Telling Your Career Story to Get Your Next Job
One of the most important things a candidate can do to improve their chances at getting a job is to tell their career story. The question of the day? What exactly is a career story, and how do you tell it?
Read below for guidelines that can help make sure your story will resonate with hiring managers.
Get clear on why you’re looking for a new job.
Before you can tell your career story, you need to know exactly what that story is. Why are you seeking a new position? Did your previous company fail, or is the industry changing? Are you looking for something more fulfilling and less stressful? Did you need something new for your own professional development?
Once you answer those questions, figure out what you want to do next. Do you want another job in an industrial environment, or do other areas of business interest you. If professional growth is important to you, will this offered role give you that opportunity?
Owning your career story will make it much easier for you to tell it to others in a captivating way.
Translate your experiences into a compelling story.
The first step in telling your career story is to determine what is most important. Figure out the moments that have defined you and what experiences shaped who you are as a professional.
Once you’ve identified these moments, write them down in chronological order so they form a narrative. Then, consider how each one relates to the type of job you want or company culture at which you would thrive.
Remember, this isn’t just about listing facts—it’s about telling an interesting story that makes people want to hear more from you!
Think about how you want to be perceived.
When figuring out your career story, be honest with yourself! It is helpful to know what kind of person you are and what makes you unique. If you’re unsure,
Think about the following questions:
- What do I want my audience (my future employer) to know about me?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What are my goals?
- What kinds of experiences have I had that I can present as skills on a resume or in an interview?
- Where do I want to go from here?
Then, write down projects from your career so far and how they tie into these answers above.
Your career story is most effective when spoken with clarity and confidence. Use these strategies to find and land a position that fits your skills, interests, and values—and makes you feel good about where you work!
The experienced recruiters at The Reserves Network can give you the tools you need to turn it into a compelling career story. Contact your local office today to get started!
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