How to Answer: What types of duties did you handle in previous positions?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Account Representative job interview.
4. What types of duties did you handle in previous positions?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know you have some experience that will lend itself to the position. Even if you don't have direct experience, draw on other things such as raising a family, volunteer work, etc. Describe duties that you can relate to the job description for this position. If you answered phones, filed, or maintained a calendar of appointments, it's still experience.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Stay Away From
Appearing as thought you do not understand the job description or do not have any background experience. Again, you're there! This means the interviewer saw something they liked. Focus on your knowledge of the position and what background you have that is relevant to it.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Any direct experience related to an Account Representative role. This could be typing, filing, account management, routing telephone calls, or anything in your history that supports your knowledge of the role for which you are interviewing.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"When I worked as an Account Representative at XX company, my duties were varied and often ad hoc as assigned. This included assisting management staff in preparing confidential documents, completing and updating records, and processing invoices through an electronic system. I also had to be very flexible to assist other staff in varied roles as needed."
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Inexperienced Example
"For the past several years, I volunteered at the public library which allowed me to work specific hours while raising my children. In this role, I helped keep the library running efficiently by carrying out clerical duties. I was also available to help visitors/students find the resources and materials they were looking for."
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022