My name is Taylor Maurer, Senior Managing Partner with Heavy Civil Resource Consultant and welcome back to another 2MT Part 2 on Preparing for the Interview: Today we are discussing how to plan to discuss your previous career moves.
When it comes to discussing previous career moves during a job interview, it’s important to approach the topic with tact and honesty. While it may be tempting to vent frustrations or place blame on past employers, it’s essential to maintain a professional demeanor and keep the focus on your own experiences and goals.
One key tip for discussing previous career moves is to prepare and rehearse your responses ahead of time. This will help you to stay focused and avoid stumbling over your words or getting sidetracked during the interview. Think about the key points you want to convey and practice delivering them in a clear, concise manner.
Another important consideration when discussing previous career moves is to avoid saying disparaging things about past employers. Even if you had a negative experience or felt mistreated in some way, it’s important to frame your experiences in a constructive, non-blaming way. For example, if you were working for a poor manager and could no longer take it anymore, rephrase it by saying that the management styles of your superior did not align with the most effective way to motivate and get the most production out of you.
Similarly, if you were passed over for a promotion, avoid placing blame on anyone else. Instead, say something like, “The timeframe for my career advancement did not align with my goals”. This reframes the situation as a matter of timing and personal goals, rather than placing blame on others. Overall, the key to discussing previous career moves during a job interview is to be truthful and tactful. While it may be tempting to vent frustrations or blame others for past experiences, this approach is unlikely to win over potential employers. Instead, focus on your own experiences and goals, and frame your responses in a constructive, non-blaming way. With the right approach, you can demonstrate your professionalism and impress potential employers with your attitude and demeanor.
Refusing to discuss a career move may raise red flags and prevent you from moving forward in the process.
We are experts in interview strategy. Please reach out to us if you think that you need some assistance in discussing your career moves. Our nearly 20 years of advising and coaching candidates have brought immeasurable returns to our trusted candidates
