Walk Me Through Your Resume

A resume is one of the classic tools for career transition. On its own, though, it’s simply a piece of paper that takes a backward look at your career and your education. It doesn’t really predict how well you’ll do on a new team in a new role. Doing that is your job, and savvy interviewers will ask you to explain to them how your experience makes you a great fit for this new opportunity.

“Walk me through your resume” is a great early interview question because it gives you the chance to connect your skills and experience to what you know about the company and the job posting. (It goes without saying that you should have done your homework in advance to make a strong case.)

Alice Sjoberg, writing for the UK-based publication The Mirror, says that employers are really asking for something deeper than a basic review of where you’ve worked and what you did. “”What they’re really saying is ‘connect the dots for me on how your past experiences and successes are relevant and going to add value for this role,’” she writes.

She cites Rob Cancilla, a recruiter and career coach, who says that connecting statements are the most powerful tools you have to make the case for your candidacy. He suggests starting with, “when I think about my time in the role, what I’m most proud of is…” which offers you a chance to highlight personal growth or significant outcomes for the company. It also gives you a chance to share credit with your leadership or coworkers, which positions you as a generous and modest team player.

You might also use connecting statements to direct the interview toward your strengths. “As I researched this opportunity, I think the time I spent as sales manager at ABC Company is most relevant.” Then go on to detail how you think your experience will add value in this new role.

You can also use connecting statements to touch on what sales professionals call “pain points.” You might emphasize what you experienced in your former jobs “High turnover can make it hard to build and maintain gold standard customer service.” “AI has so much potential to increase efficiency in our industry, but many workers simply don’t know how to harness its power. I’ve been taking courses and building my skill in using AI as a supplement to my work.”

Connecting statements help you appear more confident and can illuminate important skills or experiences that you don’t have room for on a one-page resume. Spend some prep time before your big interview in crafting stories that highlight who you are, what you’ve learned over the years, and why you’re the right choice for the job.