What do you do if your relevant experience is being overlooked in an interview?

1 Assess Gaps

In interviews, sometimes your experience might seem irrelevant because it doesn't align perfectly with the job description. Take a moment to assess where the gaps might be. Could it be that the interviewer is not aware of certain aspects of your experience, or perhaps they don't understand the relevance? Before the interview, review the job description thoroughly and be prepared to draw clear connections between what you've done and what the job requires. This preparation can help you articulate the relevance of your experience when the opportunity arises.

2 Clarify Expertise

If your experience is being overlooked, it might be time to clarify your expertise. Without interrupting, wait for a natural pause in the conversation to interject. Politely mention that there's additional information you'd like to share that could be beneficial for the role. Explain how your previous roles have equipped you with unique skills and perspectives that directly apply to the job at hand. Use specific examples to paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and how they translate to the position you're interviewing for.

3 Engage Proactively

Engage proactively in the conversation by asking questions that allow you to bring up your experience. For example, inquire about challenges the company is facing that you have dealt with in the past. This not only shows your interest in the company's well-being but also gives you an opening to discuss how your experience is relevant. By positioning your background in relation to the employer's needs, you can make your experience impossible to overlook.

4 Pivot Strategically

When an interviewer moves on without acknowledging your relevant experience, pivot strategically. If a question doesn't directly relate to your strengths, answer it succinctly, then segue into a related topic where you can highlight your experience. This pivot should be smooth and natural, not forced. The goal is to redirect the conversation to showcase your qualifications without disregarding the interviewer's original question.

5 Emphasize Adaptability

Remember to emphasize your adaptability. Employers value candidates who can learn and grow. If your experiences aren't an exact match, focus on how you've successfully adapted to new roles and challenges in the past. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to learn quickly and apply your skills in new contexts. This approach can reassure the interviewer that you have the potential to thrive in the position, even if your experience isn't a perfect fit on paper.

6 Reinforce Value

Lastly, reinforce the value you bring to the table. Summarize the key points of your experience that align with the job's requirements before the interview ends. Express enthusiasm for the role and confidence in your ability to make a positive impact. By reiterating your relevant experience toward the end of the interview, you leave a strong final impression that highlights why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?