What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

When asking this question, what the interviewer is truly asking is for you to give examples to verify the skills and expertise that you listed in your resume or may have shared earlier in the interview process.

• Do you think the interviewer is looking for a list of personal things, or professional ones? Why would this be?
• Reflect on your usual week at work. How do you like to structure your time?
• How do you approach all of the tasks that need to get done?

Points to Emphasize

It is a great idea to review your resume before entering the interview process. When answering the question, you will want to elaborate on skills you have previously shared while providing new examples.

• Talk about the skills you have that you believe you will utilize most in the position.
• Focus on experiences you have had utilizing those skills.
• Paint your experience in a positive light.
• If you received any awards or recognition through utilizing your skills, speak about them.

• Write down the 10 most important components of your last job
• Reflect on the list you’ve written, and try to select just 5 things that reflect a range of strengths and skills
• Write down any awards or recognition you received at work, and the reasons for receiving them

Mistakes You Should Avoid

You want to recall your experiences as close to how you shared them previously, whether it was in your resume or verbally. It is important to maintain continuity to avoid it seeming like you may have lied previously.

• Do not allude to the fact that you feel you have previously answered the question and try to breeze over it.
• If you have several previous positions, do not try to talk about all of them; focus in on the one or two most relevant jobs.
• Avoid sharing a laundry list of duties; paint a general picture of the skills you utilized on a regular basis.
  Steer away from any negative comments, unless you are speak of your conflict resolution skills.

• Which of your past jobs is most relevant to the one you are now applying for?
• How will you bring your work week strategy into this new setting?
• What strategies for structure have served you the best in the past? Why?

Sample Answer

A good answer to address your previous experience might sound something like:

“In a typical day in my last position I fulfilled management tasks of opening and closing the facility, as well as overseeing a staff of seven individuals. Throughout the day I completed various administrative duties as well, including answering phones, drafting documents and emails, filing and greeting customers. I also provided strong customer service and resolved customer issues.”

Utilize this question as a way to drive home the facts that you are aware of the skills necessary for the position, that you have those skills and that you have the experience to prove it.

• 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.