Switching from Pharma to Nutrition: How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Change?" in Interviews

I am currently working in the pharmaceutical sector. Now, I am going to give an interview in the nutrition industry. What will be the best answer to "Why do you want to change?"

Sorry, I wanted to give you the exact reference to your question but mistakenly clicked enter. Prepare answers to typical job interview questions, like this one, in advance. Practice your responses so you sound positive and clear about your circumstances and your goals for the future.

Sample Answers to the Interview Question "Why Did You Quit Your Job?"

1. After several years in my last position, I'm looking for a company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
2. I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
3. I recently achieved certification, and I want to utilize my educational background and technical skills in my next position.
4. I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge.

There is no best answer to the question you have asked. The best answer is the truth about why you are looking for a change. However, ensure that money is not the primary reason you are seeking a change (perhaps that is an offshoot of change, but not the reason). Also, focus more on your basic domain knowledge and on knowledge about the new company. This will help you answer domain questions more comfortably. Consider how you are different from others and what you bring to the table that others can't.

Regards,
Ashutosh Thakre

Please don't change jobs just for the sake of money, as my learned professionals shared above. Before even going for that interview, find out more about the product, industry, and the concerned company. Think of ways and means of adding value to the assignment you are going to be interviewed for. Some prior preparation is always essential for an interview. Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Think of ways to connect both industries.

From my point of view, Pharma and Nutrition have a close association, and there are many things in common, i.e., Health. I do not want to write everything I know. It's better if you do some thinking as I have given you some clues to work on. The answer to the question you have posed here should come from your mind and heart and not from any of us!

I feel an interviewer would like to hear something positive about change, and your attitude towards change shows a lot about your personality. We all know that it is metamorphosis that ultimately makes a butterfly out of a caterpillar. So, change for something you believe in and stand steadfast in would be welcomed by most employers as it is a positive sign.

By asking why you are changing, the employer wants to know your attitude towards change, so you let them know why you are changing your current job.

The follow-up question is normally - why did you not see this change when you joined the earlier organization? This could be handled by the different things you learned in the current organization, which gave way to the present change.

Don't attribute any negative reasons for your change, e.g., "I don't like my previous boss or team member," etc.

Best wishes, Ajeet, for a wonderful career ahead.

Regards,
Joseph Puthur - Trainer at TrainingGuru.co.in