I’ve looked at 100+ resumes and interviewed dozens of candidates over the last 3 months. Meeting candidates is one of my favorite parts of what I do. Yet so many people show up for an interview without having prepared to stand out and be relevant to the opportunity. So I want to share my process, in the hopes that it helps those going through interviews right now. And share what candidates who stand out do. First, before every interview I do a few things. I know candidates are taking their time to apply and then show up for several interviews. Interviews are a two-way street, and as a hiring manager I do my part too. Here are a few ways hiring managers can prepare, with a social media lens as that’s what I hire: 1. Read the resume, cover note if there’s one. 2. Visit their LinkedIn profile, posts and conversations. And the rest of their social footprint. 3. Explore the social media feeds of their current/past companies. 4. Experience their past company cultures on social media. 5. Research accomplishments and accolades highlighted in the resume. Now it’s your turn. Want to stand out and get the offer? Here are six things I look for: 1. Learn about the company you’re interviewing with so you can integrate relevant points for the role into the conversation. Example, if you’re applying for a social media role, look at the company’s social channels and come prepared to demonstrate your skills, highlight something that resonates, ask questions, etc. 2. Slow down, it’s not about answering questions the fastest. It’s about demonstrating that you’re a direct fit for the role through your answers. If you’ve not done it before that’s ok. Show your interviewer that you’re prepared to do it. 3. Share why you want this role at this company. Shared values? Connection to colleague culture? Speak to how it connects into your career goals, etc. 4. Lead with your skills and how they equip you to deliver results and impact for what the job description outlines. You may not have direct experience but skills are transferable, put that front and center. 5. Demonstrate that you understand the strategy behind your work, IE the ‘why.’ By doing this you show how your goals align to your team’s goals which align to your company’s goals. It speaks to your growth mindset, and that separates you from the pack. 6. Focus your resume to emphasize your skills and relevant experiences in relation to the job accountabilities. No relevant experience? That’s ok, lead with headlines that put your transferable skills front and center. Applying for job opportunities and the interview process can be can be stressful and intimidating. But when you get that interview it’s your time to shine! What tip can you add to help candidates land their next career experience? Please share in comments. #career #futureofwork #interviewtips #jobsearch
Tips for Interviewing in a New Field
Explore top LinkedIn content from expert professionals.
Summary
Interviewing in a new field can feel daunting, but it’s an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and transferable skills, proving that your past experience aligns with the new role.
- Highlight transferable skills: Identify the core abilities from your previous roles that apply to the new position, and make them a focal point during your conversation.
- Research the industry: Familiarize yourself with the new field’s terminology, trends, and challenges so you can speak the language and show genuine understanding.
- Be authentic: Share your unique story and motivations honestly, emphasizing how your experiences and values align with the company and role.
-
-
Thinking about a career change? Here’s how to actually make it happen, step by step. I’ve spoken with hundreds of people stuck between “I don’t want to do this anymore” and “But where do I even start?” Here’s the truth: Changing careers isn’t about starting over. It’s about repackaging what you already know, and proving you can solve a new set of problems. Here’s how to do it (with examples): 1. Start with your story. What’s pulling you away from your current path—and what’s pulling you forward? ✅ Example: “I’ve spent 6 years in education, but what I really loved was designing systems and learning tools. I’m now pivoting into UX design for edtech.” Make the shift clear and intentional. 2. Identify your transferable skills. You’ve built real value, name it. ✅ Example: Sales → Relationship-building, persuasion, handling objections Ops → Process design, cross-functional collaboration, execution List your strongest 4–6 skills and align them with your new target role. 3. Learn the language of the new industry. Every field has its own lingo. Start speaking it. ✅ Tip: Search 10 job listings in your target role. Write down the top 5 repeated words/phrases. Mirror those in your LinkedIn, resume, and pitch. 4. Rewrite your resume to match the direction, not the past. Lead with relevance, not chronology. ✅ Example: Add a “Career Summary” section: “Operations leader transitioning into product management, with 7+ years leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and delivering results.” 5. Build proof fast. Don’t wait to get hired to show your skills. ✅ Options: Freelance Volunteer Build your own project Take a short course and create a case study Demonstrate that you’re not just interested, but also taking action. 6. Apply smart, not just often. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on quality roles in flexible environments. ✅ Pro tip: Use DailyRemote to find legit, remote-friendly roles across industries. It’s especially helpful for career changers who want fresh opportunities and a bit more breathing room. 7. Network with purpose. Start with conversations, not asks. ✅ DM example: “Hi Alex, I saw your post about transitioning into UX. I’m making a similar shift from content strategy. Would love to hear about your journey, no pressure at all.” Career changes take courage. But they’re absolutely possible. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now package it with purpose, and go get what’s next.
-
Don’t do what I did when I first transitioned from teaching to project management. X Don’t spend your time trying to convince others that you’re qualified for a job. X Don’t hide your past experience because you’re afraid it will disqualify you X Don’t show up to interviews trying to be the candidate you think they want X Don’t change your strategy based on the doubts of a few hiring managers and recruiters Find a company that values and celebrates your past experience ↳rather than trying to convince a company of your value Your past experience is valuable ↳don’t let anyone tell you otherwise →Own your past experience →Understand your transferable skills →Learn how to articulate the value you brought to previous employer’s And show up to every interview as yourself ↳because you’re pretty awesome. Wouldn’t you rather work for a company that you know chose you for being 100% you, ↳than a company that chose you because you conformed to their ideal candidate? I promise if you choose the latter, ↳You won’t be happy in the long run. Your right-fit company exists But the road to finding them might not be an easy one. It takes some soul searching, resilience, and preparation. You ready?