Are you harnessing the power of stories during an interview? Not yet? Read on….
A few weeks back during the LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program, I shared a bunch of Storytelling Tips when facing an Interview. The tips were in Hindi and a part of this video was featured in LinkedIn News.
The video was largely appreciated, so here I am adding to my list of Storytelling Tips for an interview.
As a Story Coach, I can say that there are many stories that you can tell during an interview. Let’s begin with a generic understanding of stories and how to go about finding them.
A Story that Fits
You will find many opportunities to tell stories during an interview. When you’re asked a question, identify the story that fits. Should you be telling an anecdote, or give an analogy, a personal story, a business story, ONE single story with beginning – middle – end, or a narrative with small stories wrapped together. When the question is “Tell me about yourself” your answer should be a narrative. Can you tell your story-so-far in 5 minutes? Pick 3 important details / milestones that have impacted your story so far and tell them here. “What excites you about being a (role)?” Pull up an anecdote in this one.
Find your P’s
In an earlier post I had listed out a set of stories that an interviewer can ask a new hire, particularly a millennial. Your interviewer is trying to understand if you are a perfect fit while evaluating your #Personality #Performance #Professionalism #Passion #Purpose Do you have specific stories to show how you fare on all these parameters? Do you have to tell 5 stories? No, find ONE story that packs in all the P’s! You save time!
Be HUMAN
We all love the superhero versions of ourselves. An interview is NOT the time to wear the cape. Instead, keep a story handy about the time you were beaten up. Not literally, but metaphorically. Do you have a workplace win? When did you have to beat the odds to achieve a target? It could be a failure story, or a success story, focus on how you felt when the chips were down. Reveal your ‘discovery’ at this moment. What did you discover about yourself? Why do you tell this story? Show your growth.
Story Spotter to Story Finisher
Why do you want to work in there? Show up more purposefully with a set of stories. Do your research and find the right mix of stories that triggered your intent of working here. Have you read about the organisation on their website, media, LinkedIn? Express your opinion by sharing the narrative you have formed. What can you do for the company? Look into the crystal ball and share the story that you will trigger. If you are called into a leadership role, chances are that you are already being asked about crafting strategies and financial plans. THIS is where you tell a compelling story!
Avoid WASTEFUL STORYTELLING
Remember to be brief – Remember to be sharp – Pick the exact details that are important. Don’t linger on to a story. Don’t fall in love with your story! Ditch it if it’s not working, finish it quick. Pick another one!
The LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program also gave me an opportunity to collaborate with Career Coach Harshad Bhagwat . I spoke to his community about Interview Stories, the questions came thick & fast. Watch the conversation for some LIVE examples of how tricky interview questions can be answered with stories.
Inspired to tell stories in your next interview?
Need help with identifying the stories you can tell? Book a FREE DISCOVERY CALL now.
Perfectly indited subject material, Really enjoyed looking through.