Episode 263 | Author: Valerie Gordon

how to tell your story bossed up — *“So, what’ s your story?”*

(...momentary panic accompanied by blank stare...)

OK, I’ll wait while you try to figure out just what I’m asking and how best to answer that question or the equally ambiguous “Tell me about yourself” so often asked of job seekers.

I’ve worked with so many women who would have so much to say if only they... knew what to say.

Instead, they fret.

How should I respond? What do they want to hear? Why can’t they just ask me questions I know the answer to, like my alma mater, degree and favorite flavor of Jell-O? (That would be the University of Michigan, B.A. Communications and lime for me!)

Like them, perhaps you think you don’t have a story. Or that your story hasn’t started yet. Or that your story isn’t a very good one.

I’m here to tell you that of course you have a story. Because everyone has a story. And that suggesting your story isn’t a very good one is actually... a lousy story. Start telling yourself a better one!

Stories matter. They are among our most powerful connection tools. The stories we tell have the ability to impact, inspire, educate and entertain. They provide information that creates perception and leads to our personal brand (the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room!)

And while many job candidates might have similar qualifications, no one has your precise story.

Knowing your story and how to tell it, is the best way to distinguish yourself from other job-hunting candidates.

Here are 5 tips to turn the “Tell me about yourself... / what’s your story?” question into a specific and strategic reply:

1. DON'T avoid the question by asking another question

"What do you want to know?" is not only a lazy response, it’s a foolish one. By answering the question with a question, you’re giving power to your interviewer. They may say, “Why don’t you start with why you left your last position?” when that may not be an ideal place for you to start! You get to decide the story you want to tell about yourself. Own the opportunity.

2. DON'T start way back at the beginning

"Well, I grew up in a small town in Nebraska..." No one needs to hear your entire journey, particularly if you have more than a few years of experience. To be fully present in the interview, start in the present, not the past. What’s the current opportunity? Instead of the beginning, consider the end of the story. The end goal, that is! What do you want this person to know, think, and feel about you as a result of what you have to say? Align your response with the optimal outcome. What are the company’s needs and how do you meet them?

3. DON'T repeat your resume line by line

"At Company X, I’m responsible for accounts receivable and filing paperwork...” The interviewer already has this information in front of them. Rather than reviewing each bullet of your resume, humanize the responsibilities. Add quantifiable or qualifying terms to your duties and share a story of your role on a recent project, a team

success or other accolade you received. Consider your response a highlight reel of your skills and achievements most relevant to the position at hand. Start with the audience in mind and tailor your story accordingly. "The job post mentioned a need for someone who is comfortable with change. I've worked on two start-ups in the last four years..."

4. DO create a Big-Picture Statement

"I'm a graphic designer who loves bringing concepts to life...", "Nothing makes me happier than creating events that make kids smile...", "After years as a successful coder, I want to teach others..." Knowing your story means knowing your UVP, your Unique Value Proposition. Your UVP is based on all of your skills, experience, education, attitude, work ethic, network and more. Take stock of the value you bring to your future employer and align your Big-Picture Statement accordingly.

5. Get specific

Details are what make our stories unique and help us stand out from other candidates. “I’m a really hard worker.” Great. How? Where? What happened? Tell a story about a time you went above and beyond and the impact created for your organization. Consider a C-A-R story. No, this isn’t a story about your car. C-A-R is the acronym for Challenge – Action – Result. Talk about a challenge you faced, the action you took in the face of that challenge and the ensuing result. This simple three-step story framework allows you to share the impact you’ve had in the past and the capabilities you bring to the future role.

There's no one right way to answer the "Tell me about yourself question" nor is there just one right story. But there are a number of ways to get it wrong. Knowing your story means knowing your value and how it fits in with the organization’s needs and culture.

You’ve got a great story. And what’s even greater is that it’s just starting. Every opportunity adds a new chapter to the story of our lives. Make the most of it.