How To Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume” (With Examples)

“Walk me through your resume” is a frequently asked interview question, making it crucial to know how to respond effectively. When answering, provide a concise overview of your educational background, professional history, and future career aspirations.

In this article, we’ll explore how to answer this question, provide sample answers, and share essential tips to keep in mind during your interview.

Key Takeaways

• When asked, “Can you walk me through your resume?” focus on the highlights of your education, work history, and career goals.

• Practice your response to ensure you’re prepared for the interview.

• Highlight relevant skills and address any gaps in your employment history.

How to Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

To respond to “Can you walk me through your resume?” start by summarizing your educational background, follow with your professional history, and conclude with your career goals. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Start with your educational background. Unless you’re a recent graduate, keep this brief. Mention any relevant coursework and how it has influenced your career path.

2. Explain your professional history. This section should detail how you entered your field and outline your career chronologically while emphasizing significant accomplishments, key skills, and notable projects.

   Use engaging anecdotes to convey your enthusiasm for the role; if you seem disinterested, the hiring manager might question your passion. Conduct company research beforehand to align your stories with what they value.

3. Finish with career goals. Conclude with a forward-looking statement about your aspirations. Interviewers want to ensure that the position aligns with your long-term objectives, as this often correlates with your commitment to the role. Highlight your eagerness to learn and develop professionally.

Example Answers to “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Here are tailored sample answers for various scenarios. Ensure your responses reflect your unique experiences:

1. “Walk me through your resume” LabCorp Position Example Answer

   I grew up in North Carolina and completed my degree in biology and chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating with honors and engaging in graduate-level coursework to enhance my internship and research experiences.

   My initial role was in a university lab, where I acquired essential skills in protein analysis and cell line management. I then interned at a local hospital’s summer scholars program, accumulating over 1000 hours of hands-on experience.

   After college, I transitioned into a role as an EMT to gain direct patient interaction experience, where I developed skills in conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.

   With my educational background and extensive lab experience, I am eager to pursue a career in laboratory pathology. I believe this position at LabCorp is an ideal next step to leverage my skills effectively within your lab team.

2. “Walk me through your resume” Marketing Position Example Answer

   I grew up in Mississippi in a family that ran a BBQ restaurant, which sparked my interest in community outreach and marketing. I pursued a degree in marketing and finance at Rice University, where I was part of the honors college.

   During my college years, I interned with companies like Tyson and volunteered with local startups, applying my classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

   To further develop my skills, I completed my MBA at Wake Forest University, where I worked with partner companies to enhance their marketing strategies, achieving a 70% increase in social media outreach.

   This position aligns perfectly with my blend of marketing and finance skills, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization, given my extensive volunteer and internship experience relevant to your needs.

3. “Walk me through your resume” Teacher Example Answer

   I graduated from URI with a bachelor’s degree in Education, inspired by my early tutoring experiences. After completing my teaching certification for Rhode Island, I served as a teacher’s assistant at Johnston Middle School, where I learned from diverse teaching methodologies.

   After a year, I became a full-fledged teacher, teaching English from remedial to advanced levels. I particularly enjoyed initiating an after-school reading advancement program, where 30% of my students improved their reading levels significantly.

   While I value my experiences at Johnston, I am eager to bring my skills to a private institution like yours, where the student-focused teaching approach resonates with my educational philosophy.

4. “Walk me through your resume” Student Example Answer

   As a current Bachelor’s student in Marketing at Penn State University, I have actively participated in various projects that have honed my skills. Maintaining a strong academic record, I engaged in internships to apply my theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

   My role as Vice President of the Marketing Club allowed me to lead team initiatives, manage budgets, and enhance collaboration among student groups.

   Looking ahead, I am excited to apply my academic knowledge and experiences in a professional setting, as I am passionate about continuous learning and making a meaningful impact.

5. “Walk me through your resume” Retail Manager Example Answer

   As a retail manager with six years of experience, I began as a sales associate and quickly advanced to a supervisor role due to my dedication to customer service.

   As a supervisor, I improved store operations through efficient inventory management and effective visual merchandising. I trained and mentored new employees to align with our customer-centric values.

   Promoted to assistant manager, I collaborated on sales strategies that resulted in a 30% sales increase within five months. Recently promoted to manager, I now oversee all operations, achieving record-breaking sales and recognition for exceptional customer service.

Why Do Interviewers Ask “Walk Me Through Your Resume”?

Interviewers request you to walk them through your resume because a one-page document cannot encapsulate your entire professional journey. While your resume showcases significant accomplishments and skills, your narrative during the interview reveals more about your personality and fit for the role.

Summing up your career in a concise interview answer is challenging, so consider your response as an elevator pitch that highlights your most impressive qualities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Avoid rambling or discussing irrelevant experiences during your resume summary. Here are additional pointers to consider:

• Don’t ramble. Keep your answer concise, ideally under two minutes. Avoid lengthy explanations that may cause the interviewer to lose interest.

• Don’t discuss irrelevant experiences. Focus on experiences that relate to the job to keep the interviewer engaged and interested.

• Don’t be negative. Avoid speaking poorly about past jobs or colleagues. If discussing a career change, frame it positively by highlighting what you seek in your new role.

• Don’t get caught off guard. Be prepared. Familiarity with your resume will help you convey confidence and a coherent narrative.

Tips for Answering “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

When discussing your resume, it’s vital to understand the position, craft your narrative, and explain why the job is a perfect fit for you. Here are some detailed tips:

• Know the position. Thoroughly understand the job requirements and the skills the employer seeks. Align your experiences with the job description to demonstrate your fit.

• Know your story. Prepare a compelling narrative that outlines your journey and how your experiences relate to the job.

• Emphasize relevant skills. Highlight transferable skills from diverse job experiences. If you’re a recent graduate, discuss relevant coursework, internships, and volunteer work.

• Highlight why this job is for you. Clearly convey why this position is the next logical step in your career and why you are the ideal candidate.

• Practice your answer. Rehearse your response to ensure you communicate clearly and confidently during the interview.

• Acknowledge any gaps. If there are gaps in your resume, address them honestly. Transparency builds trust with potential employers.

“Walk Me Through Your Resume” FAQ

1. How do you answer, “Walk me through your resume,” as a student?

   As a student, focus on discussing your relevant achievements, experiences, and skills. Highlight how these elements prepare you for the role you’re interviewing for, including projects, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs.

2. How long should “Walk me through your resume” be?

   Your response should take two minutes or less. The hiring manager is interested in the highlights and how they connect to the role.

3. Is “Tell me about yourself” the same as “Walk me through your resume”?

   No, they are not the same. “Tell me about yourself” is broader, inviting discussion about hobbies, interests, and values, while “Walk me through your resume” focuses on work experience and skills.

4. How do you answer, “Walk me through your workflow”?

   Provide an example of a project you completed. Outline the major steps taken to complete the project, such as planning, implementation, feedback, and adjustments.

5. How to summarize your work experience in an interview?

   Use concise, active statements and focus on relevant details. Only share experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

Final Thoughts

Walking an interviewer through your resume may seem daunting, but it can be straightforward. There’s no need for a lengthy monologue or a detailed review of your entire work history.

Focus on the most relevant parts of your resume, discussing applicable skills and experiences that align with the role.

Regardless of the situation, maintain your composure during the interview. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job.

Remember, you possess the insights about your unique qualifications that can’t be fully captured on a resume. Use this question to illustrate why you are the best fit for the position.

References

1. Wall Street Prep – “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

2. Harvard Business Review – 10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

3. TGER Recruitment – Five Talking Points You Should Always Bring Up In Interview

Ask the Experts

How To Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Mark Langford
Founder & CEO of C-Synergy Career Coaching

Research indicates that a significant percentage of interviewers form their initial impressions within the first 15 minutes, and many decide within the first 90 seconds. Therefore, I like to start by identifying what’s most important to the interviewer. I might say, “Before I begin, may I ask what key challenges you’re hoping to address by filling this position? This way, I can highlight the most relevant aspects of my experience.” This approach helps establish a strong connection with the interviewer from the outset.

How To Answer “Walk Me Through Your Resume” Tips

Heather Krasna
Career Coach, Jobs That Matter

Imagine telling your professional narrative as if every step has led you to this moment; that mindset allows you to answer confidently. Another effective structure is “past-present-future”: begin with experiences that sparked your interest in your field, transition to relevant career experiences, and conclude with how this job aligns with your future goals.

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.