If you could alter your career path, in any way, what would you change?
This question will help the interviewer to understand if you have a long and continued passion for your chosen career. Talk to the interviewer about an alternate career path that you might wish for but be sure to keep it related to the position for which you are interviewing.
"If I could change anything about my career path, I would have stayed in post-secondary studies for longer to upgrade in my field. I feel that this would have given me the advancement I seek now, many years later."
"Marketing is where my passion is. If I had to choose any different career path, I would have become a writer. It's still closely related to marketing and would utilize my creative side."
"I have always had a penchant for organization, paperwork, and the such. I would not change my career path; however, I would add other responsibilities to my work such as creating manuals and helping with the curriculum. More work that would incorporate my technical writing skills."
"I am very pleased with my career path, but there are always areas for improvement. I would like to incorporate more travel and buying decisions into my retail fashion career. For that reason, if I could change anything about my career path, I would go into a territory management role like this one or even become a buyer."
"I will always be in sales, no matter what. The industry in which I sell is the path that I would change. For instance, most of my career I have been selling electronics for the home and commercial settings. Your role caught my eye because not only do you handle electronics but you have telecommunication products as well. I am excited about the change, and to learn a new, yet related, industry."
"Being an educator will always be in my blood. I was born to be a teacher. With that said, I would be interested in gaining more public speaking opportunities and giving presentations. Perhaps being a keynote speaker at a teachers conference one day, or an address to the community on a topic I am passionate about such as reading with your children or teaching your kids the importance of volunteering from an early age."
"I am not one for regrets or looking back; however, if I could change anything about my career path, I would have been more aggressive in my path to leadership earlier on."
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
Really I wouldn't change much, I really think the jobs I have held have prepared me with the tools to be sitting here. I think the only change I would make is maybe pushing a little harder when trying to open my own grocery store, I have had some opportunities that never seemed quite right, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason and I am supposed to be right here.
Chad's Feedback
This is an effective approach to this question; you avoid expressing regret for past career decisions and come across as positive and excited about the opportunity at hand. Consider elaborating on the tools you have obtained over the course of your career, focusing on those relevant to the position for which you are interviewing.
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