Why haven't you advanced further in your career? What has slowed down your progression?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
What NOT to Say
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

When an interviewer sees slow career progression on your resume, they will want to determine whether this is by your own choice, outside circumstances, or lack of motivation. If your career has progressed slower than you wish, you must be honest with the interviewer when discussing this.

Experiences where the greater need requires you to put your personal goals aside for the greater good. Relatable life experiences also work well here. In most cases, our paths are rarely linear. Focus on your career journey, describing the twist and turns along the way, and how it leads you to the present day, sitting at the interview discussing this opportunity.

Avoid excuses or any narrative that paints you as a victim. Avoid statements like "back on track." This might lead to assumptions on flakiness in your commitment to the role.

"Life is rarely a linear path. Looking back on my career, I acknowledge it didn't unfold in the manner I expected my five-year plan to play out. There were opportunities that presented themselves that I seized which I hadn't expected. Just as there were other opportunities I may have missed. But I'm proud of the decisions I made, and I value what I learned from those experiences."

"A while back I had some personal life stuff come my way. That was a brief interruption to my career path, but once that brief chapter was behind me, I worked harder and pushed myself further until I felt like I was back on track. Now I find myself more experienced and weathered in ways that are of value to me and my goals, as well as whomever I am working with towards a common goal. We're always growing, always learning, and always getting stronger as a result of both."

How to Answer: Why haven't you advanced further in your career? What has slowed down your progression?