any advice on answering awkward career changing questions?
455722
Well, what is "calling" you to a job in construction?  Is it something you've always wanted to do?  Do you crave a job that allows you to be outside and more physically active?  \n\nThe answer that you spend so much of your time far from home and want a job that will keep you in the area where your family/friends are is a great reason for changing careers.  Just make sure that the answer you give makes it sound that you aren't just jumping from something (chemical engineering) but that you are jumping TO something (construction).  They should be able to believe that this new career truly appeals to you, you've thought about it, and that this is a profession you want to stick with for a period of time.
270626
Ask yourself why you went into this in the first place: was it your interest or something you thought would earn you a good paycheck? Was it something a family member also did and made you feel obligated to try?\n\nNow if you're good at it, I encourage you to find a way to continue utilizing your skills. Is your boss/company too demanding? Maybe you could do freelance work instead (if there's a market for such a thing). Aren't mechanical/civil engineering related fields? Perhaps you could return to school and add a degree.\n\nIt's difficult to answer your question since 1) I don't know you, and 2) I can't visualize your environment, so I wouldn't run off and take any advice you get here. Making a career change will involve lifestyle changes, and if anyone's dependent on you, those changes affect them as well. Be honest with yourself about why this is bothering you. If you'd rather teach, then you'll have to get a teaching degree, but you need to find something that makes *you* happy, too. No sense being miserable for someone else's benefit if you can find a way to make yourself happier.\n\nGood luck!  : )
854430
Yes you should, first make yourself marketable, make a professional resume, post it and get some interviews going, then approach your boss or the decision maker and without being rude simply put the facts on the table, \n1. I am multifunctional and I feel I am an assett to this company.\n2. It has been brought to my attention I am over tasked and under payed.\n3. I feel I deserve an increase not only equivalent to the new hires, but slighty more for my senior status here.\n4. I am on the job market and I have XYZ offers, I am sorry to do this but I need to know where I stand with this company.\n\nthen shut up and make them answer you, you have power of negociation here, USE IT! good luck
1015752
Well, hopefully before you accept an interview, you would be sure that this is a position that you think you are qualified for and if you know you have the qualifications therein lies the answer to the question - you know why so use that for your answer.  I am presently going through the interview process.  It's a hairy situation though, when you know that the job that you applied for will be a bore.  Don't do like I did and get into a situation where one of the interviews ask you the question - "We can tell from your conversation, your job ratings and your previous job experience that you could handle this job but we'd like to know if you think this job will challenge you".  Well, the right answer is always to tell the truth which I did and well, you guessed it, I didn't get the job.  Good thing I didn't want it but sometimes you don't know that until you get to the interview.  This is the first time that that has happened to me so I tried to be gracious and handle this as a learning experience and it has helped me in subsequent interviews.  Hope that answered your question.
281676
Write a killer resume. Send it directly to companies you want to work for. Don't wait for a want ad. Ask everyone you know, Call your former employer - see what references you get.\n\nJump IN! Don't wait for the tide - swim!
903057
The only advice I can give which really helps me when speaking with others, especially if in an interview, is not to think too much about your answers beforehand, but allow them to naturally flow from your mind to your mouth.  When a quesiton is asked don't necessarily answer what you think the interviewer wants you to say but what you actually feel, your answers will come easier and will be more convincing this way.  Think of your answers carefully and attempt to articulate them in a clear manner. And of course do not be nervous and do not have too many expectations.
188704
if you need to ask this you are pursuing a career in the wrong field
890392
If it is during and interview, tell the truth: for example, I am goo in computers, but I am not as organized ad I would like to be. Always say the positive points first and then the negatives, everybody has weaknesses nobody is perfect, if you do not say them you are lying
114724
Just show them what and who you are, be yourself. It's important to show them who you are, because its much more fun working in an atmosphere where you know you are accepted for who and what you are. answer their questions thoroughly and honestly, if you don't know the answer to a question, just say you cant answer the question, but you'll look in to it. Good luck. Sometimes you'll be more appreciated by your honesty then the fact that you don't know the answer to the question at the time? It's my opinion. I don't say that it is always working out that way.
797260
Research the positions you are trying to fill.  Talk to people who are in those positions and ask questions.  People generally like to talk about their jobs, especially if they are good at what they do and know their business.  Find a co-worker you can trust and ask them about their first few months and how they over came some of the challenges you are facing.  Talk to your supervisor about ways to improve your knowledge of the positions you are dealing with.  Your company probably has lots of resources that are available to you.  Asking questions will show your superiors your interest and commitment to your job and will help you find greater satisfaction in what you do to earn your paycheck.
196382
The best strategy is for you to probe deeper into the job and make sure that they understand that YOU understand what this job is all about.\n\nA common mistake is for candidates to answer immediately: "You should hire me because..." That's not a good answer. It doesn't show that you thought deeply about the job nor that you understand the underlying problems and challenges that are part of the job.\n\nBasically, if an employer asks you bluntly that question, it's possible that you haven't made a strong impression on him previously, or that your "campaign" so far has failed to convince him to hire you.\n\nIt's like I'm dating a girl for the 5th time, and we're in the bedroom, and she goes: "Why should I jump into bed with you?"\n\nMy point is that you should NOT wait until somebody asks you that question to answer it. The moment you saw the job opportunity, you should have started answering that question over and over again.\n\nFinally, here's a good trick: write on a piece of paper 50 good reasons why an employer should hire you. This is called brainstorming. You will eventually see the 2-5 best answers staring at you.\n\nGood luck!
1083754
I can relate to jumping from job to job.  I realized it's because I hadn't figured out what I really wanted to do.  Circumstance led me to my career, so I would change companies thinking the problem was with the situation at the company.  Sure enough, after awhile, I would feel dissatisfied again.  It is amazing that you recognize this now.  \n\nThere are a few ways to make a transition.  Becaue oil companies are large, you could look at different jobs within the company.  You could also assess the types of skills you use for your job (i.e., scheduling, coordinating, logistics, communicating) and look at what other types of jobs use these skills.  As you've identified, you can continue upgrading your education.\n\nWhat I would highly recommend is first figuring out what you want to do.  What do you LOVE to do?  What gets you excited?  Then think about what types of careers may allow you to do this.  If you need help with this, post another question ;).\n\nThen, you will need to assess how to transition to what you are passionate about.  Can you first make an industry change?  Is it education/training you need?  Can you do a job change?  It might not be instantaneous, but view each step as getting you closer to where you want to be.  \n\nIn the meantime, appreciate that you are good at what you do and that you have a good company.  This is the ideal situation to be in while you assess what you want to do for a career.
705517
I did not like my degree either so I use to send out "reverse" resumes - putting all the work experience and goal statements at the top and listing my education credentials at the bottom. That way the employers get an idea of who you are before they judge you just by your education.  I think it worked because I got the job.   Try consulting work or temp agencies to get the work experience in your desired field.  Employers are more willing to give you a shot on a short term basis.
41400
An example of the best way to handle this question: "I tend to be a bit disorganized, so I compensate by keeping a priority list of everything I need to do and don't allow myself to ignore it." Any time you admit to a weakness, make sure you explain how you've overcome or compensated for it. ( I was a Personnel Manager for two very large corporations and conducted literally thousands of interviews. )
714509
i once had a job... which i quit the SAME day.\nit was NOTHING like they described it to be.\ni have not mentioned it to any employers. there is no way they can find out unless you tell them.\n\njust mention other jobs.\nif they ask anything about THAT job, just reply to them "well, i wasn't there long enough before i quit, so i figured it was pointless to talk about it, specially since the job description was completely different than what they actually had me do."\nyou ca always say that you wanted a more challenging job, hich is not bad at all! :)\n\ndo not consider yourself as a quiter, when you instead are an achiever! :)
499859
focus on 1 career path at once.\n\ntry things. start something.\n\nthen you'll know what goes and what doesn't, for you.\n\nyou can always change the track if it is totally wrong.\nbut, usually it isn't. you need to give dedication to something... then you'll know better.\n\nI guess.
175828
If you can avoid the reason for leaving that would be ideal. Otherwise, explain to the interviewer that you were "leaving for advancement potential", "leaving to work closer to home", "leaving for a better work environment", or "leaving for a career change".