Telling your own story: How your comms skills can serve your job search

Communications executives are master storytellers by trade. But in my years coaching comms professionals, many have confessed that they are more comfortable staying behind the scenes and making their bosses and brands look good.

So, what happens when the tables are turned and you are going through the interview process to land a new job? Do you have a compelling story that will entice a future employer to hire you? When it’s time to “sell” your own brand, how do you show up?

Part of what makes my job so much fun is that as a coach, I get to help people shine on a stage of sorts. It’s not Broadway, of course, but it’s a high-stakes live performance in front of an audience nevertheless! This stage is called the “interview.”

The narrative imperative

Creating a career narrative that spotlights your skills, your achievements, your strengths and the energy of who you are is very important. Yet for many — even the most experienced communicators — “selling” oneself does not come naturally, particularly when we’ve been taught that it’s impolite to brag and boast. But I promise you, crafting stories, examples and anecdotes that contextualize who you are, what you have done — and can do — is exactly what the interview calls for. This is your chance to shine — don’t let fear dim your light!