How to Answer: Take a few minutes to bring your resume to life for me.
20. Take a few minutes to bring your resume to life for me.
What You Need to Know
The interviewer is looking for an overview of your background. Because this question is so open ended, it can be easy to run away with your answer and even put your foot in your mouth. Offer a less than 5 minute brief of your related education or training, and then touch on the last 5-10 years of your career, depending on how far along you are in your professional career. You can discuss your volunteer experience and don't forget to talk about any extraordinary skills you may have.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Answer Example
"I would be happy to give you a brief overview of my background! After graduating with my degree in accounting in 2012, I went to work for my family's business as a senior accountant. After a couple of years, I realized that my knowledge base was not growing as rapidly as I wanted. I decided to return to school and gain my masters' degree. Immediately after graduation, I joined KPMG in a junior role where I have been flourishing ever since."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Admin Example
"I recently graduated with my business administration diploma, so this is the first professional role that I have pursued. Before attending school, I spent a lot of my time volunteering at the humane shelter, working with abandoned and homeless animals. While attending post-secondary school, I worked as a hostess at a local pub. That role taught me a great deal about multi-tasking, customer service, and even math. I look forward to forging a wonderful career with your organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Manager Example
"My management career goes back two years. My first dive into a management role was overseeing a team of floor sales representatives, five in total. This year I was promoted and moved to a warehouse management role, which is where I am today. Here, I manage a team of twelve plus three temporary staff who often rotate. Before my management career began, I was working in a retail environment and attending post-secondary at the same time. My degree is in Business, with a focus on organizational management."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Marketing Example
"I have experience outside of my marketing career; however, it's primarily customer service based and not truly related to the digital marketing career that I am focused on pursuing, today. After graduating from ABC Universtiy with my degree in digital marketing, I worked for a startup SaaS organization. The position taught me a great deal; however, they recently closed their doors due to fierce competition. Now, I am seeking a role related to my education but in an agency environment."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Retail Example
"I started working retail at a very young age, part-time after school during high school. I liked the flexibility, and the position taught me a lot about multi-tasking, receiving stock, and customer service techniques. After three years of working part-time for company ABC, I left to attend university. This spring I graduated with a diploma in fashion design, which is what brings me here today. I am eager to start working with a retail-based organization with a focus on design and innovation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Sales Example
"I have always worked in sales, as you can see from my resume. My first sales position was with Company ABC where I earned the title of top territory sales rep for four years running. I was then headhunted by Company XYZ to head their new territory and develop it. I took the area from zero sales to 2.4 million in just 24 months. My successes continued with my latest organization where I now lead a team of six territory sales representatives. I look forward to applying these experiences and wins to my career with your organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Teacher Example
"My career as an educator began in the private school sector where I worked as an English teacher for twelve years. After my family relocated to Boston, I began applying to roles in the public education realm. I have been in the public school sector ever since then. My favorite subjects to teach are still English and History which is why this role is so exciting for me. I also speak three languages and have spent time volunteering as an assistant coach for many middle school soccer teams."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
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My career as a law enforcement officer has been very gratifying. In my time as being a police, I have been awarded several awards including life saving awards, certificates of merit, and the mothers against drunk driving award for making the most impaired driving arrest in my entire department."
Cindy's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
"¢ I have also had a wide range of experiences; I've had retail experience through _______. I've been a part of a fast-paced technology start-up environment. I have also recently set up and operated an Etsy calligraphy store with a family member.
"¢ I have gained a lot of skills through my life so far, but I have also taken pride in transferring knowledge to others, this was through mentoring at university and also being a tutor."
Cindy's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Marcie's Feedback