The Most Important Question in Any Job Interview

With the job scenario changing constantly, you should always be prepared for an interview. In this blog, we will discuss the most important question asked in any job interview.

The most important and usually the first question that will be asked in any interview is:

“Give an overview of your experience”

This very question is your chance to highlight your experience and be in control of the interview.

Even though, your prospective employer has your resume in front of them, this question is still asked so that the candidate being interviewed should feel comfortable. It also gives a chance to the Interviewer to learn more about your experience and to see in which direction to take the interview.

I cannot believe how many people fumble this question.

Initial anxiety or nervousness is natural in any interview session, but believe me, if you are called for an interview, the board is more likely to hire you. They want to provide you full opportunity to showcase your experience and tell them why you will be the best candidate.

How to prepare for the most important interview question

When preparing for an interview, provide a good experience overview.

Furnish highlights from your resume and earlier work experience.

The following tips will help:

1. Get a clear understanding of the job requirements.

Before the job interview is scheduled, you will be provided with a job description.

• Examine the job requirements in detail.
• Pay attention to what exactly your prospective employer is looking for.
• What specific skills are required.
• Review your resume and experience and try to match it.
• Provide some examples from your earlier work assignments that shows your work, to fulfill similar requirements.

2. Know your resume.

• You have to know the work you have done.
• If you have been in a workforce for a long time, you may not remember the specific details, but at least you should know the recent 3-4 assignments.
• For each assignment, provide specifics such as what challenges occurred and how you resolved them.
• Resume building is an ongoing process. Even while you are on-the-job, look for any issues you have resolved and update your resume with the same.

3. Write down the details on the top of your resume.

You may not remember the details of your experience or what you have to say, when you are asked to provide an overview of your experience, hence it is more effective to write down small notes/bullet points on your resume itself. So that you can expand on them.

4. Telephonic interviews are no different than face-to-face interviews.

Prepare for telephonic interviews in the same way as you would prepare for a face-to-face interview. To learn more about telephonic interviews, visit Telephonic Interview 101

5. Improve your Communication.

Knowledge is essential but you need to learn how to articulate it. Without proper communication, you cannot convey your message. Join a group or work with your family and friends.

6. Practice, Practice, and Practice.

Even though an interview is a test of knowledge, facing one is an art too. Like any other art, you need to practice to be good at it. Visualize the interview session and practice your responses. Work on what you will say and how you will say it.