Considering your background is in an industry different from ours, what skills and characteristics do you have that qualify you for this position in this industry?
The interviewer is allowing you to market yourself and explain the qualities you offer which sets you apart. Even if you don't have industry experience in their field, you obviously have transferrable skills they've expressed an interest in. If you weren't seen as a viable candidate, the company wouldn't be interviewing you. The interviewer is interested in how well you deliver your sales pitch and the confidence with which you deliver it.
"Although my background is not in your precise industry, I have worked with many clients who have been in your industry. I bring excellent transferable skills that qualify me for this position. These skills include my advanced abilities in Excel, my outstanding cold-calling abilities, and my proven background in team leadership."
"I bring a lot of transferable skills to this position and industry. My talents and skills revolve around helping people and making companies profitable."
Think about the variety of skills that you have and how those can benefit this employer, despite the industry. Detail what makes you an exemplary employee. Go deeper than the work experience you've outlined on your resume and cover letter. Tell them things about yourself that they don't already know and the unique traits you bring to the table.
Take any hints you've already been given as to why they chose to interview you, and capitalize on those selling points. If you come across as confident in your abilities and you believe you're a good fit for the industry, then they'll believe that you believe it. Sometimes that's enough.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I work in the HVAC industry and I deal with internal and external customers all the time. in _______, we sell Honeywell thermostat to our customers. Honeywell operates in a technical field which is easy for me to learn the product and communicate with the customer. I believe that my good communication skills, determination, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills are important for this role.
Cindy's Feedback
Great. You're drawing on those areas of the two companies that are similar. I'd recommend drawing the connection and comparison more explicitly to enhance your answer.
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