Navigating a midlife career switch? Be prepared to answer these four interview questions

Mid-career is considered an important stage in every individual’s professional journey. Often referred to as the period of refinement, it is during this midlife period that you decide to take up greater roles and responsibilities based on your learnings and experiences. This is why switching careers at this stage seems to frighten even the most confident professionals. And it rightfully should, because any actions taken while executing a career change are bound to influence the next few years of your life.

Throughout this phase of transition, we are told to expand our skill sets, build connections, update our resumes, get the necessary education and secure our finances. But something that nobody pays much heed to is the significance of preparing for that career-switch interview. The simple question “why do you want to switch your career” is apt to become a critical one that requires preparation and thought.

So, here are some common interview questions that you must be prepared for to smoothly enter a new career field.

1. Question: What’s making you change your career at this stage of your professional life?
It is natural for any interviewer to want to understand the reason behind such a life-altering decision. Plus, they want to make sure that you are the right fit for their company.

Begin by explaining that you are aware of what you are getting into and the consequences associated with it. Then, talk about the actual reason that made you take this call and how you see your future being different with this move. Also, emphasise on how the career you wish to switch to can make the best use of your skills and abilities.

You can speak about the ways in which you have prepared for such a shift, including any courses you have taken, any projects you have worked on, volunteering and so on. All of these show serious intent in the shift.

2. Question: Have you prepared yourself well for this new role?
Researching a field is one thing, but attaining the right set of skills to excel in it is a whole different task altogether. Employers want to assess that you not only have the proper knowledge but also the skills to exercise it.

The right way to frame your answer to this question is to first bring the employer’s attention to your transferable skills. Certain skills such as independent working, collaboration, time management, presentation and leadership are common to almost all professions. So, identify the transferable skills for this shift.

Next, speak about the educational qualifications you have earned to make yourself suitable for the industry you plan to enter. Furthermore, mention your plans to continuously upskill yourself in order to contribute to the company’s growth.

3. Question: Does starting from scratch concern you? People younger than you might be your seniors in this new field. So, are you comfortable with it?
While this is not true for every individual planning for a mid-career switch, the chances are that one might have to start at a lower level. So recruiters are curious to know how you will operate in such a situation.

This might be the right time to quote an example from a past experience where you learned something highly valuable from a younger professional — it could be a skill, management technique or a crucial piece of information. They should see that you are passionate enough to start from scratch to achieve your long-term goals.

If it’s important for the role, highlight other skills that come with experience such as the ability to collaborate with various individuals and navigate uncertainty.

4. Question: Are you okay with a pay cut?
This could be a difficult question.

A smart way to answer this question is to accept that it is going to be challenging. Have a realistic estimate based on your savings and what you need as the minimum amount of pay while you continue to widen your spectrum of knowledge. It has to be in line with the role as well. A lot of mid-career professionals moving to the social sector, for example, go through this reflection and make conscious choices.

Midlife career change is no longer a rare sight. As we live longer, careers are no longer uni-directional. People today can choose to switch careers and find alternative pathways and in some cases, the new pathway can become their true calling as well.