by: Michael R. Neece, CEO InterviewMastery.com.jpg)
Challenging economic times cause many of us to explore changing industries or careers. The average worker changes industry or occupation seven (7) times during their career. Yet many people feel it will be nearly impossible to land a job in another industry. I consult to companies world-wide on hiring and interviewing. To minimize hiring risk, interviewers prefer people with industry experience. But what they really want is the best contributor they can find that fits within their team culture.
Changing industries is a matter of presenting your skills in a manner that convinces interviewers you have the required talents, company cultural fit and have a solid understanding the industry. Accomplishing this helps convince hiring managers that you can contribute immediately and are the best person for the job.
Here are several things you can do right now to get ready for your next interview in a new industry.
Research: Press Releases & Annual Reports
Start with one company, go to their web site and read their press releases. Then read the press releases of their competitors. This will tell you want is happening right now in the industry and what each competitor feels is newsworthy.
Publicly traded companies are required to publish their financial reports. On their web site, look under “Investor Relations” and find the 10-K filing. Read the annual report section on “business risks”. This section articulates what the company feels are their most important business risks. Discussing this information during an interview can be quite impressive to your interviewers. If the company is not public, read the annual report of a competitor that is publicly traded. The business risks are likely to be quite similar for competitors in the same industry.
Other Information Sources:
www.hoovers.com provides research by company and industry.
www.Bnet.com is another great source for industry specific information.
www.onetcenter.org is a free (US government funded) site for researching different occupations.
Network: Person-to-Person
Leverage your current contacts to connect with people currently working in your targeted industry. Meet for coffee or connect on the phone. People really do want to help others. You may have to be professionally persistent. People are being overworked more than ever and it may be difficult for them to return your call or e-mail. If they do not respond right away keep trying. Call early in the morning or end of the day. At these times you have a better chance of catching them.
Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and others are great for cultivating your network. But consider that you are only really networking when you are connecting with others face-to-face or voice-to-voice. Use social networking sites identify contacts then make real connections with people that can help you.
"Connect the Dots” For Your Interviewer:
When interviewers ask: “What do you know about this industry”try saying something like the following:
“I've researched the industry through informational interviews, competitive research, press releases and reviewing annual reports. The challenges and opportunities facing this industry today include: (List a few business challenges and growth opportunities you’ve learned about in your research.)
“More importantly, I've learned that to be successful in this industry requires people who are focused on results, thrive on change, can multi-task several projects and priorities simultaneously as well as people who are strong individual and team contributors.”
"I feel that I'd be a strong contributor in this industry because I have demonstrated many of these abilities in my career and I'd be happy to provide you with examples where I've used these talents.”
All the Best of Health and Success,
Michael R. Neece, CEO & Founder
What has worked for you when making career changes?
Need answers for your job interviews. Follow me on www.twitter.com/mneece