What experience do you have in this field?

What experience do you have in this field?
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Hopefully if you're applying for this position you have bags of related experience, and if that's the case you should mention it all. But if you're switching careers or trying something a little different, your experience may initially not look like it's matching up. That's when you need a little honest creativity to match the experiences required with the ones you have. People skills are people skills after all, you just need to show how customer service skills can apply to internal management positions, and so on.
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Related questions

What experience do you have in this field?

Description : What experience do you have in this field?

Last Answer : Just as in the previous question, give examples of your past experience in the field. If you haven't had experience, explain why your other experiences and education make you qualified to do the job.

What experience do you have in this field?

Description : What experience do you have in this field?

Last Answer : Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can. For example if it is a fund accounting role, you ... overview of the funds & products you have experience with, especially those that are relevant to this role.

What experience do you have in this field?

Description : What experience do you have in this field?

Last Answer : What experience do you have in this field? or Do you have any actual work experience? Answer tips Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not ... computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.

We handle a large volume of tax returns here. How has your experience prepared you for this?

Description : We handle a large volume of tax returns here. How has your experience prepared you for this?

Last Answer : During college, I participated in the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. For two nights a week from February through April, I spent a few hours preparing individual tax returns in a public ... find some past experience that proves to the interviewer he can handle a large volume of work.

How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Description : How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Last Answer : Education is often a good way to compensate for lack of experience. Also, explain how the experience that you do have is actually valuable to the position that you're interviewing for.

Describe your most meaningful work experience.

Description : Describe your most meaningful work experience.

Last Answer : Describe a work experience that was meaningful; explain what you were doing and why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn?

What was your most rewarding college experience?

Description : What was your most rewarding college experience?

Last Answer : Think about what you're proud of about college, besides the fact that you graduated. Were you able to work and go to school at the same time? Did you get involved in a campus organization that you ... ? Explain what you did and why you found it rewarding, and what you've learned from the experience.

Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What could you have done to prevent it?

Description : Describe a team experience you found disappointing. What could you have done to prevent it?

Last Answer : The example you give should be one in which your team did not work well together, and you will show that you've learned from it and now use open communication to make certain everyone knows his/her role on the team.

Tell about a recent job or campus experience that you would describe as a real learning experience? What did you learn from the job or experience?

Description : Tell about a recent job or campus experience that you would describe as a real learning experience? What did you learn from the job or experience?

Last Answer : Focus on what you learned and how you will take those lessons and use them in the future.

Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what the outcome was.

Description : Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what the outcome was.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. Explain what you do in such a situation and how you stayed level-headed.

What has been your experience in giving presentations? What has been your most successful experience in speech making?

Description : What has been your experience in giving presentations? What has been your most successful experience in speech making?

Last Answer : The company wants to hire someone who is comfortable with public speaking and can prepare a presentation. Give an example where you had to present in front of several people, and what you did to prepare.

Recall a time from your work experience when your manager or supervisor was unavailable and a problem arose. What was the nature of the problem? How did you handle that situation? How did that make you feel?

Description : Recall a time from your work experience when your manager or supervisor was unavailable and a problem arose. What was the nature of the problem? How did you handle that situation? How did that make you feel?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you require supervision or if you can work independently and make decisions. Give an example that shines a good light on you.

Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people?

Description : Do you have the stomach to fire people? Have you had experience firing many people? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This innocent question could be a trap door which sends you down a chute and lands you in a heap of dust outside the front door. Why? Because its real intent is not just to see if ... s better for all concerned to act decisively in getting rid of offenders who won't change their ways.   

I’m concerned that you don’t have as much experience as we’d like in…

Description : I’m concerned that you don’t have as much experience as we’d like in… 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This could be a make-or-break question. The interviewer mostly likes what he sees, but has doubts over one key area. If you can assure him on this point, the job may be yours. ... on the unique combination of strengths you offer, strengths which tie in perfectly with his greatest wants.    

What previous experience do you have in retail?

Description : What previous experience do you have in retail?

Last Answer : Sub: Free Retail interview questions and answers Interview questions: What previous experience do you have in retail? Answer tips/answer samples: There is nothing stopping you from showing off a ... working, starting from those that are the most similar to the company you are applying into.

How would your past experience translate into success in this job?

Description : How would your past experience translate into success in this job?

Last Answer : Interview questions: How would your past experience translate into success in this job? Answer tips/answer samples: You may tell from the interviewer's tone whether he is suspecting your past ... don't forget to name the potential challenges and developments that the job may pose and offer.

How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Description : How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Last Answer : How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience? Answer tips First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you ... In fact, I don't think they're as passionate about the job, because everything is normal to them.

Can you tell me about your leadership experience?

Description : Can you tell me about your leadership experience?

Last Answer : SITUATION I was in charge of the committee that was asked to revise our school's vision as they were transitioning to a co-ed school. OBSTACLES There were some issues because not all of ... were able to come to agreement and meet the deadline. I learned the importance of ongoing communication.

You haven’t worked in this field before. What makes you think you’d be good at this?

Description : You haven’t worked in this field before. What makes you think you’d be good at this?

Last Answer : I am very organized, I work well on a team, and I have very good communication skills. Although I haven't worked in this particular field before, I know these skills will make me a valuable ... the mistake of dwelling on her lack of experience in this particular field instead of on her strengths.

How did you become interested in this field/industry?

Description : How did you become interested in this field/industry?

Last Answer : Describe how you've come to develop a passion or interest in this industry and use variables like "culture, people, vision, career development, and the work itself" to define your choice

Tell me a suggestion you have made that was implemented in this field ?

Description : Tell me a suggestion you have made that was implemented in this field ?

Last Answer : It's important here to focus on the word "implemented." There's nothing wrong with having a thousand great ideas, but if the only place they live is on your notepad what's the point? ... with a story about an idea of yours that was taken from idea to implementation, and considered successful.

Is there anything I’ve missed?

Description : Is there anything I’ve missed?

Last Answer : Well, I did want to mention that I was honored by my organization's board of directors for developing a program that reached out to a large number of senior citizens in need of financial assistance. We ... has been covered, he may be missing a chance to discuss something that can work in his favor.

It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Description : Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Last Answer : I recently found a way to help my employer save money on office supplies. For years, they bought office supplies from the same place. It was several blocks away, so it was pretty convenient. I have found that shopping ... of saying he'll just do the job, he needs to show why he'd be great at it.

Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Description : Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Last Answer : Our senior developer regularly asks me to troubleshoot new programs. I've been very successful at figuring out why programs aren't working properly, and I can usually do it pretty quickly, allowing the ... to plan the party. This skill probably won't be very important to the prospective employer.

Have you ever come up with new ways to solve a problem?

Description : Have you ever come up with new ways to solve a problem?

Last Answer : Yes, I have. We had a problem with dismissal from our after-school program. Too many children were leaving at once, causing chaos in our parking lot. I developed a system for releasing children alphabetically so ... hasn't had to solve any problems, how can she be expected to do so in the future?

You seem to have accomplished a lot in your current job. Do you know why you weren’t promoted?

Description : You seem to have accomplished a lot in your current job. Do you know why you weren’t promoted?

Last Answer : I wasn't promoted because unfortunately there wasn't a position to promote me to. JFR was a very small, family-owned firm. The boss's two sons held the top positions, which were right above my ... of the way things are at his current job and makes the mistake of letting the interviewer know that.

What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

What motivates you to go above and beyond the call of duty?

Description : What motivates you to go above and beyond the call of duty?

Last Answer : Honestly, I don't have a sense of what is above and beyond the call of duty. It's not like I can just do enough to get by and then stop. When I work on a project, I do my very ... recognition for my work. This candidate doesn't seem to be self-motivated, since her rewards come from the outside.

Have you ever had to overcome a major obstacle? How did you do it?

Description : Have you ever had to overcome a major obstacle? How did you do it?

Last Answer : Yes, I did. My family couldn't afford to pay for college. I applied for as much financial aid as possible, but I still had to work to pay for whatever that didn't cover. I ... this candidate hired. She needs to demonstrate perseverance and therefore should try to find some obstacle to speak about.

If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Description : If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Last Answer : He would probably talk about the time he asked me to present a new marketing campaign to one of our more difficult clients. I spent over a week preparing for that presentation. Since I knew this ... breaks one of the cardinal rules of job interviewing - to never speak negatively about a former boss.

Tell me about the personal accomplishment that you are the proudest of.

Description : Tell me about the personal accomplishment that you are the proudest of.

Last Answer : Last year I ran a marathon for the first time. I've been a runner for years, but I never ran more than four miles at a time. I began training four months before the big day. It was ... of how she reached this goal, this candidate doesn't show off any strengths when she gives this example.

Name the two work-related accomplishments of which you are proudest.

Description : Name the two work-related accomplishments of which you are proudest.

Last Answer : I converted a manual payroll system to a computerized system, which cuts down the amount of time we spend on payroll each week. I also wrote a manual that explained all bookkeeping department procedures ... affected the company. They also don't explain how he earned his good reviews and promotion.

What has been your greatest accomplishment as part of a team?

Description : What has been your greatest accomplishment as part of a team?

Last Answer : I worked on a team that developed a program for children who were going home to an empty house after school because their parents worked. We had volunteers who would help the kids with their ... the question because working on a team is probably typical of the position for which he is hiring.

Have you ever received formal recognition for something you accomplished?

Description : Have you ever received formal recognition for something you accomplished?

Last Answer : Yes. I won Salesperson of the Month four times when I was working for Ace Stereo. Those with the largest increase in sales over the previous month were rewarded in this way. I believe I ... for a fashion-consulting position, this answer doesn't highlight any skills that will impress the employer.

Have you ever had to take over an assignment at the last minute?

Description : Have you ever had to take over an assignment at the last minute?

Last Answer : I've had to do that more than once - actually several times. The most recent time was when a colleague was scheduled to attend a meeting out of town and came down with the flu two days before he ... in order to make a successful presentation. Never Say: Yes, it has happened. Give an example.

Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Description : Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Last Answer : My previous employer valued my ability to deal with difficult clients. Whenever we had a client who was very demanding, my boss would ask me to be the one to work with her. He said he knew I was so ... up on time. Showing up on time is expected and doesn't set this candidate apart from any other.

Can you describe how you accomplished a personal goal?

Description : Can you describe how you accomplished a personal goal?

Last Answer : I wrote a short story, and my goal was to get it published. I went to the library and researched which magazines accepted short-story submissions. Then I sent my story to those publications that ... for about six months. This answer does not demonstrate any skills that are needed in the workplace.

Describe how you accomplished a work-related goal.

Description : Describe how you accomplished a work-related goal.

Last Answer : When I started working for Daylight Publications, I discovered that I had inherited a huge file cabinet full of photographs. We used photographs in our magazine but usually wound up purchasing stock photos, ... able to do it. This in no way demonstrates any job-related skills the interviewee has.

Do you consider your progress on your current job indicative of your ability?

Description : Do you consider your progress on your current job indicative of your ability?

Last Answer : Yes, I do. I was promoted twice on my current job. I was hired as a marketing trainee. After about a year I was promoted to associate account executive, and then after two years I was promoted ... This candidate discusses how and why she was promoted. Never Say: Yes. This answer lacks specifics.

What should I do if I’m a recent college graduate without many work-related accomplishments?

Description : What should I do if I’m a recent college graduate without many work-related accomplishments?

Last Answer : If you don’t have much work experience, draw upon your experiences as a student. Look at what you achieved while you were in college, either in your classes or through extracurricular activities.

Which of your accomplishments has given you the most satisfaction?

Description : Which of your accomplishments has given you the most satisfaction?

Last Answer : Last year I initiated a program that sent our executives into schools to work with the Young Entrepreneur Program. We sent teams into two area high schools to help the students learn how to run their ... been great. This candidate needs to focus on something she did in order to deserve that title.

Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Description : Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Last Answer : I've been successful so far because I've always worked very hard and I've always been willing to accept any challenges that are offered to me. Actually, I usually seek them out. I have excellent time- ... to think he had anything to do with his own success. If he doesn't believe it, who will?

How do you feel about the way your career has progressed so far?

Description : How do you feel about the way your career has progressed so far?

Last Answer : I'm pleased with how my career has progressed. When I graduated from college, I was hired to work as a trainee at Rogers, Inc., a small advertising agency. Being a trainee meant I answered the phones ... where I am. Don't assume the interviewer knows where you are right now or how you got there.

How did you progress at your last job?

Description : How did you progress at your last job?

Last Answer : I was hired as a sales associate by K.R. Nickel Stores seven years ago. I became assistant manager of the girls' clothing department two years later. My boss said she never saw a young associate work ... of girls' clothing. This interviewee must talk about how he got from point A to point C.

Can you tell me about your greatest accomplishment at work?

Description : Can you tell me about your greatest accomplishment at work?

Last Answer : I'm particularly proud of the mentoring program I started about five years ago. I noticed that new employees were having trouble getting acclimated to the company, causing a very high turnover ... is important to share this information, this interviewee doesn't indicate what led to that promotion.

What traits will a person need in order to become successful? Do you have these traits?

Description : What traits will a person need in order to become successful? Do you have these traits?

Last Answer : To be successful, a person needs excellent organization and time management skills. She has to get along well with her boss, coworkers, and clients. She must always be willing to learn new skills. Yes, I ... the game may help you be successful, but your success may not be based on any real skills.

Please discuss a project you supervised.

Description : Please discuss a project you supervised.

Last Answer : I managed the expansion project at the shopping mall in Greenhaven. It involved increasing the size of the mall by 20 percent. I supervised a staff of fifty-five project team professionals. We completed ... supervised a mall expansion right outside the city. It went well. This answer is too vague.

I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Description : I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Last Answer : When you described the job to me, you said you needed someone who was good with patients. You also said you wanted someone who knows a lot about the different insurance plans. My primary ... who is good with patients and insurance. That would be me. This candidate needs to elaborate.

How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Description : How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Last Answer : Turnover in my department since I was promoted to supervisor five years ago has decreased from 30 percent to 10 percent. The reason, I believe, is that I treat those who work under me fairly. When a big ... and they do what I tell them to do. There's more to being a good supervisor than this.