- The Storyteller
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- Crafting Stories That Land Jobs
Each week, we share a practical technique to become a more effective storyteller and analyze a video that demonstrates its use in the real-world.
Quote of the week
"Great stories happen to those who can tell them." Ira Glass
photo: Photo by nappy via pexels
The Power of a Well-Told Career Anecdote
In today's competitive job market, standing out in an interview is more crucial than ever. While your resume gets you through the door, it's your ability to tell compelling stories about your experiences that can truly set you apart.
Let's examine a stellar example of a career anecdote shared by one of my students:
"A pivotal moment in my professional growth occurred during my final co-op at a tech company in California, where I contributed to the marketing team. I identified and rectified a critical error in budget data, uncovering millions of dollars previously missed from insights reporting. This accomplishment not only showcased my attention to detail but also affirmed my passion for problem-solving within a dynamic environment."
Why This Story Works
Concise yet Impactful: In just a few sentences, the candidate paints a vivid picture of their experience and its significance.
Specific Details: The story includes concrete information - the setting (tech company in California), the role (marketing team), and the outcome (uncovering millions of dollars).
Demonstrates Skills: It highlights key competencies like attention to detail and problem-solving, showing rather than telling.
Shows Growth: The phrase "pivotal moment in my professional growth" frames the story as a transformative experience.
Crafting Your Own Interview Stories
To create similarly impactful narratives:
Identify Key Experiences: Reflect on moments in your career that showcased your skills or led to significant growth.
Structure Your Story: Use a simple framework:
Context: Set the scene briefly
Challenge: Describe the problem you faced
Action: Explain what you did
Result: Share the positive outcome
Reflection: Briefly state what you learned or how it relates to the job you're seeking
Practice, But Don't Memorize: Rehearse your stories so they flow naturally, but avoid sounding scripted.
Tailor to the Job: Ensure your stories highlight skills and experiences relevant to the position you're applying for.
Remember, your goal is not just to inform, but to engage and inspire your interviewer. A well-crafted story can make you memorable and showcase your unique value proposition.
Video
In this video, you’ll hear from Linda Raynier talk about how to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question in an interview with a story. As she reminds us, “….remember to tell a story. Not a life long story but your professional work story.” This is exactly what my student did as we saw at the beginning of this newsletter.
Tip #1: Give a snapshot of your work history.
Tip #2: Make your mini stories achievement-oriented.
Tip #3. Tell the employer what you KNOW about this role.
Tip #4. Finally, tell the employer WHY you’re the RIGHT fit for what they need
As you prepare for your next interview, remember: your experiences are unique. By crafting them into well-told stories, you're not just answering questions - you're painting a picture of the value you'll bring to your next role.