It’s common knowledge that you should do your research before going to a job interview. You research the company’s background, beginnings and mission statement. All wise things to do before you head in to answer their pointed questions. While it’s good to know the company’s story, it’s also just as important to be able to tell your own story. Here are a few things you can do to prepare the story of who you are for a job interview.
What are the themes of your story? It’s critical to make sure your story connects. You don’t want to just rattle off disconnected facts about yourself. Take a look over the key moments of your life that shaped who you are and how you work. Tell stories that gave you your values, such as the importance of relationships and the significance of integrity. Your life is unique and the way you became who you are is different than anyone else’s story. Tell it well and you’ll stand out.
What parts of your story fit the new job? While it’s important to know how to tell your story, it’s equally critical to tie your story back to your job. After all, you are in an interview and if your story doesn’t tell the potential employer why you would excel in their position, telling it won’t benefit you much. Use the job description to look for qualities your employer wants. Then, shape your stories to match those qualities. For example, if they are looking for a person to take charge of a team at work, tell stories of how your leadership qualities have evolved since you were a young adult.
What’s the moral of your story? Whatever story you decide to tell, from how you lost a dog at a young age and it made your more empathetic to getting over your stage fright to star in your high school musical, make sure there is a moral to your story. Morals of perseverance, loyalty, personal growth and having a team-driven attitude stand out to employers. When you are connecting the dots between your life and your job, having these conclusions rise to the surface will best serve you.
When you think you’ve come up with some meaningful and related stories to tell, find a mentor in your business and practice telling them. After all, if you have great stories but don’t relate them well, they won’t have the intended impact. From the start to finish of your interview, it helps if you can control the narrative, and you do this by engaging in a confident manner through your stories. Your potential employer will walk away feeling like they really know who you are and see how you are a great fit for their company.