Job Interviews FAQs: What Relevant Experience Do You Have?
Tip: this question is a great opportunity to show that you are the right person for the job; so, don't miss it! In your answer emphasize the main responsibilities that you used to have and connect them to the responsibilities which are indicated in the job description – this will make the employer see that you understand the details of this position and that you have relevant experience to perform well. Also try to be direct and specific when describing your skills and qualifications and don't forget to mention how you can use them in the position you are applying for.
Interviewer: What relevant experience do you have?
Harry, 26, is applying for a position of a Store Manager: I've been working in sales for 7 years. As you can see from my CV, I started as a shop assistant, and then I was promoted to Store Manager. Both positions gave me an opportunity to learn how to deal with customers and develop customers' loyalty. I managed to build successful relationships with suppliers and partners. I was good at leading the team of shop assistants. And the most important thing – I found the way to improve the image of the shop and increase sales. I'm sure I will be able to apply all those skills and knowledge and show really good results working as a Store Manager of your shop.
Jane, 41, is applying for a position of a Chief Accountant in a big multinational company: Well, I have 14 years of experience in this field. I have worked for several different companies during my career. The most recent position I had was a position of a Chief Accountant in ABC Corporation, which is an international consulting company. My job involved managing the work of the Accounting department of Ukrainian subsidiary and liaising with our Head Office in Washington. There were 5 accountants working under me. I was responsible for all financial reports and documents of the subsidiary. This position required collaboration with tax authorities and governmental bodies. Also I used to have frequent business trips to the USA, where I obtained a lot of useful knowledge about international business practice and international accounting standards that I can use in my future position.
Sally, 23, graduate, is applying for a position of a web programmer trainee: I have just graduated from the university, that's why I haven't got much work experience. But during my 5th year of studies I successfully completed a work placement in IT department of STR Company, which specializes in web programming and design. During this 3 months placement I had a chance to get some hands-on experience in this field and to improve my skills in XHTML and CSS. I delivered all the projects on time and met all deadlines which were set by the Head of IT. Besides, I worked efficiently in a team of young programmers and built good relationships with other employees. References from my supervisor and the Head of IT are available on request.
Vocabulary:
emphasize – to stress
job description – a document which contains details of the responsibilities for a particular position
relevant – appropriate
skills and qualifications – abilities to do something well and a degree or diploma that makes you suitable for a particular job or position
to be promoted – to go up the career ladder – получить повышение
customers' loyalty – when customers continue buying from a specific organization
supplier – a party that supplies goods or services
to apply – to use
to involve – to entail
subsidiary – a daughter company
to liaise – to work closely with
collaboration – cooperation, when parties work together to achieve common goal
work placement – a job that continues for a short time, that someone, especially a student, does in order to get experience
hands-on – practical
to meet deadline – to complete the task on time
references – contacts for employers to verify or ask questions about a potential employee's background, work experience
to work under someone – to be supervised by someone
trainee – an individual taking part in a trainee program or a graduate program within a company after having graduated from university
