Interviews can be tough and stressful, no matter where you are in your career path. The job application process can be incredibly time-consuming, so when you finally land an interview, it’s natural to feel anxious about giving the best possible answers to common interview questions.
What the interviewer wants to know
Hiring managers, recruiters, and employers ask these questions to better understand how your background and work experience relate to the position they are looking to fill.
Your past experience is an indicator of whether you will be a valuable asset and a good fit for their company.
Avoid answering in vague terms. Try to use specific examples of how your previous work can help prepare you for the new role. The closer you are to being a match for the job requirements, the better your chances of being shortlisted for the interview.
How to answer interview questions about your experience
The most effective response is to describe your responsibilities and achievements in detail and relate them to the job you are interviewing for.
Connect your responsibilities to those mentioned in the job description for the new position so that the employer can see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus mainly on the previous responsibilities that are directly related to the new job requirements.
Examples of the best answers
Example answer #1:
My years of experience have prepared me well for this position. You mentioned that customer service is a big part of this job. I spent three years working in a large call center, responding to customer calls and identifying solutions.
Why it works: This answer points to specific experience and skills that are valuable for the job (which likely are included in the job description).
Example answer #2:
I have developed extensive skills in dealing with customers, even when they are upset. I excel at calming situations and finding ways to make the customer happy. Our customer satisfaction rate increased by 10% during my tenure at my previous employer. Since your marketing department’s role is to improve customer impressions of the company, my experience would be a great asset to your team.
Why it works: In this answer, the candidate provides specific proof of their success in a previous role. By being specific, they provide the interviewer with evidence of their capability to do the job. The candidate also explains how they can help the company if hired.
Example answer #3:
I worked as an assistant at a local animal hospital during the summer before my first year of college. It was there that I discovered what I wanted to do as a career. I decided to go to college and focus on becoming a veterinarian for small animals, and that’s what I did. I have worked at the same veterinary hospital ever since.
Why it works: This answer shows field experience, career growth, and loyalty. It demonstrates that the candidate is thoughtful and committed to their career path.
Tips for giving the best answer
Quantify your answer. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who can solve the company’s problems better, whether that’s increasing sales, acquiring customers, or achieving some other metrics.
Statistics are particularly compelling. Providing evidence that you increased sales by a certain percentage or saved a specific amount of money for the company gives the hiring manager a persuasive reason to offer you the job. Use numbers and percentages to showcase what you have accomplished.
Demonstrate proficiency in the skills mentioned in the job description. Your ability to effectively describe your past work experience will help you stand out from the other applicants. Providing specific, measurable evidence of your accomplishments, work ethic, and knowledge will show employers that you have transferable experience that will benefit their workplace.
Be prepared with alternative answers. It’s always a good idea to be prepared with multiple answers in case the interviewer changes direction and asks about another aspect of your experience. Be well-acquainted with your resume and be ready to discuss anything mentioned in it.
What
What Not to Say
Don’t memorize your answers. It’s important to practice answering questions, but you also want to appear relaxed and natural, so don’t try to learn your answers by heart. Instead, just focus on the key points to highlight during the interview.
Don’t lie. It’s also important to be honest and accurate. Don’t embellish your job, because you don’t know who the hiring manager will speak to when they check your references. Even if they don’t dig deep, you don’t want to spend the rest of your life waiting to be discovered – or talking your way into a role you aren’t currently ready for.
Potential Follow-Up Questions
What can you do for this company? – Best Answers
What can you do better for us than the other job candidates? – Best Answers
Why should we hire you? – Best Answers
Why are you the right person for the job? – Best Answers
How do you handle failure? – Best Answers
How do you handle success? – Best Answers
What are the hardest decisions you make? – Best Answers
Why do you want this job? – Best Answers
More Interview Questions and Answers
Browse more interview questions frequently asked by employers, response tips, and examples of the best answers.
Takeaways
Match your experience to the job description: Highlight the experience and qualifications that will help you succeed in the role.
Be specific and quantify your achievements: Statistics are particularly compelling. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate your accomplishments.
Don’t memorize your answers: Practicing answering questions is important, but you also want to appear relaxed and natural, so don’t try to learn your answers by heart.
Be honest: Don’t lie or exaggerate your ability to do the job. It’s important to have a good match between you and the employer.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/job-interview-question-what-experience-do-you-have-2061260
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