Do you have previous experience in this field?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

Your interviewer can answer this question upon looking at your CV, but many barely skim an interviewee's resume before an interview. So when you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it's important to be very specific about your skills and experience and how they apply to the position that you are interviewing for. Describe where you obtained your post-secondary training and where you have worked in a paid and/or volunteer position. If you are new to the industry, describe the experience you gained during your clinical rotations, residency, and fellowship, if applicable.

"Coming out of residency, you'll see that my training program exposed me to a wide variety of patients and clinical settings upon graduation. Knowing that the outpatient unit here sees a wide spectrum of patients, I think my broad experiences entering the workforce will benefit the organization greatly. Personally, a general practice where I can learn to grow from both my partners and my patients is exactly what I am looking for."

"Yes, my five years of experience have prepared me well for this role. You mentioned that the majority of the patients have schizophrenia. I spent three years working in a psychiatric unit with schizophrenic patients, and I was very successful and personally fulfilled working with that particular population."

"As you'll see from my CV, I transitioned to become a Forensic Psychiatrist about five years ago and have loved this transition. Combining my career as a Psychiatrist with a passion for law was a perfect fit. My time involved in trials will show an unbiased approach that will greatly benefit this organization moving forward should I be offered the position."

Anonymous Answer

"I have a breadth of clinical experience I worked for many years in rural areas, in a prison service, in organ transplant units, and also in major trauma centers. In addition, I have a degree in law. All this experience has prepared me well for psychiatry. As for my formal work experience in the field of psychiatry, I have worked in the psychiatric field for 4 years, one-year full-time and three part-time, in a range of settings including acute, community, and rehab facilitities."