How many years experience do you have in your field?
TIPS TO PREPARE
TOP ANSWERS
OUR COACH SAYS
The interviewer is trying to quickly gauge if you are qualified for this role, or not. If they have called you, chances are - you have something on your resume that they like. Most job postings will specify the number of years of experience that the employer is looking for but it's often a flexible number.
Let's say the interviewer is looking for five years experience in a specific field or skill, and you have 15 years. Avoid being labeled as overqualified by saying: "I have more than five years' experience in your direct field. My most recent position was similar to this role, and I was a top performer for the entire seven years of my employment there. I am eager to continue my path of success with your company."
Let's say the interviewer is looking for five years experience in a specific field or skill, and you have 15 years. Avoid being labeled as overqualified by saying: "I have more than five years' experience in your direct field. My most recent position was similar to this role, and I was a top performer for the entire seven years of my employment there. I am eager to continue my path of success with your company."
Example #1
"I have more than five years' experience in your direct field. My most recent position was similar to this role, and I was a top performer for the entire seven years of my employment there. I am eager to continue my path of success with your company."
Example #2
"I have been working in an administrative position for approximately four years. I also spent a great deal of time helping my dad with his bookkeeping business as a teen. I was exposed to organizing files, making appointments, and double checking the details of his work before he passed it back to his clients."
Example #3
"I have over ten years of experience in my field, with seven years in your specific industry. Although I have a lot of experience I am always learning new management techniques to that, I can better myself and improve the productivity of my team."
Example #4
"I have six years of marketing experience, from freelance to inbound marketing coordinator, and now as a content manager. Before that, I worked in sales for a CPG company, so I understand the business from varying perspectives. I look forward to continuing to learn about how your organization operates."
Example #5
"I have been in the sales field since I was in high school, so for half of my life. I have worked my way up through the ranks from a part-time sales associate in various departments to assistant manager, to department manager. I know that I have learned much of what I need to succeed in this role and I look forward to exceeding your expectations as I gain even more knowledge."
Example #6
"I have three years of sales experience in a traditional setting, and have been selling in some capacity since high school in a retail environment, and as a bartender while putting myself through University."
Example #7
"I understand that you are looking for a teacher newer to their career. Although I have eight years' experience as a teacher, you will find that I am very open to learning new classroom techniques. I am a huge proponent of continued learning and pivoting my teaching style based on the needs of each classroom."
Example #8
"I have been a certified Home Health Aide for 8 years now. I started my career as an assistant and then worked my way into an independent role. Now, I feel that I am ready to be a team leader and take on more responsibility which is why your particular position interests me so much."
Example #9
"I have been coaching for two years, over these two short years I have discovered the positive impact I can have on athletes and I am looking forward to continuing that impact."
Example #10
"I have been an auditor for 3 years total and have completed all of the required education and certifications to qualify for a management role. I have proven leadership skills in my most recent role and am now ready to take those skills into a formal management type of position."
Example #11
"I started taking formal swimming lessons at the very young age of 3. I have been in lessons and then lifeguard training ever since. Also, I have experience as a competitive swimmer having training on the national team for 5 years."
Example #12
"One of the biggest problems I have run into has been an issue of loose skin and the difficulty that sometimes arises when trying to pull the skin taut enough to locate a vein."
Example #13
"I have a total of 8 years' experience as an interpreter. I began in 2008 as a volunteer interpreter for my school's student exchange program. My formal work experience includes 5 dedicated years as a paid interpreter."
Example #14
"I have worked as an Wildlife Intern for (X company) where I was responsible for (X related duties). Since this internship, I have gained considerable experience working for (X company) where I managed (X related duties) and for (X company) where I was responsible for (X related duties). These are some of the reasons I believe I am a perfect fit for your position."
Example #15
"I have been in the painting business for 10 years. I started as an apprentice and have been working independently as a painter for 7 years now."
Example #16
"I have been working with toddlers for the past 10 years. I am comfortable with all ages, from one to three years old and have learned about the developmental stages as well. From teething to potty training, I am good at working with supervisors and parents to help ease the growing pains. I worked as a nanny for all four years of college with two kids, ages one and three. We spent most of our time outside playing games and swinging on the swings. I like to keep out time positive and fun for the kids and I'm always open to trying new activities."
Example #17
"Between my training, apprenticeship and work experience as a journeyman, I have 8 years' total experience as a plumber."
Example #18
"I've been selling products that are similar to yours for the past five years. In my most recent role, I developed an in-depth understanding of the products we sold by taking the time to learn about them and then staying abreast of all new features. If you hire me, I will do the same here. To be an effective account manager, I need to know and understand all aspects of the product so I can expand accounts by upselling or cross-selling your products."
Example #19
"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on my teams part, or disorganization by dispatch. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that my passengers are taken care of."
Example #20
"I have approximately three years' experience in your direct field; however, I have exposure to many similar job duties from my five years in position XYZ. I am well equipped to exceed expectations in this role."
Example #21
"I worked on a gala for a new non-profit organization as the event organizer. It was challenging because the board members wanted to be involved but didn't have a very realistic budget in mind, seeking donations for most aspects of the event, which can take more time. I made a point to be clear in communication with the team and the vendors and follow a timeline to make sure everything was accomplished by the deadline of the event. It's important to plan and structure the event based around a realistic budget from the very beginning. I was the only person on the team with experience, so I delegated the smaller responsibilities among the team and checked in to make sure everyone knew what they needed to do."
Example #22
"I have enjoyed my most recent position as a Physical Therapist Assistant because I work alongside a great Physical Therapist and we communicate well. Everyone on my team is focused on the same mission, to deliver quality care to all of our patients. I enjoy working with others because it is fun and challenging."
Example #23
"Bladder cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Although it typically affects older adults, it can occur at any age. Smoking is the #1 risk factor for the development of bladder cancer."
Example #24
"I am trained and most comfortable in external beam radiotherapy, with about six years' experience in linacs and Cobalt-60 machines. With linacs, poor maintenance and breakdowns can affect patients a great deal, so it's essential that they are always well maintained. I can troubleshoot the machine and have trained junior techs on some of the more complex components as well."
Example #25
"I have enjoyed my most recent position as a paramedic, because I have a great partner and we communicate well. Everyone on my team is focused on the same mission, to deliver quality care to all of our patients. I enjoy working with others because it is fun and challenging."
Example #26
"I have been on the search for perhaps a month or so. I am now just beginning to become more aggressive in my job search. How quickly are you looking to make a decision?"
Anonymous Answer
"I have over seven years of experience. Although I have a lot of experience, I am willing to learn new opportunities."
Rachelle's Reply
Rather than finishing your answer with a willingness to learn, try focusing on the expertise that you have already gained in these 7 years. How will you add to the employer vs. take from their resources? I have offered a starter, below.
Rachelle's Reply
"I have seven years of experience in the field of (name your industry). Through these seven years, I have gained strong skills in (list your areas of expertise). I am eager to take this experience and knowledge and apply it to this role by (what action steps will you take to make a difference for the hiring company?)."
Was this answer helpful?
Yes (2)
or
No (0)
Thank you
Anonymous Answer
"I have five years of experience."
Lauren's Reply
Great. Be ready to answer follow-up questions. See below.
Lauren's Reply
"In an interview, you may be asked the following question. It would be helpful to think about your response in preparation for an interview.
“What is your greatest accomplishment thus far in your five years as an Engineer?”"
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
or
No
Thank you
More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
About Our Approach to Q&As
Our interview questions are created by writers, most of whom have a long history of recruiting and interviewing candidates. They do not necessarily have experience interviewing or working with the companies, careers or schools they may write for on MockQuestions.com. We strive to match our experts' background and expertise with the appropriate question sets found on our website.