Learning Discussion
MODULE
All modules
Lesson 13. Why Do You Want to Change Your Career Path?

How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Change Your Career Path?"

How can you keep it positive while you also emphasize your transferable skills for a new role you've never done before?
Don't worry. A rewarding career can be yours—we just need to make sure the recruiters, hiring managers, and future co-workers also see you being a success in the role.
Here's our three-step process for answering "Why do you want to change your career path?"

1. Know What Not to Say When Answering "Why Do You Want to Change Your Career Path?"

Sometimes what not to say is as important—or even more important—as what you should say. Here are a few things not to say, even if they're true:
Notice the theme here? Steer clear of negativity at all costs. We're not telling you to lie or stretch the truth. Rather, we are encouraging you to find the bright spot in why you are making this career shift.
How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Change Your...
Delete Drag

Give Your (Inspiring) Reason for Changing Your Career Path

 

Emphasize the positive reasons that have led you to this job interview. Perhaps you're inspired by the work they're doing, by their company culture, or by the opportunity the job offers.
Perhaps the skills and experience line up perfectly with your skills and experience—don't you love when that happens? 
Refer to the job description and recent company history when constructing your answer to this question
Give Your (Inspiring) Reason for Changing Your Career Path  ...
Delete Drag

What to say:

 

I have been thinking of moving on to a larger organization for a while so that I can bring my skills to a large-scale audience. When I saw this opportunity at [ORGANIZATION] open up, I knew I had to apply. My background in [EXPERTISE FROM JOB POST] and [EXPERTISE FROM JOB POST] seems to line up perfectly with the position, which is so exciting to me. 

What to say:   I have been thinking of moving...
Delete Drag

As a part of [COMPANY'S] team, I can see my future as a [JOB TITLE] open up before me. I believe I can bring my [SKILLSET] to [PROJECT] as well as gain new experience to grow my career within [COMPANY.] I am so excited for this opportunity to propel my career at an organization like [COMPANY.] 

As a part of [COMPANY'S] team, I can see my...
Delete Drag

If You're Only Switching Industry

"I love being a Project Manager and I've really honed my skills working at a fast-paced Fintech company, however, during Covid I became really passionate about healthcare. I'm looking to transfer my project management skills to a healthcare company that's using technology to make it more accessible for people.

If You're Switching Job Function And Industry

"I landed my current job through my college's career center and felt very fortunate to develop my career over the last 5 years in digital marketing and working at an agency has allowed me to work with a variety of clients. Because of this, I'm very drawn to working in-house as an account manager where I can continue to use my relationship-building skills to the benefit of one company and make a larger impact. I know my current career has prepared me well for this next step."

If You're Only Switching Your Job Function

"I've been working in consulting for 10 years as a recruiter and have had the opportunity to hire some of the best salespeople. Through those hires and learning more about the skills required to be successful at sales, I feel I'm ready to make a career transition to a sales role. Some of the reasons why I think making this transition from recruiting to sales right now are X, Y, and Z."
If You're Only Switching Industry "I love being a Project...
Delete Drag
Delete Drag
Next: Lesson 14. Tell me about a challenge you had to overcome in the workplace