You’re minutes into the interview and things are going well. So much so that your nerves have settled.
But then…
The interviewer shifts in her chair and asks the dreaded question, the one you meant to prepare for. “Can you walk me through your resume?”
Your nerves immediately return to a frazzled state and you wish you were anywhere other than this interview!
Where do I begin?
What does she really want to know?
How much time do I take?
What if I leave out the one thing that will land the job?
First of all, remember that you’ve made it to the interview because they like what they see on paper. Now you have the opportunity to expand on what got you in the door. These next moments are strategic, yes, but they don’t have to be terrifying!
Here’s a framework to help you craft a compelling narrative that showcases your career journey and aligns it with the role you’re aiming for.
1. Keep it concise but impactful
You’re not auditioning for a keynote speech. Aim for a 5 to 7-minute overview that hits the high points. Start from the beginning, touching briefly on your education and giving a brief insight into why you entered your field and what drives your passion.
2. Tailor your timeline
What you emphasize will largely depend on your career stage. If you’re 20+ years into a progressive career, there’s no need to spend a lot of time on the first few years out of college. Provide quick summaries and, unless there’s a compelling reason, keep your early career details succinct. The bulk of your walkthrough should delve into the last 10 to 15 years of your career.
3. Spotlight the recent past in a structured way
After you touch briefly on your education and if applicable, a quick summary of early career roles, you’ll want to walk through the last 10 to 15 years in a little more depth.
For each position, follow this structured format:
- Why you joined: Express what attracted you to the company or role and what you were hired to accomplish.
- Role summary: Provide a quick overview of your position, how you fit into the team, and any managerial responsibilities. Emphasize details most relevant to the role you’re interviewing for.
- One key accomplishment: Choose the most impactful achievement, emphasizing its relevance to the position you’re interviewing for.
- Why you left: Touch on your departure briefly. If there were challenges, be honest about them, but bookend them with positivity. Highlight what you learned and how you applied those lessons in subsequent roles.
5. Look forward, not just backward
Wrap up your walkthrough by outlining what you’re seeking in your next role. Clearly articulate why you believe you can add significant value to the position you’re interviewing for.
Think of the dreaded “resume walkthrough” as a welcomed opportunity to present your professional journey as a compelling story that shows where you started,how you’ve grown, and why you’re ready for this particular role.
Now, for some practical advice. Even though this is your story, do not assume you can “wing it” in the interview. Practice. Have a friend or family member role play with you. Ensure that each element you highlight serves a purpose in showcasing your skills, experiences, and suitability for the new role.
With a well-structured response you’ll not only keep the interviewer engaged, you’ll position yourself as the ideal candidate.
Need a bit of help getting ready for your moment in the interview spotlight? We can help!
