Be honest about it, be positive, don't feel defensive. Be proud of it, lean into it -- you did this for you. If you are asked "What did you learn?" just reply "I learned the meaning of life". If you are asked "And what's that?" just smile and say "You should take a sabbatical to find out for yourself."

I agree with what others have so eloquently said. What has helped me deal with imposter syndrome is to acknowledge it, embrace it, and "feel comfortable feeling uncomfortable". It will never go away, nor should it. But we can learn to live with it and take away its power over us. @Mira (Lindsey Miranda) gave good advice -- challenge your inner voice that creates these cognitive distortions. But don't despair that the voice comes back. Give your distortion monster a hug and learn to live with him. Meditation has helped me with this. Finally, a sporting aphorism: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take". So, don't let your inner critic stop you from taking your shot.

You're so right, Jodi! This is a killer question. If you haven't practised the answer, it is easy to ramble on and on... I had a coach school me on answering this question, and below is the answer I wrote down. It's a bit long, so I usually didn't give it verbatim, but kept it brief. Write down your own version, and focus on the value you bring to the company you're interviewing with. State your strengths, then how you would apply them in the new job. "After working in Corporate Strategy for 10 years, and consistently being a top performer, I can honestly say that I have found my life’s work. I love solving problems and thinking strategically, considering all angles. I love uncovering the value proposition for the customer, and understanding their needs. I have both a technical strength and a business background, so am comfortable working across the company. At each of the last three companies I’ve worked, I’ve built a Corporate Strategy function from scratch and had a reputation for being a great collaborator and team player. I’ve built trusting relationships with executives at all levels, created businesses and driven valuable initiatives for future growth. When you hire me, from Day One, I will deliver value, constantly strive to make those around me better and find new avenues of profitable growth for [Company X]. I am excited to do just that, and can’t wait to start."

I agree with what’s been said by others. Proactively bringing up salary early on in the interview process is regarded negatively, in my experience. But asking what is the salary range is a good question to ask once the subject is raised by the company. Definitely don’t get into detailed negotiation until you have a WRITTEN offer. I’ve had two verbal offers rescinded, and I never knew for sure if it was because I was negotiating too soon.

I say go for it. As long as you are up-front with them about your long term goal to move to UX design. If they are supportive, it’s a win-win. If they are not, then you know where you stand and you are just paying the bills and biding your time till you get the job you want.

I have left the semiconductor industry and am trying to go to data analytics/AI. I am consulting at a fintech startup right now. I hope that Peppercorn Discovery lets me put together “my story” to show the value I can bring to an organization.