- Tell me about your work experience.
- Describe your related experience.
- How does your prior experience prepare you for this job?
- Do you think your experience matches the needs of the role?
- Do you think you’re qualified for this position?
What the interviewer wants to know
Hiring managers, recruiters, and employers ask these questions to get a better understanding of how your background and work experience relate to the position they are looking to fill. Your previous experience serves as an indicator of whether or not you will be a valuable asset and a good fit for their company. And here we offer you…
5 Tips for giving the best answer
- Match your experience to the job description. Emphasise the experience and qualifications that will help you achieve success in the role. Focus mostly on previous responsibilities directly related to the new job’s requirements.
- Be specific and quantify your results. Statistics are particularly persuasive. Use numbers and percentages to show your accomplishments.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the skills highlighted in the job description. Providing specific, quantifiable proof of your accomplishments, work ethic, and knowledge will show employers that you have transferable experience which will benefit their workplace.
- Have alternative answers ready. Practice, but don’t memorise your answers, try to sound relaxed and natural. Be prepared to improvise if your interviewer changes track.
- Be honest. Don’t embellish or oversell your ability to do the job. It’s important that it’s a good fit, both for you and the employer.
Example of the best answer
Example Answer
I developed extensive skills working with customers even when they were distressed. I’m excellent at deescalating situations and finding a way to make the customer happy. Our customer satisfaction rating rose 10% during my tenure at my previous employer. Since the role of your marketing department is to improve customers’ impressions of the company, my experience would be a great asset to your team.
Why it works: In this response, the candidate quantifies their success in a prior role. By being specific, they give the interviewer proof of their ability to do the job. The candidate also explains how they could help the company if they were to be hired.
Good luck with your interview!