Complete career change

Anonymous

January 16,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

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Complete career change

I am currently a Director of Operations in publishing and have applied and will be getting an interview for an EA to the CEO position at a local Dr owned surgical hospital. Definitely a change in direction for me. Any interview tips for a somewhat drastic change in careers?

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Megan LeasherJanuary 16,2023 at 8:13PM UTC
Review the EA job description and be ready to speak to how your current/past experience would apply in the EA role. I bet you have so much skill overlap... you proactively thinking about it AND your ability to speak to it in an interview will definitely help you!
BethBJanuary 16,2023 at 8:29PM UTC
I’m in publishing too. It’s not really that drastic a change in what you are doing, your organizational and logistical skill will be important. Good luck
Estee MalenskyJanuary 16,2023 at 9:36PM UTC
Thank you!
Brittany Wilson, Transformational Career CoachJanuary 16,2023 at 9:57PM UTC
Hi there! I'm a career coach and I specialize in career changes and job searching. I have two interview tips. First, I recommend you think about your values and what you want out of your next employer - is it growth? Work-life balance? Remote work? Good leadership? Etc. Then, ask questions related to your values.
My second point kind of goes along with the first. I once heard advice from an executive, "Your next job should open more opportunities for you." So, ask yourself, what opportunities do you want? Do you want upward movement? Do you want to be a manager some day? Do you want the opportunity to spend more time with your family? Your answer to this question will help you figure out which questions to answer. Best of luck in your interview!
Estee MalenskyJanuary 17,2023 at 8:54PM UTC
Thank you so much, this is very helpful!
Kathryn MontbriandJanuary 17,2023 at 2:17PM UTC
Be clear on your story and build the narrative for them (so they aren't left guessing why you want to make the change).
Look back through your roles, things you like to do, skills you posses and practice telling someone about the journey and how you got to where you are (applying for this role) and where you are going in the future (amazing things you will do/learn in this new career).
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
Tell them the why you want to make this change. Also come prepared with questions specific to their business about how they might like to be supported. An EA role is just that, a support to the exec who is too busy to do....
AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 3:05PM UTC
Take the skills required and attach them to your transferrable skills. I'm sure you have so much, especially with prioritizing and deadlines. Also, be mindful that they will ask about a possible paycut and be prepared to have that conversation. The mindset of a director to an EA, depending on the type of interviewer, may be discussed.