It is a common misconception that career change is only typical for the 20-somethings. Although when you haven’t been working at a role/ company for a long time, it may be less daunting to decide that you want to indulge in a new field, there are still some important aspects to consider. For example, are your soft skills on point, are you a good leader, do you have an updated professional CV?

Of course, you may be in the middle of your career and after several years at the same company, you may decide to make a move. And that’s OK! In fact, the average age of career changers is 39. So, keep your options open, refine your CV with a professional like PurpleCV to stay ahead of the competition and don’t be discouraged to start a new position even if you are a mid-career professional.

In this article, we will first explore the most common reasons mid-career professionals make the decision to change their field or want a role with more responsibility. After that, we will explore 9 interview tips that will help you nail your next mid-career role.

Why Might Mid-Career Professionals Consider Career Change?

There are several reasons mid-career professionals might want a change, whether it be a new challenge, more responsibility or simply wanting to enter a new industry. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. They Have Stagnated in Their Current Role

If you feel like you have hit a glass ceiling in your current role or company, it may be time to explore other options. You may have been passed over for a promotion or simply feel like you are not being challenged enough in your current position. If this is the case, consider looking for a role that will give you more responsibility and allow you to grow professionally.

2. They Want to Try Something New

Sometimes, people simply get burnt out from their current field or company. If you are feeling unfulfilled in your current position, it may be time to consider a career change. Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be exciting and invigorating. If you are considering a career change, make sure to do your research and explore all your options before making a final decision.

3. They Need a Change of Pace

If you are finding that your current work/life balance is not working for you, it may be time to consider a change. Maybe you are working too many hours or maybe you are simply bored with your current routine. If you are looking for a change of pace, consider finding a role that is less demanding or that offers more flexible hours.

4. They Have Been Recently Laid Off

If you have been laid off from your job, it can be a difficult time. But it can also be an opportunity to explore new career options. If you have been thinking about making a change, this may be the time to do it. Use this opportunity to explore your options and find a role that is a better fit for you.

How to Prepare for an Interview  as Mid-Career Professionals

If you are a mid-career professional looking for a new role, here are 9 interview tips to help you nail your next interview:

1. Research the Company

Before your interview, make sure to do your research on the company. Read their website, blog and any relevant news articles. This will not only help you prepare for questions about the company, but it will also show the interviewer that you are truly interested in the role.

2. Highlight Your Experience

In your interview, make sure to highlight your experience and how it can benefit the company. Even if you are changing industries, you likely have transferable skills that will be valuable in your new role.

3. Be Confident

Be confident in yourself and your abilities. The interviewer wants to see that you are confident in your ability to do the job.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Before your interview, make sure to practice your answers to common interview questions. This will help you feel more prepared and confident when it comes time for your actual interview.

5. Take on a Leadership Perspective

More often than not, mid-career professionals are looking for a change as they seek a position with a bigger impact on the business. So, do not enhance personal achievements too much as they may be impressive for less experienced individuals but would not have the same effect for you. Instead, demonstrate your leadership and team-building abilities.

6. Emphasize On Your Business Understanding

When interviewer asks a question, answer it from a business perspective. This will show that you understand how your role affects the company as a whole and not just your department.

7. Quantify Your Achievements

When talking about your accomplishments, make sure to use numbers to quantify your achievements. This will help the interviewer understand the impact you have made in your previous roles.

8. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Be prepared to answer behavioral questions about your previous experience. These types of questions are designed to test how you would handle certain situations that may come up in the role you are interviewing for.

9. Refine the Reason You Want This Change

Make sure you are ready to answer any questions about why you want a mid-career change. Many interviewers may ask you for this to find out whether you have thought the decision through and you are ready for a head start. Show that you are knowledgeable of the new role and avoid talking about past work experience in a negative way.

Bottom Line

Conclusion paragraph: Although some mid-career professionals may feel anxious or uncertain about making a career change, there are many reasons to consider it. The nine tips we’ve outlined should help you prepare for the interview process and increase your chances of being offered the job.