Tough Questions You'll Face When You Decide To Change Jobs

Sep 2
21:03

2013

Seth Atkins

Seth Atkins

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If you have decided to change jobs in the middle of your life, than you need to expect to deal with some tough questions during your next job interview.

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If you have decided to change jobs in the middle of your life,Tough Questions You'll Face When You Decide To Change Jobs Articles than you need to expect to deal with some tough questions during your next job interview.  Your new employer is going to want to know why you want to enter a new field and hear a detailed history of how your previous experiences have prepared you for this new one. It’s going to be like a dentist trying to explain how all of his work with patients has led him to be understanding enough to deal with children in social work. The answers are there, but they are hidden and sometimes difficult to discern. This following guide explains the types of questions you’ll deal with and gives plausible explanations that will have your new boss begging to hire you.

Why did you suddenly decide to change jobs?

This is the most difficult answer that 45% of Americans fail, according to the United States Job Survey in 2012. You need to come up with an answer that both explains how you fit into your last career, but also how you are positively changing so that this new job will be a better fit. Come up with an example of a situation that showed leadership, like a co-worker suddenly leaving, and explain how you took over responsibility immediately.

How is your previous experience relevant to this job?

When you change jobs you need to think not of the exact tasks that you did daily, but how they communicate your skills as a whole. Think of it like a summary instead of detailed notes when showcasing your skills. If you show that your qualified in skills such as critical thinking, leadership, group work, or research, you ultimately show that you are qualified to do them in a new setting.

What thoughtful action have you demonstrated to prove this choice has been made carefully?

It is never a good idea to come across like you made the choice to change jobs as a last minute escape. Anyone who seems flighty also seems at risk for doing the same mistake at a different job. Explain your thought process about leaving your previous field and show understanding that your desire and skills are needed in a different field. Talk about the preparation you did behind research and what you hope to get out of this new company that you were missing in the last.

How can you be sure this is a change you want to make?

The last emotion you want to convey is that you risk showing buyers remorse after entering into this new job. To change jobs is a life-changing event but it is also a commitment. Never talk outright badly about your previous position but if you felt the system was overly rigid, then don’t be afraid to admit it. Explain how the difficulties you experienced shaped you into a better person and mention the qualities you gained from doing so. This is your chance to highlight background research you’ve done about your new boss’s company so compliment their record of outstanding performance for example. The more you prove you know what you’re getting into, the better shot you have at landing the spot.