Tech Interview Tips for Former Teachers

Transitioning from a teaching career to a tech career can be a challenging move. It’s natural to feel anxious and like a lot is at stake during tech interviews. But as an educator venturing into the tech industry, you already possess a wealth of skills and experiences that can set you apart from other candidates. This guide offers valuable insights and tips on how to succeed in your tech interview. Most importantly, it addresses the two questions that may be on your mind: how to explain why you’re leaving teaching (as well as a couple of interview ‘don’ts’!) and how to communicate your desire for a career change during an interview. Let’s dive in!

Why Are You Leaving Teaching?

The first question that might come up in your tech interview is why you’re leaving your teaching career. It’s crucial to frame your response in a way that highlights your motivation and determination to transition into the tech world. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Highlight Your Passion for Tech: Begin by expressing your genuine passion for technology and the opportunities it presents. Emphasize your excitement about the industry and your eagerness to contribute your skills and experiences to the role. This will show the interviewer that your decision is driven by a sincere interest in tech.
2. Discuss Career Growth: Be sure to talk about your desire for personal and professional growth. Explain how you believe a tech career aligns with your long-term goals and how it offers the potential for continuous learning and advancement.
3. Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight the transferable skills you’ve acquired during your teaching career that are relevant to the tech role you’re interviewing for. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and working with diverse groups can be powerful assets in any field, including tech.
4. Be Honest but Positive: While discussing your reasons for leaving teaching, be honest but maintain a positive tone. Avoid dwelling on negative aspects or frustrations in your previous career. Instead, emphasize your enthusiasm for the new path you’re pursuing.

Equally crucial to this list is how to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your success in an interview:

1. Don’t Overshare Teaching Details: When discussing reasons for leaving a teaching job, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of your career change. Avoid going into too much detail about any difficulties or frustrations, and maintain a professional approach. Only share if specifically asked, and even then, keep your responses brief and positive.
2. Avoid Overlooking Technical Knowledge: Depending on the tech role you’re pursuing, you may be expected to have a certain level of technical knowledge. Brushing up on technical skills can be hugely beneficial. Be prepared to discuss your technical competencies honestly. Likewise, if you are trying to enter a field that is not very technical but still requires you to have a certain level of skill, you should likewise take a few short courses so that you can familiarize yourself with the processes and technical jargon. Before my interviews, I studied the job descriptions closely and realized that familiarity in something called Salesforce (back then an extremely foreign term), I went online and searched for free courses so that I could actually wrap my head around what this system was, and how I would have to use it in my day-to-day in my new job.
3. Don’t Assume Knowledge Gaps Are a Deal-Breaker: If you encounter questions or technical topics that you’re not familiar with, don’t panic. Interviewers understand that career transitions involve learning curves. Express your willingness and enthusiasm to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Conveying Your Desire for a Career Change

Now, let’s tackle the question of how to communicate your desire for a career change during the interview:

• Be Clear and Confident: When explaining your desire for a career change, be clear and confident in your words. Express your determination and commitment to making this transition a success. Show that you’ve thoroughly researched the tech industry and the specific role you’re pursuing.
• Link Your Passion to the Role: Connect your passion for tech and the role you’re interviewing for. Discuss how your background in teaching has equipped you with highly transferable skills relevant to the tech position, and explain how these skills will enable you to excel in your new career.
• Highlight Relevant Training (in-person and on your CV/LinkedIn): If you’ve undertaken any tech-related courses, certifications, or self-study, mention them. This demonstrates your proactive approach to preparing for your career change and your willingness to invest in your development. Be sure to also share these certificates on your LinkedIn profile and on your CV.
• Share Success Stories: Share anecdotes or examples from your teaching career that showcase your ability to adapt, learn, and overcome challenges. Illustrate how these experiences have prepared you for the tech role and how they reflect your commitment to success in your new career.

Transitioning from teaching to a tech career is an exciting journey filled with possibilities. During your tech interview, remember to showcase your passion, transferable skills, and readiness for growth, and you’ll stand out as a strong candidate. Your unique background as a former teacher can be a tremendous asset in the tech world. Good luck! 🚀💻