How can you use personal stories to stand out in an interview?

?? Making an Impact in Interviews with Personal Stories ?? Personal stories can transform your interviews from good to unforgettable. Here’s how to use them effectively: 1?? Relevance is Key 2?? Practice the Art of Storytelling 3?? Show Your Unique Self 4?? Emotional Connect 5?? Reflect Growth Personal stories are not just narratives but reflections of your journey and potential. Use them to shine in your next interview! #CareerTips #InterviewSkills #PersonalBranding

Stories have been around since the cave dwellers drew pictures on their walls. People learn and are drawn in by stories. Therefore, sharing personal stories is a powerful way of communicating a skill, competency or experience in a way the evaluator can understand at a deeper level. I like to use the STAR method when I communicate my stories in an interview. Start with the Situation, then highlight the Task, then convey the Actions you took to resolve the problem and finally communicate the results. Sometimes I will add a Noteworthy comment about the story or results if there is something of interest to share.

Stories about your personal life experiences that you can express in a positive and funny tone work best and stay forever in peoples mind.

In an interview, weaving in personal stories is a powerful way to stand out. These stories bring your experiences to life, showcasing not just your skills, but who you are. In my career, I've found that stories create memorable connections. Start by identifying experiences that shaped your skills and character. Tailor these stories to align with the job's requirements, demonstrating how your journey uniquely positions you for the role. But here's the key: authenticity. Your stories should be genuine reflections of your experiences, revealing your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Remember, in an interview, you're not just a candidate with skills; you're a storyteller sharing a narrative that sets you apart

Don't just tell stories for the purposes of telling stories. You must tell stories that will resonate. Share stories that show your vulnerabilities and will show you are relatable to the audience.

Constructing a story in an interview is like weaving a tapestry of experience. All stories have a common thread that connects past challenges and current capabilities. This doesn't just mean I'm adaptable. It speaks to a time when I was breaking new ground. Personal Stories paints a vivid picture and transforms abstract skills into concrete ones. I'm not a list of attributes. I'm a collection of stories focused on resilience, innovation, and growth. Do not proofread your resume during the interview. I would like to share my journey so far and invite you to see the real person behind the degree.??

Let me start with a personal story ;-). Over a decade ago, I was interested in changing careers so I took a course. I practiced everything I learned and it got me incredible results. One thing (out of many) that I learned about telling stories during an interview is to use the "What, How, Wow" structure. It is very simple. You describe (1) what you did, followed by (2) how you did it, and end with the incredible result you achieved through your actions (3 - Wow). And that's it! I prepared three different stories that I could use during interviews and wrote them out using this simple format. I used them when I interviewed for the best job I've ever had. The interviewer literally said, "Wow, that's an amazing story!" and I got the job!

Definitely adapt your stories to the audience. If possible, do some research on who the audience will be (where they went to school, any events they attended recently...) and find a story that you think will resonate with them.

Telling your unique story to buttress your points will make you memorable and outstanding. I once told the story of how I started fashion illustrations as a teenager, when I received a plain notebook as a wedding souvenir. And that singular experience has transformed into a thriving fashion business today. That's my unique abridged story of how I ventured into entrepreneurship. So tell your story to be memorable.

One thing I would like to add is "background". By background I don't mean yours. I mean the background of the listener.?? No matter how great the story is, there needs to be a bridge or a connection that connects both of you the listener and the speaker. The best way to build this bridge is by knowing their background. You can even share some common aspirations, goals or even the same problem. While pitching my own startup I always keep in mind that the problem statement must be in accordance with the background of the investor. So, always remember to not only have an interesting story but also a relatable one.

Be real and authentic, be straight forward, and be simple. In any leadership position, your past experience mirrors your abilities. Authenticated experience holds considerable value in the market. Aligning with the job description, it is advisable to articulate how you turned around a company, developed a performance culture, and emphasized the leadership qualities that will contribute to the organization's success. Narrating your story without authenticity renders it irrelevant. Fake narratives give shortlived carrer... Let's be aware of this.