Why “I Just Do My Job” Isn’t the Right Answer in Interviews: The Cost of Underselling Yourself
What do you say when someone asks you about your job and the work that you do?
You always answer:
I just do my job.
That response doesn’t tell the full story—and it could be costing you opportunities.
A CPA client came to me for a resume revision. On the first page, she had written:
Found $1 million in unbilled revenue and collected $600,000.
I asked how she discovered the missing revenue.
“I was just doing my job.”
Unpacking the Process
I pressed further—how did she identify the problem?
“I was just doing my job.”
She struggled to articulate the process. After some interview coaching, we uncovered the details:
- A merger had taken place. “Company A” acquired “Company B.”
- The Company A sales team didn’t know they needed to bill Company B.
- The attorneys failed to communicate this crucial step.
How did she figure it out?
“I know how to read the fine print in contracts.”
Early in her career, she received contract training and had reviewed so many that spotting discrepancies became second nature. It really was just part of her job—but the way she applied her expertise made her stand out.
Learning to Tell Your Story with Interview Coaching
Through my interview coaching, she learned to say:
“I can explain exactly how I identified the missing $1 million. It was part of my job—but my specific skills made the difference.”
When I asked if she was comfortable working with attorneys, she replied:
“Yes, that was just part of my job.”
That detail matters! Many professionals avoid legal work, but her ability to collaborate with corporate attorneys made her a stronger candidate. Who wants to read the “fine print”? No one —but she did, and that made her invaluable.
Taking It a Step Further
With a more structured approach, she was able to communicate her impact clearly:
- She identified the problem.
- She collected the money.
- She established procedures so it would not happen again.
- Then she trained staff at both companies.
- She monitored thisto make sure the procedures were being followed.
The problem was resolved!
Now, she had a clear story about her role in resolving a serious problem.
She became more confident that she could get hired and respected as a valuable executive in a new company.
Get Expert Interview Coaching Today
I have 25 years of training and experience as an interview coach, first as a recruiter and now as a professional resume writer and coach. I have been fully certified as a “Certified Employment Interview Professional” through an industry association for many years.
If you would like help articulating your value in interviews, schedule a free call with me. Let’s make sure you’re telling the full story.