Episode 227 - Why Storytelling Is the Secret for Successful Job Interviews
In this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast (227), we explored an often-overlooked aspect of career advancement: storytelling. The guest is Karen Eber, a keynote and TED Speaker, author, and Chief Storytelling Officer at Eber Leadership. Eber is also a seasoned corporate executive, who shared insightful anecdotes and utilized the power of storytelling throughout her career.
As a career coach, I see storytelling as a critical component in the job search and career development process. It's a way for professionals, especially those in the later stages of their careers, to showcase their wealth of experience in a compelling and memorable way.
Karen's experiences highlight a crucial point: storytelling is not just for the creative minds; it's a skill that can be honed and utilized by anyone. In the corporate world, where communication is key, the ability to tell a compelling story can be the difference between being remembered or forgotten, between securing that job or being passed over.
The episode delved into the concept of a 'toolkit of endless stories'. This is not about repeating the same stories but about collecting experiences and tailoring them to different audiences and situations. The key is to be authentic and relatable, allowing your audience to connect with you on a personal level.
For professionals, especially those seeking new opportunities or career advancement, storytelling is an invaluable skill. It helps you to stand out in interviews, network effectively, and present your experiences in a way that resonates with your audience.
In essence, storytelling is about connecting the dots of your past experiences to paint a picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. It's about showing, not just telling, your skills and accomplishments. And storytelling is not just for entertainers or writers. It's a powerful tool that, when mastered, can significantly impact your professional journey. As you navigate your career path, remember to collect, craft, and share your stories. They are the bridge between your past experiences and your next big opportunity.
About our Guest, Karen Eber
Karen Eber is an author, leadership consultant, and keynote speaker. Her TED Talk on how your brain responds to stories continues to inspire millions. Her book, The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories That Inform, Influence, and Inspire, is a Porchlight Books Bestseller and was selected as a Next Big Ideas Club must-read and published with HarperCollins this October. As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps Fortune 500 companies like GE and Microsoft build leaders, teams, and culture, one story at a time. She guest lectures at universities including MIT, and Stanford. She is a former Head of Culture, Learning, and Leadership Development at GE and Deloitte. Karen frequently contributes and is featured in Fast Company, Quartz, Entrepreneur, MSN, Forbes, Inc, and Business Insider.
Resources mentioned in this episode
The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire
The Irresistible Power of Storytelling as a Strategic Business Tool
Other resources from RenataBernarde.com :
Join us for more career tips: Subscribe to the newsletter and take your career to new heights
More ways I can help you: Learn more about my services, courses, and group coaching
Work with me: Book a time to discuss private coaching for you and achieve your goals faster