How NOT to answer “Why are you changing careers?” 👇
“Well, you know there’s a pay cap for my profession after a while, and I want to make more money.”
Honesty is the best policy, but that’s a bit too much honesty, and it can come across as a red flag.
Try this instead:
>>“I loved my career as an {insert career here}, but I feel like I outgrew it. While compensation is also a factor in my decision, my primary reason for switching roles is growth and aligning my future role with my current passions.”
By framing it like this, you show them that you’re not only motivated by money but aspire to grow into another role and are interested in continuous development.
“I’m looking for a remote job because I’m tired of commuting 2 hours daily.”
Again, it’s too real, and it sounds like you’re in it only for the benefits and have done no research on how to succeed in this new role.
Hiring managers want to know what you can do for THEM, not how this move will serve YOU.
Try this instead:
>>“Through my hybrid role, I discovered that I’m more productive when I’m in my own space, and I’d like to use my newfound efficiency to help your organization with {insert job description target here}.”
This answer shows that something real triggered the change, so it wasn’t a face-value reason to get out of commuting (even though that’s part of it) and highlights how this person is more productive remotely, which would benefit the company.
>>”I’m looking for a new challenge.”
The oldest yet most used answer in the career changers’ book. Recruiters have heard this a million times, and while looking for a new challenge is exciting, it doesn’t necessarily exude confidence that you’ll be able to perform (which is why they’re interviewing you, btw).
It’s vague, bland, and doesn’t do you any favors despite sounding positive.
Try this instead:
“I want to change careers because I’ve always been passionate about {insert industry name here} because {real reason}. I’m confident I can leverage {skill 1 you learned in your current career} and {skill 2 you learned in your current career} to achieve your company’s targets. This role aligns perfectly with my strengths, and I could contribute from day 1.”
This gives the recruiter a peek into your passions and what triggered the career change.
It could be anything, like how you saw a video one day and decided that’s something you’d like to pursue or it has always been an interest of yours.
Plus, it also shows that you’ve done your research and are looking to make this ROI-positive if they take a chance on you.
Senior System Engineer @ Veeam Software
7moThanks for sharing