Get the Job!!! -Annex A: Crafting Your Story for Job Interviews

The first question in any job interview:

“Tell me your story.”

How you answer this question sets the tone for the rest of the interview. To make a strong first impression, follow this 5-step framework to craft YOUR story:

1. Set the Stage: Start by explaining your most recent or current role. Mention the key themes in your career that are relevant to the position you're applying for.

2. Outline Your Journey: Walk through the key roles and transitions in your career. Focus on significant moments that have shaped your professional path.

3. Highlight Your Milestones: Briefly mention your biggest achievements. Use data, numbers, and statistics to quantify your impact.

4. Connect Your Story to This Job: Explain how your experiences have shaped you. Discuss the challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons you’ve learned, and tie these to the role you’re applying for.

5. Share Your Aspirations: Conclude with a brief statement about your career goals. Make sure these goals align with the job and the company's vision.

Example Answer:

"I started my career in the systems field, where I discovered my passion not only for technology but also for problem-solving when I helped a frustrated client and transformed their experience. This made me realize how much I enjoy helping people and making systems more available and secure. Currently, I am a Junior Project Manager at ABC, leading a team of 10 people in a datacenter transformation and consolidation project.

Before this, I managed operations at 123 and implemented a new ERP system, reducing backlog by approximately 25% through the implementation of an ITSM tool. We also managed to decrease the number of specialists and increase the generalist team, thus reducing operational costs and lowering turnover.

Another highlight of my career was managing an information system for a company with around 34 users.

These roles taught me to lead with empathy and compassion, use data smartly, and turn challenges into victories. I am ready to bring these skills to a Service Manager position, achieving even greater results and aligning with the company's goals.

In the future, I aim to be a leader as an SDM, also managing the financial aspects of the service."

7 Tips for Telling Your Story in Interviews:

1. Under 5 Minutes: Keep your story brief and impactful.
2. Make It Personal: Add reflections, lessons, and insights.
3. Connect Emotionally: Make your story relatable by sharing challenges.
4. Focus On Your Actions: Highlight what YOU did and the lessons you learned.
5. Keep It Real & Positive: End your story on a high note, leaving a positive impression.

Remember: Most interviews today are remote. Choose a location with a strong internet connection, free from distractions or background noise. Ensure your microphone and speakers are working well. Always turn on your camera, even if your interviewer does not. Close all apps that could cause distractions or pop-ups, and silence your phone. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and be ready.

Don’t just recite facts. Use this opportunity to tell a memorable story that showcases who you are, what you've accomplished, and where you want to go.

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