Your past experiences are like steps on a ladder, each one helping you climb higher in your career. Interviewers ask, “How has your experience prepared you for this role?” because they want to know if you’re ready to do well in the job. They believe that what you’ve done before can show how you’ll perform in the future.
Here are some variations of this interview question:
- How has your experience prepared you for this role?
- Describe your relevant experience.
- Do you think you’re prepared for this job?
This question is a great chance to show how your experiences make you the right person for the job. Even if you don’t have everything the job description asks for, you can share how your real-life experiences have prepared you. The key is to connect your actual experiences to what the job needs. In this guide, we’ll help you explain your background in a way that shows you’re ready and excited to take on the role.
What interviewers are looking for when they ask about your past experience
When interviewers ask about your experience, they want to hear specific examples that show you can do the job well. It’s not enough to just say, “I worked as an accountant for three years.” They’re interested in the details—like how you helped with audits, prepared taxes, or gave advice on financial plans.
Make sure the stories you share match what the job needs. Be ready to talk about different parts of the role. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service job, you might talk about how you communicate clearly, work well with others, and know a lot about the products. These are all important things a hiring manager is looking for.
By giving specific examples, you show that you understand the job and have the skills to do it well. This helps the interviewer see that you’re the right person for the position.
How to answer “How has your experience prepared you for this role?”
Identify and highlight the key skills from the job description
Start by carefully reading the job description to find out what skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Make a list of the most important ones. These might include things like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, or specific technical skills.
How to do this:
- Make a list: Write down the top skills mentioned in the job posting.
- Pick the most relevant ones: Choose the skills that you have and that match the job best.
- Plan your examples: Think of times when you used these skills in your past experiences.
For example, if the job requires strong communication skills and teamwork, you might say: “In my last group project at university, I was the team leader. I made sure everyone knew their tasks and helped solve any problems. This experience improved my communication and teamwork skills.”
Share similar experiences that demonstrate relevant skills
If you haven’t done the exact job before, think about other times when you used similar skills. These can come from school projects, part-time jobs, volunteering, or even hobbies.
How to do this:
- Think broadly: Consider all your experiences, not just paid jobs.
- Find parallels: Look for activities where you did things similar to the job duties.
- Tell a story: Share a specific example that shows you using the skills.
For example, if you’re applying for an office administrator role but haven’t held that position before, you might say: “I haven’t been an office administrator yet, but I volunteered at the local community center where I helped manage event schedules and answered phone calls. I organized files and greeted visitors, which taught me how to keep things running smoothly.”
Use numbers and examples to show your impact
Adding numbers and specific details makes your experience more impressive. It shows that your actions had real results.
How to do this:
- Include statistics: Mention any numbers that show improvement or success.
- Highlight achievements: Talk about awards or recognition you received.
- Be specific: Give clear details about what you did and what happened because of it.
For example, instead of saying, “I helped with social media,” you could say: “While managing my school’s social media accounts, I increased followers by 30% in six months by creating fun and engaging posts.” Or: “During my internship, I organized a new filing system that reduced the time to find documents by 40%. This made the office work much more efficiently.”
How not to answer
Don’t exaggerate or fabricate your experience
It’s crucial to be truthful about your past experiences. While it might be tempting to embellish or stretch the truth to appear more qualified, this can lead to serious problems. Interviewers often dive deeper with follow-up questions, and if you’re unable to provide specifics, they may realize you’re not being honest. This not only damages your credibility but can also harm your chances of getting the job or lead to termination if the truth comes out later.
For example, claiming you managed a project alone when you were just a team member, or stating you have certifications you haven’t earned, can backfire. Employers value integrity and honesty; these traits build trust and are essential in any professional setting. Instead of exaggerating, focus on the genuine experiences you’ve had. Highlight the skills you’ve developed and express a willingness to learn more.
You might say: “While I haven’t led a team project yet, I’ve been an active member in several group assignments at school. I often took the initiative to organize meetings and keep us on track. I’m excited to bring these coordination skills to your team and grow into a leadership role over time.”
Don’t provide vague or general answers without specifics
Giving broad, unspecific answers doesn’t help the interviewer understand how you’re prepared for the job. Statements like “I’ve worked in similar jobs before and have the experience needed” are too general and lack impact. They miss the opportunity to showcase your unique skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the role.
Instead, share specific examples that demonstrate how your past experiences align with the job requirements. For instance: “In my previous part-time job at a bookstore, I assisted customers in finding books, managed the cash register, and organized inventory. This experience taught me valuable customer service skills and attention to detail, which I believe are important for this retail position.”
By providing details, you make your answer more convincing and memorable, showing the interviewer exactly how your background has prepared you for the role.
Sample answers to “How has your experience prepared you for this role?”
Example #1
“In my current job in tech support, I often help customers who are frustrated or upset. I use my communication skills to show them I understand how they feel, and then I think carefully to solve their problems. I consistently keep a customer satisfaction score of 90% or higher. Since you’re looking for someone who can handle demanding clients, I believe I’m a great fit for this position.”
Why this works:
This answer shows that you have experience dealing with challenging situations and can keep customers happy. It highlights your strong communication and problem-solving skills, which are important for many jobs. By mentioning your high customer satisfaction score, you provide proof of your success. You also directly connect your experience to what the employer is looking for.
Example #2
“You mentioned that teamwork is a big part of this job. I spent three years working in a restaurant kitchen, where I had to work closely with servers, cooks, and managers in a fast-paced environment. We all had to communicate and cooperate to make sure customers got their meals on time. This experience taught me how to work well with others, even when things get busy. I think this has prepared me to be a strong team player in this role.”
Why this works:
This answer shows you have real experience working in a team under pressure. You explain how your past job required good communication and teamwork—skills that are valuable in many roles. By relating your experience to the job you’re applying for, you show that you’re ready to contribute effectively. You also demonstrate an understanding of the job’s requirements.
Example #3
“As a recent graduate, I worked on several group projects at school. In one project, I was the team leader for a marketing assignment. I organized meetings, assigned tasks, and made sure we met our deadlines. We ended up getting one of the highest grades in the class. This experience helped me develop leadership and organizational skills. I believe this has prepared me to take on the responsibilities of this role, where managing projects and working with others are important.”
Why this works:
This answer is great for young professionals who are new to the workforce. It shows that even without a lot of work experience, you have relevant skills from school projects. By leading a team and achieving a successful result, you demonstrate leadership, organization, and teamwork. You make a clear connection between your experience and the job requirements, showing you’re prepared to contribute.
By keeping the job requirements in mind and sharing specific examples from your experiences, you help the interviewer see how your background has prepared you to succeed in the role. Each example highlights important skills and shows how you’ve applied them, making it clear that you’re a strong candidate.