How to Answer: Walk Me Through Your Resume

Applying for a graduate job can be a very exciting part of your professional career, yet it is integral that you are able to succinctly walk an employer through your resume. You can do this by first talking about your education, your career achievements, how this particular job will help you gain skills and your future aspirations. This article will outline the key points you should cover:

1. Brief personal introduction

Before walking through your resume, provide a brief yet comprehensive introduction about who you are. If you are having trouble creating a comprehensive resume, this article can help you. Underline any current hobbies you have that relate to the job, and if there is anything you are currently studying. It allows the interviewer to learn more about how you are as a person, and how you would fit into the job role.  

2. Educational background and early job experience

Describe the details of your educational background, it can be impressive to bring up any particular courses and areas of study that influenced you applying for the job. Mention any academic achievements and connect them to how you feel about a particular industry or area of study. For example, ‘I enjoyed studying in Europe because it showed me how much I like to travel. This job would allow me to do that. Highlight any early job experience, it can show you have the work ethic and what you have learnt from previous jobs. Point out specific skills in these jobs, for example. ‘I liked being overseas because I enjoyed talking to new people”. You can connect these skills to specific goals that you would like to achieve if you were hired.

3. Career achievements

Discuss important moments and outstanding achievements in your recent career. Mention projects that you have been a part of, volunteering you have taken part in, and any awards that you have been awarded. When it comes to volunteering, underline how it aligns with your values, and how it allows you to grow and apply your skills in different spaces. When discussing your career achievements, showcase how it is physical evidence that you can go above and beyond in any job role. It is also important to describe how it enables you to come into this new role and facilitates you applying for the job

4. Ongoing skills and career prospects

Mentioning future career prospects as well as skills you would like to develop moving forward, show initiative and your goals. It is integral that you showcase your emphasis on ongoing skill development and your commitment to pursuing specific skills and learning more in your industry. Highlight how you continue to develop your skills, for example going to seminars, or studying for a diploma or degree. This shows how you are excited about learning more and are dedicated to enhancing your skills and professional goals. By stating that you aim to learn more when describing your resume, your new employer will see you as a long-term employee, as well as someone who prioritises ongoing skill development and faces any challenges that they may experience.

5. Future aspirations

Underline how your future aspirations align with the company by synthesising your previous achievements with the job you are currently applying for. State how you believe that there are more skills you can learn from the company, that you have not learnt in previous jobs. Demonstrate how your previous job experiences have facilitated your future aspirations, encouraging you to apply for your job. As well as looking ahead, you are working towards curating your skills and making sure they align with your career goals as a grad. 

✏️ Example