Let Me Tell You a Story: Career Stories to Help You Get a Job

Job application can be likened to storytelling, but how you tell your story may (or may not) impress recruiters.

You're itching to tell the recruiter about your reaction on "A Map of Days", Ransom Riggs's latest book on Miss Peregrine and her peculiar wards. You can relate to Jacob Portman's inability not to follow orders, as he senses that there's more to him than being a motivational speaker to the anxious peculiars in Devil's Acre. Some recruiters may not have read the books, but they could have seen Tim Burton's celluloid version.(And you're hoping that they would be quite disappointed at it.) There are others who may not have read the book AND seen the movie. It shouldn't surprised you at all. (Steve Harvey confessed that he didn't know who Harry Potter was.) You can forget rehearsing a few lines on your favorite book unless the job description has something to do with books.

There's no template in resume writing. As a matter of fact, creativity can go a long way. It may turn you into the top candidate. Don't keep your hopes too high, though. The interview is a different ballgame. And you could be screened twice, if not thrice, before you get a job offer. You don't want to look far ahead, as it's important to think of the best approach to your writing of your resume and the interview. There won't be a better method than sharing your stories while you customize your work experience and rehearse it later.

How to Make a Strong Emotional Connection to Recruiters

Your career history must be a chain of successes. Keep in mind that too much can be a bad thing, and this applies to resume writing as well. You want to define your brand, the value that you want to bring to the company that you hope to work for. Make sure that you highlight your milestone, promotion or accomplishment. It must be in line with the position that you're applying for, though. (If you want to make a name in marketing, then you might expound on market builder. Focus on the numbers.)

Choose your works carefully while you write the details of your achievement.Employers want team players, so there’s no need to describe yourself as one. And one too many applicants have called themselves as problem solvers. It will be better to recount a particular task, where the company would make a turnaround. If you can't think of one, then you need to look at it a bit differently. Did you have a career achievement that bucked a particular trend? You might need the aid of an ex-colleague to come up a compelling story line, which must be a few sentences at the most.

Try to involve the recruiter (or employer) during the interview. This isn't a tricky situation as you first think it is. Pay attention to the facial attention of the recruiter (or employer), asking questions when the chance comes in. This attempt doesn't only illustrate your interest in the company, but also ensures that you keep the recruiter's attention on you. How you answer the question will factor here, so don't talk too fast most of the time. (Don't talk too slow as well.)

Be interesting. You should have prepared for this part of the interview. Tell a short story about two or three traits of yours, which should make you memorable (during the interview). It must be relevant. (Read the job ad many times.) And vary the words that you use. A literature graduate would know how to do it, but you can do a Google search. If you can inject a twist or turn in your narration, then it would be much better. Practice is required here, but don't over rehearsed it. An interview may be a formal set-up, but the recruiter (or interview) wants to get to know you. Try to be confident. And talk naturally.

There must be a beginning, middle, and end to your story. This structure should keep you from rambling during the interview, which could confuse recruiter (or employer). Don't over prepare on this one, but you must be able to anticipate the possible questions. Honesty may be the best policy, but it may hurt your chances. You might recall a similar scene that you have seen on TV not long ago, a climactic one that would lead to a happy ending. Not that a miracle won't happen, yet it would be foolish to depend on it. If you want to play it safe, then stick to your achievement.

Achievement Doesn’t Have a Number

Whether you’re a new graduate, a professional who wants a career change or someone who is looking for greener pasture, it’s important not to put dates on your career highlights. In this regard, a chronological approach to your work experience may not do you any good at all. If you think that you have lots to offer to the company (that you hope to work for), then focus on context. A compelling one.

You may look like a success story, but you don’t come across as likable (during the interview). Practice (in front of the mirror). Try to look earnest, and a bit excited, when you meet the recruiter (or interview). The initial (facial) reaction might discourage you, but don’t. This is where your storytelling can be put to good use.