here?Why did you chose us for this new career?The role is more junior / the pay is lowerHow long will you stay?
Emphasize the Fit
As a problem solver: how your skills can help solve the companys problemsCultural fit: how your working style and values matches the companyPersonal fit: eg like the products/services, great location
Why do you want to work here?The job looks great to me because of xyz.Eg I can use my skills / experience.Eg Learning & growth opportunitiesEg Fits your personality, preferences (culture)Eg Location is 5 minutes away, I love using the products
Why do you want to work here?Show belief in achieving growth in the organisation I plan to add value in this position, develop my skills to help grow the company, and eventually move into roles of greater responsibilityShow desire for job stability In my last job, I stayed for x years. I plan to stay as long as I can. I dont want to change jobs if I can avoid it..
Why should we hire you?ie With your limited experience, how can you contribute?
Be confident
Talk about benefits first (ie how you can help improve the company or the life of the person hiring you)Then talk about features (ie your transferable skills)
Features may have gotten you in the door for the interview, but benefits will get you the job
A personal exampleBenefitsFeaturesI will solve your high staff turnover issueI have extensive people management experience and a successful track record of building effective teamsI will help you expand your brand presence internationally with a lower marketing budgetIn my previous roles, I leveraged on non traditional marketing strategies which had greater ROIs and impactful resultsI will increase the quality of your MBA student intake In my past roles, I moved the customer base to a higher level by re-crafting outreach messages and targeting the right segments
How Long Will you take to settle in?ie when will you start to contribute?
Present your plans & goals for the role when you come onboardShows your commitment for successBecomes a discussion instead of an interviewShows you understand the job, can do the job, and will do the job instead of risk, you become an asset!
How Long Will you take to settle in?Elements of your activity plan:Getting to know the business and the companyEvaluating any changes or improvements neededImplementation, initiate, bringing in results
Key question to interviewer:if I were to be able to carry out the plan, do you think I would be successful in this job?
SummaryAddress interviewers key concerns about career changersDemonstrate commitment and show pro-activenessBecome an asset not a risk!