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?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Pro Tip
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

If you weren't seen as a viable candidate, the company wouldn't interview you. The interviewer is allowing you to market yourself and explain what you have to offer and what sets you apart. The interviewer will be interested in how well you deliver that sales pitch and the confidence with which you deliver it.

Think about the variety of skills that you have and how those can benefit this employer, despite the industry. Explain 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 interviewed you, despite the industry being different, 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 will believe it.

"Although my background is not in your 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. At the end of the day, my talents and skills revolve around helping people and making companies profitable."

Next Question

How to Answer: 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?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Siemens job interview.

25. 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?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

If you weren't seen as a viable candidate, the company wouldn't interview you. The interviewer is allowing you to market yourself and explain what you have to offer and what sets you apart. The interviewer will be interested in how well you deliver that sales pitch and the confidence with which you deliver it.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 4th, 2022

How to Answer

Think about the variety of skills that you have and how those can benefit this employer, despite the industry. Explain 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.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 4th, 2022

Pro Tip

Take any hints you've already been given as to why they interviewed you, despite the industry being different, 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 will believe it.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 4th, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Although my background is not in your 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."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 4th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"I bring a lot of transferable skills to this position and industry. At the end of the day, my talents and skills revolve around helping people and making companies profitable."

Next Question