Making a career change can feel like stepping into the unknown, but with the right guidance, it can lead to a more fulfilling and aligned career path. Today, we have insider tips straight from Phil Davis, Director of Talent Acquisition & Career Coach at FulPhillment® Solutions, LLC. With his extensive experience in helping job seekers find their dream roles, Phil is here to share valuable strategies to ace your next interview and make your career transition smoother and more successful.
Whether you're just starting to consider a career change or you're already in the midst of the process, these insights will give you the confidence and clarity you need to make your next move count.
How to answer career change interview questions confidently
One of the most common challenges career changers face when pivoting careers is answering interview questions with confidence. It's not always easy to explain why you're switching fields or how your previous experience applies to the new role.
A key part of this is showcasing your transferable skills—those valuable abilities you’ve gained in your previous roles. Confidently highlighting how these skills can make a big impact in your new role is crucial for winning over interviewers.
But don’t worry! Today, we’ll learn from Phil Davis, who will share his techniques and insights to help you ace your next interview.
The future of recruiting and candidate experience
Recruiting is changing, with more focus on making the job application process better for candidates. Recruiters are now using social media and sharing their own stories to give job seekers a clearer picture of what it’s like to work at their companies.
This shift aims to improve how candidates feel about their job search. Phil Davis shares these trends and how they’re shaping the future of recruiting.
Phil, what new trends do you see happening in recruiting in 2023?
Phil: We will see more trends within the social media and digital spaces, where more and more recruiters will be utilizing social media networks, like LinkedIn, to share meaningful and impactful content around their company and personal brands.
Instead of what I like to call “reactionary job posts,” where jobs are primarily posted in hopes that job seekers will apply to those roles, we will start seeing more recruiters sharing their stories and experiences about the companies they work for and represent. This, in my opinion, brings a new light to the table and more clarity to job seekers about how those recruiters, or Recruiting Brand Ambassadors, as I like to call them, enjoy working at their organizations and what it would be like to be working at their company.
As far as recruiting processes and procedures, companies will strive to bring more light into more effective and meaningful candidate experiences, where the job seekers are truly treated as their customers. Recruiters work for the company in filling positions, yes, but recruiters are often the very first person a candidate interacts with, so it is paramount that candidate experience initiatives are always improving.
Theresa: Absolutely, Phil. The candidate’s experience is critical to a business’s reputation and bottom line. According to the 2022 Talent Board Business Impact of Candidate Experience Executive Brief, candidates who had a great experience are more willing to apply again, refer others, make purchases if it’s a consumer-based company, and be a brand advocate in the future, even if they didn’t get hired. They conclude, “What’s important to keep in mind is that the sheer number of candidates who employers reject during the recruiting process can quickly impact the business and the brand (…) in both positive and negative ways.”
How to communicate your strength when making a career change
When you're navigating a career change, your resume and cover letter are crucial in making a strong first impression. But don’t stop there! Phil suggests that while traditional documents like resumes and cover letters are essential, new job search strategies can also give you an edge.
It’s important to articulate your strengths clearly not just in interviews but throughout your resume and cover letter.
What tips do you have for making a successful career change?
Phil: On a high level, the most important tips I have for those who are looking to make a career change is to really tune into your strengths, what excites you about the work that you do, and showcase your accomplishments and achievements clearly by sharing stories of value and impactful results.
These can be shared on a resume/CV, cover letter, social media channels like LinkedIn, and a website or career portfolio. Remember that job opportunities that are listed by companies are primarily a vacancy that a company needs talent to help solve a particular problem and challenge, so make it clear that YOU are their solution, especially in job interviews.
What makes a candidate who is changing careers stand out positively to you?
Phil: As a recruiter, I look for the impact and results a candidate has achieved in their career and how those elements will help my company. If I can understand and clearly see alignment between what the candidate brings to the table and what the organization needs, I will share their credentials with the hiring manager and the interviewing team members who are part of the selection process for that particular role. What helps recruiters see that alignment are clear stories and meaningful information that showcases that transferable skills are evident.
Theresa: Yes, as a candidate, you want to share specific accomplishment stories and walk the interviewer through the steps you took to achieve a desired result. You want the interviewer to be able to picture you doing this and think, “that’s exactly what I want them to do for my company.”
What resume tips do you have for someone wanting to make a career change?
Phil: As I mentioned earlier, be very clear about sharing the impact, value, and results you have provided the companies you worked for. Remember, your resume is a snapshot of your career, not a novel or a storybook. Keep things concise but clear and direct. YOU are the subject matter expert in your craft, so share your value!
Can you share one interview question you often ask and what you’re looking for in an answer?
Phil: One of my all-time favorite questions to ask job seekers is:
“What excites you about this particular role with us?”
I want to get the sense that a candidate believes they are the solution for the role I am working on and why I should consider them further along in the selection process. Share brief and meaningful examples about similar and previous work that you enjoyed that will excite you in this role.
I also want to understand where they see themselves in the company for the long haul and what interests them about the organization. If the company has a mission statement or employee core values, I want to know how their values align with the company’s and vice versa.
Recruiters interview a ton of candidates daily and weekly. Hence, it’s important that you research the role and the company before you interview with us, the hiring manager, and the interviewers.
Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be somebody you are not; go into interviews as your true, authentic self, and let us know your story, impact, and expertise!
Theresa: This is my favorite quote of the day “be yourself. (…) go into interviews as your true, authentic self, and let us know your story, impact, and expertise!” To show your best, authentic self to prospective employers, practice and prepare for the interview, don’t pretend to be perfect, think about why this opportunity sparks joy, and let your genuine excitement shine through.
You’re not alone: Seek support
Making a career change can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support and gain clarity as you navigate this transition. A key part of this journey is effectively articulating your transferable skills and showcasing your value in every aspect of your job search.
Phil’s advice underscores the importance of clarity in your resume and cover letter, but remember, there are tools and strategies to help you along the way. My Career Clarity Formula is designed to help job seekers like you gain the clarity you need, articulate your strengths, and land your dream job. Whether you’re refining your resume or preparing for an interview, support is available to ensure you shine in every step of your career change journey.
FAQ About Career Change Interview Questions
What should I focus on when preparing for a career change interview?
When preparing for a career change interview, emphasize how your previous experience and transferable skills make you a strong fit for the new role. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Research the company thoroughly, understand their mission and values, and prepare to articulate why you’re excited about the opportunity. Most importantly, be authentic and let your genuine enthusiasm and unique story shine through.
How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills in my resume and cover letter?
To effectively highlight your transferable skills, focus on showcasing how your past experiences align with the requirements of your new role. Use specific examples and results to demonstrate your impact. Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. This approach helps potential employers see how your background makes you a strong fit for the new role.
About the author
I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Coach, Job Search Strategist, and President of Career Bloom. With a background in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Management
After struggling with career uncertainty and the fear of starting over, I finally discovered my true calling and found a job that makes me excited to wake up every day. This clarity transformed my career and filled me with joy, knowing I’m doing work that truly matters. How did I achieve this? By gaining crystal-clear insight into my purpose. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through this discovery process to help them find their ideal career.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
Conclusion
Changing careers can be challenging, but you’ve got the tools to succeed. Phil Davis’s advice helps you spotlight your strengths, craft impactful resumes and cover letters, and shine in interviews. By focusing on your transferable skills and staying true to yourself, you can navigate this transition with confidence. Remember, you're not alone in this journey—take it step by step, and you'll be on your way to a fulfilling new career.
If you are looking for FulPhillment® in your job search, check out Phil’s brand-new Intro Job Seeking Masterclass.
Resources
- 4 Steps to building your personal brand story for a successful career change
- How to actually land a job through networking
- 5 Ways to Land A Job Faster With a Focused Job Search
- Find the skills that energize and motivate you. The ones that make you say, "I want to do this every day!"
- Find the 3 steps to successfully change your career
- Secrets to Career Happiness
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
