How to Answer 'Walk Me Through Your Resume'

What Does the Question Mean?

When an interviewer asks you to "walk them through your resume", they’re essentially asking you to -> summarize your career journey in a clear, concise manner. They want to understand your work history, key accomplishments, and how your experience aligns with the position you're applying for.

It’s your chance to give a narrative that connects the dots between your previous roles and this one. Think of it as a way to highlight the most important aspects of your career that will resonate with the employer.

How to Structure Your Answer

To answer this question effectively, it’s best to structure your response in a way that is logical and easy for the interviewer to follow. Here’s a general framework you can use:

1. Start with Your Education (if relevant)

Begin with a brief overview of your education, particularly if it's relevant to the job. Mention your degree, institution, and any academic honors or special projects that can highlight your skills and qualifications.

Example:

I graduated with a degree in Marketing from XYZ University, where I was heavily involved in a digital marketing project that helped local businesses increase their online presence.

2. Discuss Your Early Career or Relevant Experience

If you’re early in your career, talk about internships or entry-level jobs that helped you build a foundation. Emphasize skills you developed that will be useful for the current position.

Example:

After graduation, I worked as a marketing assistant at ABC Corp, where I coordinated campaigns and assisted with SEO research. That’s where I really developed my interest in content marketing.

3. Highlight Your Most Recent or Relevant Roles

The majority of your answer should focus on the most recent roles, particularly those that align closely with the job you're interviewing for. Talk about your responsibilities, key achievements, and how you contributed to the company.

Example:

For the past three years, I’ve been working as a senior marketing strategist at DEF Inc., where I lead a team that created integrated marketing campaigns. In one campaign, we increased brand awareness by 30% through social media and influencer partnerships.

4. Tie It Back to the Position You’re Applying For

Conclude your answer by discussing why you’re excited about the opportunity you’re applying for and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this new role.

Example:

I’m really excited about the chance to work with your team at GHI Ltd., as my background in data-driven marketing strategies aligns perfectly with your company’s growth goals. I’m eager to bring my skills in project management and campaign development to help boost your brand’s market share.

Tips for Answering the Question

• Be Concise: Keep your answer focused and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail about each job or project.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize the roles and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers or data to quantify your accomplishments. This helps demonstrate the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
• Practice: Rehearse your response before the interview so you can deliver it confidently and smoothly.
• Be Enthusiastic: Show your passion for the role and the company. Employers want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity.
• Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of your career and avoid discussing any negative experiences or gaps in your resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rambling: Don’t go off on tangents or provide unnecessary details. Keep your answer focused and relevant.
• Forgetting Key Details: Make sure you cover all the important aspects of your career, including key accomplishments and relevant experience.
• Being Overly Negative: Avoid criticizing former employers or speaking negatively about past experiences. Keep your tone positive and professional.
• Not Tailoring Your Answer: Make sure your response is tailored to the job you’re applying for. Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position.
• Not Practicing: Don’t wait until the interview to think about how you’ll answer this question. Practice your response beforehand so you can deliver it confidently.

Additional Examples & Case Studies