Do a Full Mock Interview With Career Change Focus
For career changers a mock interview serves an additional purpose beyond general preparation. It is the only way to know whether your career change narrative lands as confident and compelling or as uncertain and defensive. You need to know the answer to that question before you are in a real interview, not during one.
For career changers a mock interview serves an additional purpose beyond general preparation. It is the only way to know whether your career change narrative lands as confident and compelling or as uncertain and defensive. You need to know the answer to that question before you are in a real interview, not during one.
Step by Step
Find someone to practice with. A trusted friend, former colleague, or mentor works well. If possible find someone who does not already know your full career change story since their reaction will be the most honest reflection of how it lands to a stranger.
If no practice partner is available record yourself. Do not stop the recording.
Run through this sequence paying particular attention to the career change specific questions: Tell me about yourself (90 seconds, should naturally include your transition) Why are you making this career change? Why should we hire you over someone with direct experience in this field? What do you know about this industry? Are you sure this is the direction you want to go? Walk me through your most relevant experience. Tell me about a time you had to learn something completely new quickly. What is your greatest transferable strength? Where do you see yourself in three years in this field? What questions do you have for us?
Get specific feedback on: Does your career change narrative sound confident and genuine or uncertain and apologetic? Are you clearly connecting your previous experience to the new role? Does your "why" for making the change sound real and considered? Are your examples specific or vague? Do you apologize for your background before sharing examples?
Identify your 2 weakest moments and practice those specifically until they improve.
Tips The career change questions at the top of the list are the most important ones to get right. Practice them until they feel completely natural and confident. Record yourself specifically on the "why should we hire you over someone with direct experience" question. Listen back honestly. If you would not find that answer convincing neither will an interviewer.