Everyone LOVES a good story, especially people who interview
you. This tip is for all job-seekers out there who feel, shall we say, inadequate at telling stories. Let’s face it: great storytellers are few and
far between. We know when someone’s telling a compelling story, right? It’s snappy, attention grabbing, relatable,
and maybe even funny. So, quickly, I’d like you to assess your storytelling
competencies right now: great? so-so? awful? (Full disclosure: I’m an awful
storyteller).
Last month, however, a string of bizzare events happened to
me on the way to the Rose Bowl that helped me tell funny and compelling
stories: missing luggage, acute bronchitis, stolen purse, and two very serious TSA agents, to name a few. I was able to
tell a story about each incident with clarity, swiftness, and humor. I
kind of amazed myself!
I got to thinking: if I can tell stories about myself
so effortlessly, what’s the secret? When I thought about the specific parts to
my stories, I had an "a-ha" moment. I recognized that they are the very same elements I use to teach and coach job-seekers.
Why do you need a few (3-5) compelling career stories?
Career stories, or short compelling messages about your strengths or accomplishments,
are essential in order to grab your interviewer’s attention. Storytelling is an
art, but like art, it can be taught and appreciated. It also must be practiced. There are several
acronym- formulas career coaches like to teach so that you’ll remember the primary parts to a good story, but
essentially, it’s nothing different from telling your friend about your stolen
handbag using the acronym S.T.A.R.
Situation: 18
year old meth addict steals my purse at an outdoor café in Palm Springs, CA
Tasks: Call police; run after him; get others to assist
Action taken:
Found serial number of purse; contacted detectives; contacted credit card
companies, and home state’s driver’s license bureau; replaced phone; replaced
purse
Results/Lessons
Learned: Fully compensated for loss through insurance company; always have two
pieces of a photo ID packed; don’t be intimidated by a stern TSA agent who
thinks you might be a terrorist
Even if you believe your storytelling skills are sub-par,
believe me, if I can do it, so can you. I managed to tell my stories
quickly, with humor, and best of all, it held my family/friends’ attention. They, in turn, told other people, and soon many more people knew. A story is meant to be shared, and interviewers who hear your compelling career story will remember it long after you've left.
So, starting with just one short career story. It could be about how you were able to manage
20 legal offices across the country single-handedly; how you saved your organization
$4 million; how you effortlessly coordinated attorney schedules and invoices; graduated with high
honors and working full time; or something else strength or accomplishment based. It also helps if you can quantify (#s, $s, for example). Practice by telling
it out loud so you’ll sound natural
and genuine. Once you develop one, you'll be able to write several more.
Interviewers will value your ability to tell stories.
Stories make you human and relatable. Career
stories also help the interviewer get to know your personality so they can better assess your "fit" within the organization.
