Career Storytelling: create your story, your success!
Your career is not a list of jobs and responsibilities. It is a story - your story. And that story can make all the difference when it comes to the next step in your career. With career storytelling, you don't just tell what you did, you show who you are, what drives you and what you can bring to an organisation.
So, how do you tell your story the right way? How do you turn your career into an epic adventure that others want to hear?
Why is career storytelling important?
Because it tells your story in a way that really sticks. Instead of simply listing your CV, you can show who you are, what you have achieved and what you can contribute. It gives recruiters a glimpse into your motivation, challenges and successes, making you stand out much more. You show how you add value and why you are the perfect match. In a world full of competition, career storytelling is the way to set yourself apart! In a nutshell:
- It makes you real
You have experience, skills and knowledge - but why are you the right person for that job? Storytelling makes you more than a list of qualifications. It makes you human, realistic and shows you as a person with a mission. Employers don't just want the standard candidate, they want the real you. - It shows your impact
It's not just about what you did, but how you did it and what came out of it. Did you overcome challenges? Did you take your team to new heights? Career storytelling helps you highlight your unique contribution and make your value visible. And that makes you interesting to recruiters. - It creates a connection
People love stories. If you tell your career in an authentic way, you immediately create a connection. A connection that is not only about work experience, but also about who you are and what you have to offer.
What do you use career storytelling for?
Job interviews
Job applications are not interviews, they are opportunities to tell your story! When asked about your experience or why you are the right person, tell a story. Make it exciting, make it relevant, and show how you have made a difference.
On your CV and LinkedIn
Your CV is not the place for dry lists of responsibilities. Make your achievements engaging and tell your career as an adventure. On LinkedIn, you can add extra depth to your story by sharing it in posts, articles or updates. This way, you give people a glimpse into your journey and what you have to offer.
Networking
In networking situations, it's not just about ‘who do you know’. It's about ‘what do you do and why is that special?’. So tell your story! It is the way to set yourself apart and really connect with the person on the other side of the conversation.
How do you create your career story?
It's all about sharing a story that really suits you. Nobody wants a boring list of work experiences; recruiters want a story that engages, inspires and convinces them. But how do you tackle that? Here are three key steps to create your career story that sticks and impresses:
- Be authentic
Leave the fancy buzzwords and exaggerated claims behind. Tell your story as it really is: what are your motivations, what did you learn and what drives you? Real stories touch people, and that is exactly what you want. - Focus on growth and victories
Everyone has had their own challenges. What have you run into? And what did you learn from those moments? If you can show how you have grown through difficult situations, that is often the difference between an average and a great candidate. - Make it relevant
It's a no-brainer, but remember that you need to tailor your story to the job you are applying for. Do you have experience igniting change in your previous job? Did you work in a team solving complex problems? Make your story specific to the position and show how your experience contributes directly to their mission.
Conclusion
Your career is much more than a list of jobs and companies you have worked for. It is a story and a good story is always stronger than a dry list of what you have done. Show your journey, show what you have overcome and what you stand for. Storytelling is the key to making yourself stand out in a world flooded with standard CVs and job applications.
Are you ready to tell your story? JUSTIN would love to help you take the next step in your career. Together, we'll make sure your story reaches the right ears! 🚀