What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

During an interview, you’ll probably be faced with direct questions. One common question is, “Explain what you do in your current position.” This question can help you feel more at ease – as you know the exact responsibilities of the job you’re currently in. Asking this question also enhances your resume by adding more descriptions to your previous jobs.

• Identify your current job title and its responsibilities.
• Describe your current job duties in a way that’s related to your desired job.
• Refine your resume so that the important functions of your job is shown in the descriptions.

Points to Emphasize

Make sure you communicate to the employer the results of your work. Show that in your work, you made a positive difference. Remember to emphasize:

• Project results
• How your experience connects with your desired job
• Honesty and confidence
• The big picture of your experience

Since the hiring manager probably knows the industry you describe, no need to go into a lot of unnecessary detail about your work.

• What projects or tasks have you been given that connect to your desired job?
• What positive results were you a part of in those projects and tasks?
• What overall skills have you gained from those experiences?

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Keep the interview going well by remembering these tips:

• Be honest – don’t take credit for something you didn’t do
• Don’t include a lot of unnecessary detail
• Keep your response simple and straightforward
• Make sure your response is directly related to your desired position

Highlight the qualities and skills the ideal candidate should have for the position by being honest and straightforward in your response.

• What experience or story of your accomplishments would you address?
• What qualities and skills from that experience could you pull out to relate to the ideal candidate?
• Describe the experience in limited detail

Sample Answer

Check out this example to answer the question of, “What do you do in your current position?”

“For the last seven years, I’ve served at XYZ Marketing as an account representative. I was in charge of 30 accounts and in a team with 10 other representatives. In my position there, I successfully maintained positive relations with clients and grew my client base 50% in my first year there.”

Notice how this example highlights the results of the work. This shows the hiring manager not only what you do but that you’re able to do it successfully as well.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.