Relating answers back to previous experiences during an interview is a highly effective way to make your responses stand out and bring your CV or resume to life. While your resume gives the interviewer a snapshot of your skills and qualifications, it is during the interview that you can showcase how those experiences translate into real-world impact. By drawing on examples from past roles, you provide context and depth to your answers, helping the interviewer visualise how you have handled challenges and contributed in previous positions. This not only validates the information on your CV or resume but also allows the employer to see how you operate in different situations.

If interviews were just about your CV or resume, the process could end at the review stage. However, interviews are designed to assess your personality, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in ways that a CV alone cannot capture. By connecting your answers to personal experiences, you demonstrate how you have applied your knowledge and skills in practical settings. This approach provides a clearer understanding of how you will perform in the role you are applying for. It is a chance to show the interviewer that you have faced similar challenges before and succeeded, giving them confidence in your abilities.

The beauty of this technique is that it forces you to be authentically you. No two people will have the same set of experiences, and by speaking to your own unique background, you naturally set yourself apart from other candidates. This personalised storytelling helps avoid generic or rehearsed responses and makes it easier for the interviewer to remember you. Instead of sounding like anyone else, you present a version of yourself that is distinct, relatable, and grounded in real-world achievements, leaving a lasting impression on the interviewer.

If you’d like to explore this further, get in touch today.