To be a strong candidate in an interview you need to tell stories about previous situations and experiences you’ve been in. No matter how boring the story actually is, you need to be able to really sell it in order to create a lasting impression. Being a great storyteller is a huge asset in the interview room, so today we’re going over three things you can do to improve in this area.
1. Prepare
To tell a great story, you need to know everything about that story. Stand-up comedians don’t wing it on stage, so you shouldn’t either. Make sure to prepare your stories before your interview by jotting down some key points and rehearsing how you might describe them. Even though we think we have our own stories memorized, it’s important to deliver a story with the right structure so it makes sense and sticks in the listener’s mind.
Make sure that you know the main message you want your story to get across. If you’re trying to demonstrate your reliability and the interviewer is left thinking the story was about organizational skills, you might be communicating your message in the wrong way. Make sure to rehearse your story out loud or to a friend. Practicing out loud will get rid of any kinks and roadblocks you might face when telling your story before the interview.
2. Get to the point
Make sure to leave unnecessary fodder out of your stories. When storytelling, it’s important to drive the main point of the story home. If you’re trying to demonstrate how you led a task, don’t stray away from the details of the task and highlight the wrong points. Preparing your answers can help you get to the point, helping you stay on track.
Remember: Interviews aren’t very long on average. You have a limited amount of time to impress meaning you can’t waste any time on anything other than driving the main point home. Are you looking for more specific storytelling tactics?
3. Remain engaging
Preparing your story and getting to the point will improve your storytelling, but none of this matters if the Interviewer checks out halfway through your story. Remaining engaging is key when holding the listener’s attention. Make sure to set the tone by demonstrating confidence when speaking by maintaining eye contact and remaining enthusiastic.
You can execute your story in an engaging way by using emotion, describing it with passion, and being physically communicative with hand gestures and appropriate facial expressions. Half of what we say is portrayed through body language, so don’t be afraid to show the importance of your story by displaying excitement or concern.
Virtual Success
Post-pandemic life has transformed the way we interview and look for work. Most of us have kissed handshakes goodbye and said hello to Zoom waiting rooms. Even though meeting through a screen can be less nerve-wracking, it’s just as important to make a lasting impression.
You’re now equipped to be a great storyteller. All you need is an interview! We have tons of jobs ready for you to apply to today.
