Clarify to interviewers when you have varied career history
Q: I have a rather interesting career history with experience in four fields: accounting, retail sales, fitness trainer and teaching. My job search is moving slower than I expected even with a long history of employment. I am not picky about finding work, but I’m not sure how to market myself to employers. Recently I had an interview for an accounting position for the first time in months and believe my background confused the interviewer. They had a difficult time understanding why I would be interested in an accounting position with so many different jobs. What can I do to prepare for the next interview?
A:
Having a career history with various occupations and fields of interests can be somewhat confusing to a potential employer as well as you when it comes to marketing your skills.
When talking with employers, it helps to trade places and understand what could be causing their confusion when talking with you. Could it be that you are sending a mixed message about your background when interviewing?
Keep in mind the number one concern employers want to avoid is making a bad hiring decision. They are most interested in candidates who demonstrate the skill set needed for the job, both in their resume and during the interview.
Marketing your abilities effectively begins with believing in your value and being enthusiastic in describing your contributions in accounting. If you have trouble talking about your accomplishments in a clear and concise way, the interviewer will struggle with visualizing you as future employee.
One of the best ways to minimize confusion with numerous career paths is to look for common themes. Look for transferable skills those that can be transferred from one area to the next such as your ability to interact with people.
In your case, accountants not only reconcile financial transactions, they support departments and your ability to work with people will help you stand out from the crowd.
Make sure your accounting skills are updated and your experience is relevant to the employer’s needs. Never finish an interview leaving concerns with the employer.