In most interviews, you’re likely to start with a question that lets you introduce yourself, like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you interested in this job?” Another question that often pops up early is, “Walk me through your resume.” It sounds pretty straightforward, right? But there’s more behind this question than just recapping your job history.
When interviewers ask you to go through your resume, they’re looking for more than a play-by-play of your experience. They want to hear about your journey in your own words. It helps them see which parts of your background you think are most important and what achievements you’re most proud of. In short, it tells them what makes you tick and helps them figure out if you’re the right match for the job and the company culture.
And here’s the thing—this question is especially useful if your background doesn’t totally line up with the role. If you’re switching careers or trying something new, walking through your resume lets you show how your past experiences still make you a great fit for this job.
What interviewers want to hear about your resume
Interviewers usually want a quick summary of your career so far. Think of it like telling a story—help them understand how one job led to the next and why you’re making this move now. It’s your chance to show them that your career path makes sense, and that this job is the perfect next chapter for you.
They’re also hoping you’ll address any odd spots on your resume, like gaps in your work history or jobs that you didn’t stay at for long. Don’t stress about these! This is your moment to explain them in a positive way. Maybe you took time off to travel or learn new skills, or maybe a short-term role taught you a lot in a short time. Either way, being ready to talk about these points shows you’re thoughtful and prepared.
How to answer “Walk me through your resume”
Start with a brief, focused summary of your career story
Think of this as your “career elevator pitch.” Your goal is to keep it brief—around one to two minutes. Start with a quick overview of where you began, then walk through the main steps in your career journey up to the present. If you’re just starting out, focus on relevant internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that’s helped shape your skills.
If you have a lot of experience, don’t feel you have to cover every job in detail. Instead, highlight key points: where you started, some significant roles along the way, and what you’ve been doing most recently. This approach gives interviewers a solid understanding of your career path without overwhelming them with too much detail.
Highlight key achievements that match this role
Your response should go beyond listing job titles. For each job—or at least the most relevant ones—mention one or two standout accomplishments. Aim for achievements that show your impact, like “increased sales by 20%,” “led a team project from start to finish,” or “designed a new process that saved time.” Focus on examples that relate to the job you’re applying for now, as this helps the interviewer picture how your experience fits their needs.
If you need more ideas, check out the example answers below for inspiration on how to share achievements in a way that catches attention.
Proactively address any gaps or unusual career moves
If there’s anything on your resume that could raise questions—like gaps in employment or short stays in some roles—tackle these points head-on. This shows you’re aware of your career journey and ready to discuss it openly.
For example, if you were out of work for a period, you might say, “I took time to enhance my skills in X and worked on freelance projects.” Or, if you had a few short-term roles, you could explain how each role added something valuable to your skill set. Addressing these proactively shows you’re thoughtful about your career choices and prepared for anything the interviewer might wonder about.
How not to answer
Avoid repeating your resume word for word
The hiring manager already has your resume in front of them, so there’s no need to read it back line by line. Instead, use this chance to show off your personality. Talking through your resume in your own words gives the interviewer a glimpse into who you are and what you’re passionate about, which is something they can’t see just by reading.
Try to focus on the “why” behind each move you made, what you enjoyed about each position, or a skill you’re especially proud of. This makes your career journey more interesting and memorable for the interviewer.
Don’t give a jumbled recap
It’s easy to get a bit off-track when talking about your experience, but try to avoid jumping from job to job in random order. It’s much easier for the interviewer to follow along if you tell your story in a smooth, linear way—either from your earliest role to the present or by starting with your current position and working backward.
Choosing a clear order and sticking to it helps show that you’re organized and thoughtful. Plus, it makes your answer easier to understand, which keeps the interviewer focused on you and your accomplishments instead of trying to piece together the timeline.
Sample answers to “Walk me through your resume”
Example #1
“My passion for helping animals started in high school when I volunteered at a local animal shelter. While I was in college, I worked part-time as a vet tech assistant at a nearby animal hospital, where I became the go-to person for handling larger breeds—I was known for my way with big dogs! After graduating, I accepted a full-time role as a vet tech at Sunrise Veterinary Hospital, where I’ve now assisted in over 200 surgeries. Surgery support has become my favorite part of the job, and I love learning something new in every case.”
Why this example works:
This answer gives a clear and compelling story, starting from the candidate’s early interest in animals and showing how that passion developed into real experience. By including personal details like being the “go-to person” for big dogs, it adds personality and shows what makes them unique. They also highlight their surgical assistance experience, demonstrating a specific skill that might be valuable for a new role.
Example #2
“I got my start in digital marketing as an intern at a small agency during college, where I helped develop content strategies for local businesses. After graduating, I took a role as a marketing associate with a larger company, and that’s where I first really dove into social media. I helped launch our presence on new platforms and learned a ton about audience engagement. Currently, I’m a social media specialist focusing on creating content that drives brand awareness and engagement. You’ll see a gap on my resume, which I took to care for a family member, but I stayed up-to-date by taking online courses in the latest social media tools.”
Why this example works:
This answer shows a logical career progression, starting with an internship and moving into a more focused role. The candidate shares specific actions they took to build social media skills, and they address a gap in employment in a positive, proactive way. By mentioning online courses, they show dedication to growth, even during their time away from work.
Example #3
“I first got interested in technology when I took a coding class in college, which led me to an internship as an IT support assistant for my university. After graduating with a degree in computer science, I joined a small startup as a junior developer. Working on a small team has given me hands-on experience with different parts of the development process, from debugging code to implementing new features. I’m now looking to bring these skills to a larger company where I can dive deeper into specific projects and continue to learn from experienced developers.”
Why this example works:
This answer is tailored for someone early in their career who has gained broad experience in a smaller company. By explaining how they got interested in tech and describing their varied experience in a startup, the candidate demonstrates both a passion for the field and a strong foundation. The closing line shows ambition and eagerness to keep learning, which appeals to hiring managers looking for motivated team members.
By giving a confident, concise overview of your resume with personal tidbits thrown in, you’ll help the interviewer get to know you as a person while highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a great choice for the job.