Are you changing your career path or are you in the early stage of your journey? Does it make you nervous? Well, I need to be honest. It is not easy to keep attached to your dreams while failing in interviews. Some companies may not see your potential. Some others also may be in need of expertise for their short-term goals rather than investing in their futures.
However, I would say don’t worry. There are many companies out there that can value your potential. The most important part you need to focus on is how you can express your potential clearly without demonstrating enough experience. Let me share a couple of tips that can help you out in your journey:
Communicate your experience level clearly
Not having enough experience is not a flaw. Even sometimes it is an advantage when you interview the companies that are shaping up their teams with a sense of passion and energy. Such companies usually have enough experience to steer their business but rather they need new workforce to carry it forward. Be aware of what you don’t know. Do not try to prove yourself in any areas that you don’t feel confident. Your resume should also reflect the same.
Show your character
What you don’t know should not make you down. You and your interviewer already know that you are not an experienced candidate. And you are still in the interview. Don’t judge yourself on behalf of your interviewer. Be positive. Show your energy, confidence and your urge to learn. Prove how a valuable contributor you would be when you are given a chance.
Don’t be afraid of saying I don’t know
Most likely you will receive many questions for which you have limited or else no idea. So, your answer is clear: "I don’t know". However, it is not that simple. You should think about the question and the domain. Ask yourself these questions:
What have I done so far in the domain the question is coming from?
Have I experienced something similar but in another domain?
Does it help me say I don’t know exactly but ... ?
Such questions will help you at least provide some insights. These can be sometimes more powerful than the expected answers. They can open up different point of views and make you rise above others.
Past & out of domain experience make sense
Don’t think of having experience in other domains is useless. Especially, if you have considerable achievements, count them in. You will be accepted as a potential successor. Any past achievements will help you on this track.
Never give up during the interview
Interviews will be hard, long and weary but you have to show your endeavor even if you have no hope to provide an expected answer. Most of the time, interviewees are evaluated on their characters, and their ability to stay focused and motivated. Even sometimes they are asked unresolvable questions just to evaluate attitudes.
You didn’t fail but gained experience
Each interview will teach you something. Take your notes, if possible, reach out to the interviewer and request their feedback. Finally, have your retrospective session with someone who has more experience.