So while my background may not be traditional for the role, it has prepared me with a unique set of skills which few candidates would bring to the role. 10 Answers. You will deal with many different circumstances, situations and people, and each of these is unique. Once you reach a certain level of skill in your field (this will be long before you are the best at it), start teaching others. They make you more of a mature person. What is it about this job that interests you? 3 No-Fluff Fixes. Maybe you have a cause or charity that’s close to your heart. My familiarity with the company and recommendations from co-workers helped convince her to take a risk—so when a position opened up in marketing, she brought me in. Similar interview questions: So while my background may not be traditional for the role, it has prepared me with a unique set of skills which few candidates would bring to the role. Further review: know the answers to these 100 Common Interview Questions to be fully prepared for your interview! When I realized I didn’t want to go into programming, I knew I had to focus on why I felt that way. Diversity in the workplace is critical—and not just when it comes to race, gender, and age. I liked the work itself well enough. There are different ways to respond when a hiring manager asks you, “Why do you want to work here?” The most important thing is to be authentic. Start by opening up your Google calendar and finding a 1.5 hour block of time that works for you at least 5 days every week (yes, that includes weekends). You were the first ones to actually call me back for an interview, so here I am…". But many times, companies are happy to let you explore a new role if it means they get to retain a valued employee. If you want to make sure you’re definitely ready for the interview, check out our complete list of 35+ common interview questions and answers to help you prepare even more. How do your qualifications cross over into this field or industry? Answer Save. As an example of this, my recent internship had a component which involved selling existing customers on expanding the use of our services…", An example of how you should not answer this question: I love solving complex problems, and there’s something really satisfying about sitting down, just you and your computer. This position at your company is offering a decent amount of scope to portray responsibility. If you are interested in that you might like my story. "My work experience in auditing is related to the financial work required for this Financial Analyst role. Any personal story for why you care about a topic or are fascinated by a topic will make a good answer for why you chose this job you’re interviewing for. Read More: What Actually Happened When I Transferred to a Different Team at My Company. Why the interviewer is asking this question: Responsibilities in the workplace teach you to tackle even the harshest of situations, with patience. So when you’re looking for a position in a new field, make sure to use your work history as a selling point. My field of study was Electrical Engineering with a minor in Spanish Language. I studied science in secondary school (that's after high school and before college in India). What is your field of study? I hope that you feel this way as well. You can prove you are different with 30 minutes of pre-interview preparation. As an experienced Auditor, I know what to look for underneath the numbers which most Financial Analyst candidates simply accept at face value. Why would you leave behind all of your prior experience and education to do this work? You've dug deep enough to know the pros and cons of this field, and you still want to take the plunge. Finally connect your story and motivation to this job, the one you are interviewing for. This means that the farmer works in the place referred to as the field. After literally spending years studying one thing, I was dismayed to realize that I didn’t want to go in that direction. Whether it’s due to culture fit, day-to-day tasks, or work-life balance, understanding what you need to be happy at work will make it much easier to figure out which positions and workplaces are best for you. After all, it’s a big change. Computer systems design and information services are expanding rapidly. So here is my request, I would like to record why you find working in the compliance profession meaningful. As cell phone companies improve their services, specialists in microelectronics will be in demand. It doesn’t have to be a health-related example, either. How Did You Do? I would like to work in audio/video editing/engineering, massage therapy, journalism, or graphic design; which of these is the easiest field to work in? When you don’t have much (or any) background in your desired field, it can be tough to get companies to take a chance on you. "Well, I found out that my degree is pretty much useless for getting a job, so I’m pretty much applying for any job that I can get. Of course, it depends upon your field and the research you have done to determine job availability and the likelihood that you’ll be one of the candidates hired for that perfect job. Nisha Ahluwalia is the Chief Marketing Officer at, 10% off Career Coaching | Use code NEWYEAR10 thru Jan 17th |, Are You Secretly Unhappy at Work? Why the interviewer is asking this question: The question is being asked because you are perceived to be a non-traditional candidate. When it comes to working in the medical field, you have a lot of options. Then discuss your motivation for the role as a long-term player, not just as a stepping stone role. While it was daunting to essentially start over after four years spent studying one very specialized field, I’ve never regretted my decision. 7. to gauge whether the candidate is specifically interested in … An example of how to best answer this question for experienced candidates: The nagging feeling that you’re not suited for what you just spent four or more years studying doesn’t often go away—it just continues to grow with time. Early on in my career, I faced this exact dilemma when I graduated with a degree and background in computer science, yet no desire to enter the field. Instead of ditching my background and skills and pretending that I wasn’t knowledgeable in computer science, I found a way to navigate the job search based on what I knew about myself and what I wanted to do with my life. You’re always putting others before yourself. Here’s a real example from a past customer, who was asked, “Why do you want to be a mental health nurse?” Mental health is an important issue for me. Why the interviewer is asking this question: This question is asked by employers in specific industries such as tech, finance, insurance, retail, manufacturing, etc. It's always a good idea to take time to explore career opportunities, regardless of whether you're just starting out or at mid-career looking for something different the next time around. You need to do your best to connect your experience and/or education to the role, even though they may not necessarily be directly related in a traditional sense. As an example, during my recent audit of __________, I was able to identify…", "My degree in communications has given me a broad foundation for being successful in a Sales role with your firm. Diversity in the workplace is critical—and not just when it comes to race, gender, and age. Sales success is about the ability to communicate with the customer and close the sale. Why do you want to work in IT field? You will always be on your toes because you never know what will happen. Relevance. Countless Opportunities: When you decide to enter the health care field, you can choose from a variety of different opportunities. The best approach to answering this question: Every university will screen and evaluate every applicant to ensure that the candidate will be able to adapt, undertake and succeed in the chosen field of studies. 3. You might discover that you love a job, or you might find that it's something you'd never want to do. Whatever you do, make sure that it’s a natural fit for you. I hope they’ll help you on your career path, no matter what you majored in and what you’d like to do instead. The most notable example of this was the warning I received from a hiring manager in an interview. If you want to provide direct patient care, you can work in a variety of jobs, such as … Although the department wasn’t ideal, I loved the people, culture, and product. Why would you leave behind all of your prior experience and education to do this work? "My work experience in auditing is related to the financial work required for this Financial Analyst role. The farmer works on the field. Being a problem solver in the classroom and at work can lead to you being a problem solver in life as well. You can work in clinics, homes, hospitals, labs, or even directly with the patients, such as a Patient Care Technician. Consider some of the awesome things about working in the medical field listed below. My background and training gives me special insights which will be highly beneficial for the role. Read More: Are You Secretly Unhappy at Work? After the internship ended, I sent personal thank you notes to all of the executives I had met and reached out the recruiter to let her know I was interested in working there full-time, albeit in a different position. To tell you the truth, responsibilities shape every individual in different ways. You can’t just say “I want to do the job” – you need to actually, genuinely, care. You first need to say why you want to be a part of the company and then you can say why you want the specific position. In the years that I’ve been in marketing, I’ve found a computer science background has not only been helpful, but it’s also given me additional credibility, and the opportunity to work on projects I might not have been considered for otherwise. It can refer to the farmer himself being on the field while he works, or it can refer to the crops or livestock that are on the field. College isn’t about learning the laser-focused skills you need for your future career—it’s about developing and enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving ability, which is applicable to any number of jobs. While I definitely know programmers who are team players and development environments that are dynamic and exciting, there’s still a pattern of individualism and relative quiet that doesn’t mesh with my work style. As an experienced Auditor, I know what to look for underneath the numbers which most Financial Analyst candidates simply accept at face value. The farmer works in the field. You were the first ones to actually call me back for an interview, so here I am…". When you want a significantly different experience at work, you might think you need to seek out a new company. He told me that I’d be working in a quiet lab and probably wouldn’t have a lot of fun when I come into the office, but the job was mine if I wanted it. What do you know about our industry? If you find yourself wondering why you majored in psychology, philosophy, or biology, when the truth is, none of those are fields you care to pursue, you’re in good company. I enjoyed math and science in high school, and as a result I became involved with a project when I was in 12th grade called Or if you prefer the administrative side, you may seek to advance your career as an office manager. 6. ... universities and pharmaceutical companies and they may work in laboratories, and do field and computer work. As an example of this, my recent internship had a component which involved selling existing customers on expanding the use of our services…", "Well, I found out that my degree is pretty much useless for getting a job, so I’m pretty much applying for any job that I can get. Embrace Your Past. Often, you run into a paradox where you need relevant experience to get a job, but you need a job to get relevant experience. Teaching forces you to learn even more, and build more experience. In fact, you don’t need any contacts at all – you can make them all on your own (see this article for a step-by-step guide) You don’t need a degree in the field you want to One of the best ways to get a job in a different field from what you studied is to get a postgraduate degree such as an MBA, MA or MSc. After you’ve researched the company and job description as it relates to your background, condense and structure your answer. When asked why you want to work somewhere, you actually need to address two questions instead of one. The career field you choose will determine how easy or difficult it is to transition into your new job. How do your qualifications cross over into this field or industry? The experiences, satisfactions and lifestyle connected with this new kind of work suit your goals. why do people want to work in a field that fits their education? For example, if you find that you like to work directly with patients, you may pursue an education in nursing. Here are a few things I learned along the way. Ideally, use this as a platform to discuss how your background makes you unique for the role. Talk to your manager (and HR department) about your interest in pursuing something else within the organization, and explain why you think you’d be great at it. While you can certainly write down your answer for practice, you should be prepared to respond without information in front of you. ~~~ 1. Ask a Recruiter: How Can I Figure Out a Career Path When I've Had So Many Jobs. You don’t want to feel like you have to drag yourself to do this, otherwise it will never work. Your saving grace is if a company already knows what a bright, hard-working, and talented employee you are since it’ll be a lot easier to get convince it of your value. When a recruiter or potential employer asks either of these questions, they want to know – are you really interested in this job, or was their job just another job posting you stumbled over on a job board? And when I look back at the doors my background in computer science has opened, I’m able to confidently say that if given the choice, I’d do the same thing over again. Working with what you’ve already got in your arsenal is a great way to shift careers with the least chance of backward movement (i.e., landing in an entry level job), but if you really want to make forward progress, you’re going to have to learn some new tricks. Before you walk into the interview, you should already have an answer to this question. What is your motivation for switching careers? Whatever you’re bringing to the table, make sure to bring up some examples of how your skills are an asset for the position you’re after. Your work environment is also influenced by your values, your personality type and the kind of work that you do. Since I wasn’t sure about which field I wanted to go into yet, I just let her know that I would be interested in any position outside of the engineering department. But at a certain point, you need to stay true to how you want to spend your day, which problems you want to solve, and what you want to learn. What is your motivation for switching careers? Put It In Your Calendar. This isn’t really what the question is about, though; they’re asking why you want to work for them, not why they should hire you. And if you’re not finding that in your current position, it’s time to make a change. While the specifics of the job may vary in human services, one thing remains consistent across the board—all human services professionals use compassion to help others overcome their personal challenges. That just explains why you’re interested in tech – after that, you would then go on to state all the usual reasons about why you want to do PE. My education has also helped me understand the needs of technical teams on a deeper level. Ultimately, social, collaborative settings are where I do my best work and feel most energized. Look for the aspects of your experience and/or your education that connect you to this role. You can’t ignore it. In other words, you're going toward something rather than running away from your current work. "My degree in communications has given me a broad foundation for being successful in a Sales role with your firm. What you do not need to land a career in a different field/industry: You don’t need an extensive network of contacts. Changing your career is a big decision, and it’s okay to feel nervous or intimidated. There is something for everyone’s interest. As an example, during my recent audit of __________, I was able to identify…", An example of how to best answer this question for entry level candidates: Read More: Ask a Recruiter: How Can I Figure Out a Career Path When I've Had So Many Jobs? My background and training gives me special insights which will be highly beneficial for the role. If you can effectively make your case, there’s a good chance you’ll be considered for a position outside the team you interned with. When you’re competing against dozens of other applicants, it’s a surefire way to stand out and gain an edge of the other candidates. 3 No-Fluff Fixes, What Actually Happened When I Transferred to a Different Team at My Company. Near the end of my college career, I took an internship in tech support at a company I really enjoyed. So I just became stabilized recently after being mentally unstable for most of my life, and now I want to get my shit back in order. You can care for patients as they recover, assist families through some of the most difficult times in their lives, or work behind the scenes to keep a medical facility running smoothly. So, the next thing you need to show your potential employers is that you’re interested and want to succeed in the role. “Why do you want this job” is another version of this question. Whatever you choose, try to end your answer by showing you’re still interested in this career and the work that you do. If you can identify what you want, leverage established relationships, and sell others on your past experience, you’ll be that much closer to discovering where you’re truly meant to be and what you’re truly meant to be doing. Having people with different backgrounds, skills, and experience guarantees that a team will be able to approach problems from different angles and come up with unique solutions. I selected this major as soon as I entered Penn State University in 1996. Sales success is about the ability to communicate with the customer and close the sale. The interviewer wants to know how your previous background in non-related roles and/or education may tie in with the role as well as your motivations for pursuing such a role. Why did you choose this field to work in? Instead of memorizing it, remember a couple of key points you want to address. Having people with different backgrounds, skills, and experience guarantees that a team will be able to approach problems from different angles and come up with unique solutions. The question is being asked because you are perceived to be a non-traditional candidate. Choices. If these five reasons have piqued your interest, you may want to further explore how to get started on this career path. The key point is that you should tie your response to something you’ve done in the past, as opposed to a simple “interest” you have. Here are six different work environment types that suit different kinds of people and occupations: 1. But in the programming classes and jobs I’d taken, I never felt very comfortable. It’s critical to identify why you’re unhappy with your current career path to figure out next steps. Some fields such as the medical profession, accounting or information technology may require specific technical training for you to complete before you can begin working. Regardless of your specific role in the industry, you'll play some part in helping people, or even entire communities, and positively affect their lives as a result. First, you should decide your next move, field-wise. Then, explain what keeps you energized about the work on a daily basis or led you to where you are today. Tough Interview Question: Why are you applying for a job in a field outside your current career or college major? You’ve seen their product, believe in their mission, and like their approach, but aren’t sure you want to take on the risk of working at a startup. As hard as it was to resist a ringing endorsement like that, I passed. This means that the farmer does his work on the surface of the field. Have you ever really thought about what kind of environment invigorates you most? These are my reasons why I am passionate about working in the compliance field and why I find the work so meaningful. 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