Facts Tell, Stories Sell: Does Your Resume Tell a Story? An Interview with Nils Davis

As host of the Lessons in Leadership podcast, I’ve had the privilege of talking to some incredible thought leaders, and my recent conversation with Nils Davis, a resume, LinkedIn, and interview coach, was no exception. Nils works with product managers and professionals targeting six-figure roles and beyond, guiding them to craft resumes that don’t just list facts but tell compelling stories. Here are some key takeaways from our chat and actionable steps to help you stand out in your job search.

[Click here to watch/listen to the full podcast interview]

The Problem with "Traditional" Resumes

According to Nils, most resumes focus on checking boxes and matching job descriptions. While this might seem logical, it’s actually ineffective. Here’s why:

1. Job Descriptions Are Misleading: Job postings rarely articulate the real problems a hiring manager is trying to solve. For instance, they may not mention that the company is losing market share to a competitor or struggling with customer churn—but these are often the reasons a role exists.
2. Lack of Impact: Most resumes lack storytelling and fail to showcase the candidate’s unique value. Simply listing responsibilities like “Managed the backlog for Product X” doesn’t demonstrate the impact you’ve made.
3. Failure to Differentiate: Hiring managers sift through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes. If yours looks like everyone else’s, you’re destined for the “no” pile.

Why Storytelling Matters

The old adage “facts tell, stories sell” couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to resumes. As Nils explained, storytelling follows a universal structure: a problem, actions taken to solve it, and the transformation or outcome. This format allows you to:

• Showcase Your Impact: Instead of saying, “Led a team of 10 engineers,” craft a story like this: “Facing declining market share, I led a team of 10 engineers to develop a new feature that increased customer retention by 25%.”
• Make It Relatable: Hiring managers will see themselves in the challenges you describe and envision how you might solve their problems.
• Capture Attention: A compelling story is memorable and sets you apart from other candidates.

How to Craft a Storytelling Resume

Nils shared a simple but effective process to transform your resume:

1. Identify the Problem: Think about the challenges your previous employers faced when they hired you. Were they losing market share? Struggling with customer satisfaction? Missing deadlines?
2. Describe Your Actions: Outline the specific steps you took to address these challenges. Focus on your unique contributions rather than generic team achievements.
3. Highlight the Results: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Did you increase revenue, reduce costs, or improve efficiency? Make it clear.

Example:

• Before: “Managed the backlog for Product X.”
• After: “To combat a 15% decline in market share, I revamped the backlog for Product X, prioritizing features that increased customer retention by 20% within six months.”

Actionable Steps to Get Started

1. Audit Your Resume: Take a hard look at your current resume. Does it tell a story, or is it a list of tasks? Rewrite each bullet point using the problem-action-result framework.
2. Practice Storytelling: Prepare for interviews by rehearsing stories that demonstrate your ability to solve problems and drive results. Use the same framework.
3. Research Potential Employers: Go beyond the job description. Study the company’s challenges—recent acquisitions, market trends, or product launches—and tailor your stories to align with their needs.
4. Seek Feedback: Share your resume with a coach or mentor who can help you refine your storytelling.

Lessons for Hiring Managers

This conversation also revealed a leadership lesson for those posting job descriptions. If you’re looking to fill a role, consider how you’re framing the opportunity. While you may not want to air your company’s dirty laundry, being transparent about the challenges can attract the right candidates. For example, instead of listing generic requirements, highlight the real problems the new hire will tackle. This ensures you attract problem-solvers who can hit the ground running.

The Bigger Picture

What makes Nils’ approach so powerful is that storytelling isn’t just for resumes. It’s a universal leadership and persuasion tool. Whether you’re pitching a new project, closing a sale, or inspiring your team, the ability to tell a compelling story can drive action and results.

As I shared during the podcast, my own career has been shaped by master storytellers like Zig Ziglar. Stories have the power to captivate, inspire, and teach—and that’s exactly what your resume should do.

Final Thoughts

If you’re aiming for a six-figure role, you need to put in six-figure effort. A storytelling resume isn’t the norm—but it’s exceptional, and exceptional effort is what sets you apart. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to land a senior leadership position, this approach can help you stand out, connect with hiring managers, and advance your professional journey.

?To book a call with Nils, click the 'Make your resume amazing!' link on his profile page here.

Bill Storm

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1.????? Join the team: ?https://www.billstorm.com/join-the-team.html

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Nils Davis

Nils is a long-time enterprise software product manager, product management thought leader, author of?The Secret Product Manager Handbook, and host of the Secrets of Product Management podcast.

One of his many passions is helping product managers strategize and accelerate their careers.?

He offers resume, LinkedIn, and interview coaching for product managers and professionals seeking $100K-$300K+ roles.

?To book a call with Nils, click the 'Make your resume amazing!' link on his profile page here.

Links:

* LinkedIn:?https://linkedin.com/in/nilsdavis

* Podcast:?secretsofpm.com

* Book:?secretpmhandbook.com/amaz

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Bill Storm is a seasoned advisor and consultant renowned for his expertise in driving peak performance and fostering effective leadership within Fortune 500 companies. With a multifaceted skill set spanning organizational systems, the psychology of achievement, team building, and sales, Bill is a trusted resource for executives, managers, and team leaders seeking to maximize their potential. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Peak Performance Strategist with the Tony Robbins organization and Team-Building Specialist with the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Bill has developed a unique set of frameworks tailored to the needs of industry leaders. These frameworks provide a foundation for building winning teams and achieving sustainable success in today's competitive landscape. Driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a deep understanding of human behavior, Bill Storm empowers organizations to reach new heights of performance and effectiveness. His strategic guidance and hands-on approach have earned him a reputation as a go-to advisor for companies seeking transformative solutions. With Bill's guidance, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success in the ever-evolving marketplace. In his personal life, Bill has been married for 29 years to the love of his life, has two adult children, and recently welcomed his first grandchild into the world! Bill spends much of his time with his Golden Retriever, Charlie. The two are attached at the hip!

https://www.billstorm.com/