Telling Your Story

One of the most common requests in any job interview is to tell the interviewer about yourself. Telling your story in a way that is relevant and compelling to the interviewer requires a bit of creativity and strategy. Often, candidates either err on the personal side, sharing irrelevant details about their childhood or personal hobbies, or try to regurgitate information already found on their resume. Consider the following techniques to make your story memorable.

Develop a Strengths-Based Response

This technique is illustrated by the Dependable Strengths Articulation Process, or DSAP, developed by Dr. Bernard Haldane. DSAP participants are trained to respond in a way that lists at least three of their strengths and offers the interviewer the choice of which strength she'd like the candidate to elaborate on first. Once the interviewer makes a choice, the candidate can then tell a story that illustrates how he has effectively used said strength and ask the interviewer if that is the kind of information she is looking for. If the interviewer wants more information, the candidate can then talk about additional strengths. This approach gives you, the candidate, more control over the conversation and the ability to provide your story in broken-down chunks that are relevant to the interviewer.

Share Your Greatest Challenge

Another way to incorporate your story into the job interview is by talking about challenges you've had to overcome. This is best saved for the end of the interview, when the interviewer inevitably asks you if you have any questions. Start by asking the interviewer about current challenges the company is facing. In an ideal situation, you can take the answer he gives you and spin it into a story of how you've overcome a similar challenge. This strengthens your connection with the employer and reiterates your competence for the position.

Make a List

For this technique, some pre-interview brainstorming is required. Make a list of your passions, beliefs or anything else that is important to you about your career. Then list your skills and experience, as well as the reasons why you chose your particular industry. Also make a list of all your past positions, and look for a common thread or theme among them. These lists help your thought process come together more naturally when you receive the inevitable "tell me about yourself" request.

Make the Connection

Before your interview, do your homework on the company. Find out its current strengths and challenges. Take a good look at the list you've created, and identify opportunities to discuss your own skills and abilities as they relate to the company's needs. When an interviewer asks you to tell her about yourself, the kind of information she is really looking for is this: What are your relevant skills, and what can you do for our company? Keep that in mind when creating your story, and you'll give the interviewer everything she's expecting from you.

Telling your story during the job interview, if done correctly, is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the hiring manager remembers you. Make sure your story encompasses your experience, your skills and your relevant work history, as well as anything special you can bring to the company.

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