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How to Answer an Interview Question on Your Previous Job Experience

Here are some ideas to help you to understand what an interviewer is really asking when he or she says "How does your previous experience relate to this job?" This article sets out some pointers on what the interviewers want to hear, as well as what not to say at a job interview.

Steps

1. Interpret the question. This question really means "Can you hit the ground running?" They are trying to find out if they will have to spend a lot of money on training you if they hire you, or put aside someone to train you to learn the ropes. They want to know how quickly you can make contributions to the workplace. In addition, they are trying to find out if you have done part of this role before and how much.
2. Don't exaggerate or lie. What the interviewer does not want to hear is for you to lie, exaggerate or to play up your experiences. Be honest. They also don't want you to be superficial and say "oh yeah, I've done all of it."
3. Do be clear on what you have done already. What your interviewers do want to hear are actual examples of how you have done the job already. Give examples of how you've done the job. For example, "I spent two years answering phones and then, more recently, I've assembled my own teams in three different companies." They want you to give very concrete examples showing skills. Think of it as "yes, this is what I've done, this is how I did it." Give them very specific examples so that you can show that you will give them value from day one.

Tips

• Dress well. Do not turn up to an interview in jeans unless you really do not expect to be taken seriously.
• Interviewers will often ask you to talk about one of your accomplishments. There are a couple of important things they're looking for: How long does it take you to think about an answer? How far back in your history do you have to go for that accomplishment? You should prepare for this question. It doesn't have to be your biggest accomplishment, but it should be something recent that you describe with pride.
• Interviewers will often ask you to talk about weaknesses. This is important. Don't be coy and don't try for the fake weakness (people are jealous of my abilities). You should prepare for this question. An honest weakness - everyone has them - is important; they want to know if you are aware of your weaknesses. In the same sentence, tell them what you do to cope with or overcome that weakness (I'm not good at one-on-one debate, so I've learned that I need to take a few extra seconds to interpret what people are saying before I answer).

Warnings

• Be aware that interviewers are used to the little tricks of question evasion and exaggeration. Do your homework beforehand or be honest. Otherwise, you will not have a chance if you decide to make things up as you go.
• Never be negative about previous employers. Often they will ask what you liked and disliked about past jobs. Focus on the work and the position. "My boss and I didn't get along" would be decidedly detrimental.
• Do not be late. However, sometimes that is unavoidable. If you know you will be late (even a few minutes) call and let them know.