When interviewing for a new position, you may need to explain a lateral career move—where you transition from one role to another at a similar level. This can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can convey your intentions clearly. Let’s explore three practical examples to help you articulate your career shift with confidence.
In this scenario, you are a marketing professional seeking a position in sales. You want to show how your marketing experience aligns with and adds value to the sales role.
You may say:
“While my background has been primarily in marketing, I believe that my experience in understanding customer behavior and market trends is highly relevant to a sales position. In my previous role, I collaborated closely with the sales team to develop campaigns that targeted specific customer segments. This required me to not only analyze data but also communicate effectively with sales representatives to ensure our strategies were aligned. By moving into sales, I see an opportunity to leverage my marketing skills to build stronger relationships with clients and drive revenue growth. I’m excited about the prospect of using my knowledge to contribute directly to sales outcomes.”
This approach highlights your transferable skills and emphasizes your enthusiasm for the new role. Consider mentioning specific tools or strategies you used in marketing that directly relate to sales.
In this example, you are currently in IT support and are aiming for a project management position. You want to convey how your support experience equips you to manage projects effectively.
You might say:
“I have spent the last three years in IT support, where I’ve developed a strong foundation in troubleshooting and problem-solving. My role involved coordinating with different departments to resolve issues, which gave me insight into the workflow and the importance of clear communication. Transitioning to project management feels like a natural next step for me because I’ve already been managing small IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time and meet our quality standards. I am eager to take on the broader responsibilities of a project manager, where I can lead teams and drive project success.”
This response demonstrates your understanding of project management fundamentals and shows that you have already been involved in related activities. Highlight any certifications or training you’ve completed that support your transition.
Here, you are a corporate trainer looking to move into a role focused on employee development. You want to articulate how your training experience will benefit the new position.
You can explain:
“For the past five years, I have worked as a corporate trainer, designing and delivering training programs that enhance employee skills and knowledge. Through this experience, I have identified areas where employees often struggle, and I have developed targeted solutions to address these challenges. I am passionate about fostering an environment of continuous learning and believe that shifting to employee development will enable me to implement strategies that not only improve training outcomes but also contribute to overall employee engagement and retention. My goal is to create a more holistic approach to development that aligns with the company’s objectives.”
This explanation focuses on your passion for employee growth and your proactive approach to improving training. It also shows your understanding of the broader implications of employee development beyond just training sessions.
These examples provide a framework for discussing lateral career moves during interviews. Remember to tailor your response to fit your personal experiences and the specific job you are applying for.