The Power of Storytelling

We had another great meeting last night!

Tommy Chiodo, M.Ed., LPC, explained how telling a story about a personal experience in an interview can help develop a stronger connection with the interviewer. Stories convey more than just skills and experience. The passion, emotions and body language we use to tell a story actually tells the interviewer a lot about us! It helps the interviewer see a little deeper into our personality as compared to the standard Q&A interview format.

For those of you who are story-telling "challenged" like me, focus on an experience that you're passionate about. When we have truly enjoyed an experience, it's difficult not to talk about it. Go ahead and share what you liked about it, and why it was memorable to you.

Stories can convince the listener of your strengths, even if you don't specifically mention what those strengths are. They help the listener experience a situation along with you, which allows them to form their own opinion of your personal characteristics.

When it comes down to it, getting a job is about more than just skills and experience. It's about that extra something that says "I'm a good fit for this job and for this organization." And, telling a story in the interview can be just the thing that makes you stand out above the competition.

For more help with story telling, Tommy recommends "The Story Factor" by Annette Simmons.