Crafting an Authentic Career Narrative: A Theatrical Approach to Interview Preparation

In a competitive job market, figuring out how to strategically be your authentic self in interviews and applications is key. Standing out from a crowded applicant pool requires you to showcase your unique personality, values and perspectives. But how do you craft a career narrative that feels genuine, compelling, and leaves a lasting impression? Here's my take: approach it like a theater kid prepping for their starring role.

Just as theater actors immerse themselves in an intensive period of character study to understand their roles deeply, you too can conduct a 'character study' on yourself. It's a transformative process of self-discovery that helps you to understand and communicate your strengths, previous work experiences, and career aspirations during the interview process more clearly. To kick start this journey, the use of archetypes can be an incredibly helpful starting point to set you apart and leave a memorable impression on your potential employer.?

The Power of Archetypes for Interview Preparation

Drawing from Jungian archetypal psychology, archetypes are universal symbols or themes that resonate with us on a deep, often unconscious level. By exploring these archetypes, you can gain valuable insights into your personality, motivations, and career preferences. Here are a few options of archetypes to consider:

1. Astrological Archetypes: Your astrological sign can offer insights into your personality traits and tendencies. Are you a passionate and competitive Aries, a meticulously organized Virgo, or a diplomatic Libra with a keen ability to network? Exploring your astrological archetype can provide a unique lens through which you can paint a more colorful picture of the type of energy that you’d bring to a team or workplace.?

2. Human Design Archetypes: Human Design is a personality and energy-based assessment tool that blends principles from astrology, the I Ching, and the chakra system with modern science, such as quantum physics, epigenetics and psychology. Based on your birth date, time, and place, this holistic approach provides deep insights into your personality and work style. Your personalized Human Design chart can reveal:

• Strongest Career Talents: Your ‘zones of genius’ — what you excel at and bring to the table?
• Key Professional Assets: Your strongest qualities and work values that benefit your team, clients and employer
• Core Themes: The fundamental themes that have shaped your professional path and identity.?
• Work Style: How you are naturally wired to work.?

Understanding yourself at this profound level can enhance your performance in interviews and help you craft a compelling personal brand. It also empowers you to make informed career decisions that align with your innate nature during your job search. You can download your free Human Design Career Chart here for your own personalized snapshot into these attributes.??

3. Dharma Archetypes: The concept of ‘Dharma’ originates from Eastern philosophy, referring to one’s life purpose or higher calling. Dharma archetypes, such as the Teacher, Visionary, Nurturer or Entertainer, can illuminate your core values, personal brand, and the impact you aim to make in your career. Discover your Dharma archetype by taking this free 10-question quiz here.?

Bringing Archetypes to Life with the STAR(T) Method

Once you've identified the archetypes that resonate with you, the next step is to weave them into compelling career stories that showcase your ability to meet key job requirements AND highlight the unique value you bring to the table. One effective way to achieve this is by using the STAR(T) method:

• Situation: Set the scene by describing a specific challenge or situation you faced in your career that aligns with your chosen archetype. Choose a situation that showcases your relevant work experience.
• Task: Define your role or responsibility in the situation and clarify what you were trying to achieve.
• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation, emphasizing how your archetype influenced your approach. Integrating your archetype here is crucial to avoid sharing a generic answer that lacks impact.
• Result: Share the outcome of your actions and the impact you made. Whenever possible, include quantifiable results that demonstrate your performance as an A-player.
• Takeaway: Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your understanding of yourself and your career path.

By framing your experiences through the lens of your chosen archetype, you can craft a compelling and authentic career narrative that resonates with your employers. This approach not only showcases your skills and accomplishments but also provides your interviewer with memorable insights into your personality, values and motivations.

And... scene!

Crafting an authentic career narrative is the secret formula to standing out among a pool of qualified candidates, because it’s uniquely yours — your career story is one that only you can tell. The better that you know and understand yourself, the more accurately your hiring manager can perceive you and determine whether the available job opportunities are the right fit for you. When your career persona aligns with your personal identity, you attract opportunities that resonate with your professional values and higher career aspirations.?

So, the next time you find yourself preparing for an interview or updating your resume, remember to think like a theater kid. With ample self-reflection and a strategic approach to connecting the dots, you can share your story with the utmost level of confidence. Dive deep into your character study, explore the archetypes that resonate with you, and use the STAR(T) method to craft a narrative that truly reflects who you are.

After all, the most authentic stories are often the most captivating.?

? 2024 JILLIAN KNOWLES