How to Answer: Does this job on your resume really relate to this position? Tell me why you believe it does?
11. Does this job on your resume really relate to this position? Tell me why you believe it does?
How to Answer
There may be positions listed on your resume that do not appear to be a fit. It is up to you to draw the connection between that role, and the one for which you are interviewing. This question is where a solid understanding of your transferable skills comes in. Make a list of transferable skills that you can refer to in your interview and be sure that they are skills that the hiring authority will find interesting, helpful, and related to this role.
Here are some examples of transferable skills:
- Leadership experience
- Delegation and prioritization of tasks
- Research and analytics
- Customer service
- Memorization
- Budget management or cash handling
- Scheduling staff or services
- Written skills such as RFP's or technical writing
- Giving presentations or public speaking
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Industry related software and programs
- Negotiations and agreements
- Training new employees
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"While home health care does not directly correlate to being flight attendant, the basic traits of customer service, effective communication, concern for the health of others, and patience are highly transferable skills."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Admin
"The bulk of my experience has been volunteer work; however, much of the work was administration related. At the animal shelter, I was in charge of the animal intake process which meant that I needed to log all of the health data and other information of the animals who were either rescued or surrendered. I then entered this information in the proprietary software, took photos of the animal, uploaded them onto the website with a nice write up that would draw in public. These tasks are very similar to what you need here which is someone organized, great with technology, and able to see a project to completion."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"Although I am applying for your management position within a manufacturing environment, I believe that my experience in management within logistics is still very much relatable. I have experience in an environment with a fast-moving product, where safety is a major focus, and staff turnover is high. I can navigate an environment like yours seamlessly."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"Although my work has primarily been in sales, there are a large number of transferable skills between this role and my most recent. I have a solid ability to narrow down a customers' needs by asking the right questions. I will be able to gain their commitment to projects by showing them the need. Also, I come from an industry with a long sales process which means that I will have the patience to work on creative projects with a long delivery timeline."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"My previous experience as a makeup artist brought me many skills that will relate to this retail sales position in your electronics store. I am well-versed in customer service, asking open-ended discovery questions that lead to a sale, as well as experience in cash transactions. As a makeup artist, I needed to be aware of all the features and benefits of the product I was using which required a great deal of research and memorization. I am well prepared for a position more heavily based on commissioned sales and customer interaction."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"Working as a server and being a sales associate are two very similar roles in many ways. As a server, customer service was always in the forefront. I was encouraged to remember names and to develop a rapport with the guests in my section quickly. Romanticizing the menu, and upselling items like new cocktails or dessert was a huge component to my success as a server. I know how to upsell and understand the importance of product knowledge. I needed to know the entire menu in and out including potential food allergens and available substitutions. My memorization skills are on point."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"Although the majority of my experience in education is in the public sector I know that I will seamlessly transition it private education because of my exposure to continuous parent communication, community involvement, and my diverse experience with both in-class and hands-on field trip training. I am accustomed to much larger class sizes which means I will be prepared to give your students my utmost undivided attention."
Written by Rachelle Enns