What do you do if interviewers ask about your past job experiences?

Remember that the interview is not about you--it's about what you can do for them. So when you call up your past experience be sure to relate it to relevant points from the job posting and other information you've learned about the company. This requires you study before the interview. Phrase your answers in a clear format (CAR/STAR). You can refer to achievements from your resume to strengthen your answers. Make sure you help them see the "how". How what you've done in the past can help them now. Pick your answers carefully. Take time to think before you answer.

When interviewers ask about your past jobs, talk about the good things you did. Share achievements and skills that relate to the new job. Don't talk about anything bad from your old jobs. Stay positive and focus on what you've learned and how it helps you now. Keep your answers easy to understand and honest.

the answer is simple - tell them whatever you have done, specifically focusing on how your past experience relates or the experience is supporting your aspired role.

Imagine your resume as a map of your professional journey. Each job listed is not just a place you've been, but a story of challenges, growth, and achievements. When asked about past experiences, it's like being asked to share stories from your travels. Dive into those stories with enthusiasm, ensuring they highlight the skills and insights that have led you to where you are today. It's your narrative; own it.

Questions about previous experiences will always come. It is a very common approach to understand and predict future behaviour. In this context, make sure you crafted your resume to include experiences that connect at some degree with the profile they are looking for in the role. How each of those experiences can build a bridge between you and the job description? I'm not only talking about the "on-the-job" skills, but rather those soft skills or even "career breaks" taht can show a side if you that probably will help to stand out and make a difference.

Interviewers love diving into your past work! It's your chance to shine, so be prepared. First, pick a story for each question that highlights a skill they're looking for. Did you solve a tricky problem at your old job? Perfect for showcasing your resourcefulness! Did you crush a sales target? Boom, there's your drive and achievement. Remember, focus on the positive and what YOU did. Avoid badmouthing past employers, even if things weren't ideal. Keep it professional and upbeat. By showcasing your skills and past wins, you'll turn past experiences into stepping stones to landing that new awesome job!

Think of your interview as a bespoke suit fitting. Just as a tailor customizes the suit to fit perfectly, tailor your answers to align with the job you're interviewing for. This demonstrates not just your suitability for the role but also your meticulous attention to detail and your ability to connect past experiences with future opportunities. It shows you're not just a participant in your career but a strategist.

Practice answers to questions to consider will be asked. Nothing better than be prepared and being confident in delivering a compelling and resonating answer. Research the company's history, understand their values, mission, products, services, senior management team and history. When answering the questions heighten the impact with some phrases "On my appointment I will......"

Your answers should be like a well-crafted elevator pitch: brief yet powerful. Confidence here isn't just about believing in your abilities; it's about communicating your value succinctly and effectively. It's the difference between rambling through a novel and delivering a compelling short story that leaves the audience wanting more.

Try not to be specific about being laid off because such decisions are under the admin's hand and you were not aware of such specificity of why you were chosen to let go.

Besides be concise and confident I think it is important to read your audience. What is happening with your interviewer? After a couple of minutes into the interview you will be able to "catch" their style. Ye be clear and not rumble, but if you are perceiving a good rapport, no need to be super concise, telling a good story can be a game changer, specially it if allows to show a varied set of skills, experiences and achievements. On the other hand, if you realize your interviewer has a checklist they need to cover, don't take it personally and continue to answer with clarity and confidence.

Tailor your response to the specific job and company by aligning your experiences with their requirements, emphasizing how you can add value, and avoiding irrelevant or negative aspects of past roles. Showcasing your fit for the position enhances your chances of success.

It’s important when you are interviewing that you are concise and you know what story you want to tell. You should be able to walk the interviewer through your past experience and just a couple of minutes. You don’t want to just regurgitate the name and title of your job job. A really great summary of your experience might sound something like: for my résumé, you will see I have extensive experience in sales, human resources, recruiting, and diversity and inclusion. My most recent role was Director of D&I. I led the effort to establish 11 employee resource groups and grew up over 7k members globally. Prior to that I was in call-center operations and managed 7 to 10 supervisors. Our goal was ensuring we hit the key performance indicators.

En mi experiencia como selectora de personal en una entrevista valoro los perfiles que pueden resaltar sus aprendizajes, su evolución, los desafíos que ha enfrentado como profesional y su capacidad de adaptación con ejemplos concretos de situaciones laborales. Además, aprecio si la persona se sigue capacitando de forma continua para seguir desarrollándose personal y profesionalmente.

A resume is more than a list of jobs; it's a narrative of professional evolution. When discussing past roles, emphasize the skills you've developed, the challenges you've overcome, and how these experiences have contributed to your growth. This perspective turns each job into a stepping stone towards your current career aspirations, demonstrating your capacity for reflection and continuous improvement.

The fourth step is to highlight your learnings and growth from previous work experiences. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are not only proud of your achievements but also aware of areas for improvement and open to learning from mistakes. Illustrate how you have applied your learnings and skills to new situations and challenges, showcasing professional and personal growth. Express gratitude for the opportunities and support received from past employers, colleagues, and mentors. By showcasing your development and gratitude, you can convey a well-rounded perspective on your journey and readiness for future endeavors.

The questions you ask in an interview can be as revealing as the answers you give. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and your genuine interest in the organization. This not only helps you stand out but also provides valuable insights into whether the opportunity aligns with your career goals.

Be curious about the role, the team, your potential manager and the organization. If we think more in the interpersonal part, some examples could be what is the team like, what are the challenges they are facing today? How would the manager describe her/himself?. An interview its a 2-way street. Ask the questions you need to know in order to make a decision wether the place and role you are interviewing for it's for you -or not-.

The fifth step is to pose pertinent questions at the conclusion of your interview. This demonstrates your interest in the job and company, showcasing your preparedness. Seize this opportunity to delve deeper into the role, expectations, culture, and objectives of the organization. Avoid overly general, personal, or negative inquiries such as salary, benefits, or issues. Refrain from asking questions that have already been addressed or are easily accessible on their website or social media platforms. By asking insightful questions, you can further engage with the interviewer and gain valuable insights into the position and company.

1. Research the job requirements: Before the interview, carefully review the job description and identify the specific skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer is seeking 2. Prepare examples: Think of past job experiences that demonstrate your ability to fulfill the requirements of the new role. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method 3. Focus on relevant experiences: During the interview, discuss the experiences most relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize the skills and knowledge you've gained and how they relate to the new position 4. Connect the dots: Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the position you're applying for and how you can contribute to the company's goals and success

When interviewers ask about past job experiences, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your cultural fit and teamwork skills. Share examples that showcase not only your achievements but also how you collaborated with others, adapted to company culture, and contributed to a positive work environment. This approach can give interviewers a well-rounded view of your professional persona and how you might integrate into their team.