When you’re asked to walk through your resume, it’s important to remember that the interviewer is looking for more than just a summary of your work history. They want to know how your experiences have prepared you for the job you’re applying for, and how you can add value to their organization. Here are some tips to help you answer this question:
Introduction
Before you start walking through your resume, take a moment to think about the job you’re applying for and the skills and experiences that are most relevant to it. This will help you tailor your answer to the specific needs of the employer.
When you’re ready to begin, start with a brief overview of your work history, highlighting the most important roles and accomplishments. Be sure to emphasize any experience that is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Experience and Skills
Once you’ve given an overview of your work history, it’s time to dive deeper into your experiences and skills. For each role you’ve held, talk about the specific responsibilities you had and the accomplishments you achieved. Be sure to highlight any skills or experiences that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
When discussing your skills, be sure to provide specific examples of how you’ve used them in the past. This will help the interviewer understand how you can add value to their organization.
It’s also important to be honest about any gaps in your work history. If you took time off to care for a family member or pursue further education, for example, be upfront about it. This will help the interviewer understand your career trajectory and the skills you’ve developed along the way.
Education and Training
After you’ve discussed your work history, it’s time to talk about your education and training. Be sure to highlight any degrees or certifications that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you don’t have a degree or certification in the field, be sure to highlight any relevant coursework or training you’ve completed.
It’s also important to discuss any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that is relevant to the job. This can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to go above and beyond.
Conclusion
When you’re wrapping up your answer, be sure to tie everything together. Emphasize how your experiences and skills have prepared you for the job you’re applying for, and how you can add value to the organization. Thank the interviewer for their time, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I have a gap in my work history?
A: Be honest about it. Explain what you were doing during that time, and highlight any skills or experiences you gained as a result.
Q: How much detail should I go into when discussing my work history?
A: Focus on the most important roles and accomplishments, and be sure to highlight any experiences that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t go into too much detail on roles that aren’t relevant to the job.
Q: Should I mention my salary expectations when answering this question?
A: No, this question is about your work history and experiences. Salary negotiations should be left for a later stage in the hiring process.
Q: How can I make my answer stand out?
A: Be specific about your experiences and skills, and provide concrete examples of how you’ve used them in the past. Tailor your answer to the specific needs of the employer, and be sure to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.