Interview Question with Tourism Talent

August 2, 2024

Interview Question: Can you tell me about your previous experience in (blank) and how it prepares you for (blank)?

Often, interviewers stop short on this question. They ask candidates to “run me through your resume” or “tell about your previous experiences” without providing direction on where they want the conversation to go. But by adding the second half of this question, it drives the conversation right to the heart of the skills and competencies needed for the role.

 

The Interviewer’s Perspective:

When asking this question, you’re not just looking for a recitation of past job titles and responsibilities. You’re looking for the candidate’s ability to connect the dots between their prior experiences and the specific requirements of the role at hand. It’s crucial to visualise the candidate in the context of the specific position they are being considered for. You want to assess fit, and sometimes the resume alone doesn’t adequately portray a candidate’s competence in the skills required for the job.  By framing the question this way, you empower the candidate to reach into their past experiences to demonstrate where and how they acquired the necessary skills. There may be multiple backgrounds that build the foundation for the required competencies.

Pay attention to the candidate’s storytelling skills. Are they able to draw parallels between their past experiences and the unique demands of the role they’re applying for? Look for concrete examples that demonstrate their alignment with the company’s goals and values. Moreover, assess their level of self-awareness. Do they acknowledge areas where they may lack direct experience but show a willingness to learn and adapt? Are they able to demonstrate how their experience will add diversity and value to the organization?

 

What to convey as an interviewee:

As the interviewee, seize this opportunity to showcase the relevance and impact of your past experiences. Understand that you don’t necessarily have to have performed the exact activities in the past, but you’re on a career journey that aims to build and grow. Don’t just list your previous job titles and responsibilities; instead, tell your story, highlighting the skills, knowledge, and insights you’ve gained along the way.

Focus on specific examples that illustrate your ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization but be honest about any gaps in your experience. Articulate where you will need support and frame this as opportunity for growth and development within the company and greater industry. Don’t forget to add any relevant metrics that demonstrate a track record of success in similar contexts.

Here’s how you might use this question in your next interview:

Example 1: Can you tell me about your previous experience working for hotels and how it prepares you for a role in the travel-tech space?

Example 2: Can you tell me about your previous experience as a Duty Manager and how it prepares you to lead a team of Front Desk Associates?

Example 3: Can you tell me about your previous experience in event management and how it prepares you for a senior level role in catering?

 

Conclusion:

This question serves as a powerful tool for interviewers to assess a candidate’s fit for the specific role and organization. By offering context, you enable candidates to showcase their relevant experiences and competencies as it relates to their future tasks, ultimately helping you make more informed hiring decisions. Similarly, candidates can use this opportunity to highlight their skills and accomplishments, demonstrating their potential to contribute to the company’s success.