The worst interviews I’ve ever had have always started with this question.
They might as well ask, “So, boil down your 25 years of experience into a five minute answer.”
That question is a sign that they haven’t taken the time to read the resume, and they want me to stall while they take that chance to read it for the first time.
Sometimes I think the best response to that request is, “How about you take the time to read it, and then call me back with specific questions about my accomplishments.”
Interviews are two-way. At this point in my career, I’m looking for a good fit as much as the company with whom I’m interviewing. If I take the time to research the company, they should take the time to research me.
Next time you interview someone, ask them specific questions about their claimed accomplishments. Have them walk you through a project from start to finish. Ask them to include names of people involved and programs used. See how many statistics they might remember from the project. That will give you a better idea of how they were involved, how much it meant to them and what they learned from it.
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