THE IT INTERVIEW: A QUICK GUIDE TO CAPTIVATING YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH STORYTELLING
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This document provides tips for using storytelling effectively in IT job interviews. It advises tailoring stories to the audience and sharing authentic examples that demonstrate skills relevant to the role and company. Examples of good storytelling topics include relevant work experiences, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. The document also warns against storytelling sins like using cliches or fabricating details that undermine credibility. Overall, the goal of storytelling in interviews is to make a personal connection with the interviewer and showcase enthusiasm for the company.
THE IT INTERVIEW: A QUICK GUIDE TO CAPTIVATING YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH STORYTELLING
- 1. A GOOD STORY: Is authentic Goes beyond simply reciting a résumé Makes you memorable to a hiring manager Makes an emotional and personal connection AVOID STORYTELLING SINS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES UNDERSTAND WHAT A GOOD STORY IS MADE OF RESEARCH YOUR AUDIENCE Make small talk ahead of time to help you relax and establish a connection. Avoid telling scripted stories; be authentic and engaging. Avoid explicit statements about yourself (“I’m collaborative”); instead, let your story speak for you (“I worked with colleagues to build the database in record time”). PUT YOUR RESEARCH TO USE Kelly IT Resources® is a registered trademark of Kelly Services LinkedIn is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation An Equal Opportunity Employer © 2015 Kelly Services, Inc. Z1293 kellyservices.us/IT THE IT INTERVIEW: A QUICK GUIDE TO CAPTIVATING YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH STORYTELLING Looking to stand out during your next interview? Those who are able to captivate and engage their audience will have a better chance of doing so. Review the following tips to help you prepare for your next IT interview. ENTRY-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS: Relevant studies or research you’ve completed How fast/well you’ve adapted to new projects Coaching you’ve received to expand your knowledge and experience EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS: Guidance or mentorship you’ve provided Conflict resolution experiences Examples of complex problem-solving you’ve undertaken SENIOR PROFESSIONALS: Your ability to drive change Your influence on team culture Description of your leadership style REVIEW STORYTELLING TOPICS DON’T LEAD THE CONVERSATION—ROLL WITH IT TIP: The more you know about both the company and the hiring manager, the better you’ll be able to tailor a story to your audience’s frame of reference. Check the company’s website for press releases and news about their recent activity. Look over the hiring manager’s LinkedIn® profile or company bio for mutual interests, connections, or affiliations. Research the company’s competitors, too. DURING THE INTERVIEW: BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: Using clichés and company jargon Bad-mouthing past employers Fabricating details Over-answering questions Loses your audience’s interest Makes you look bad—always Undermines your credibility Lacks focus and shows poor communication ESTABLISH A PERSONAL CONNECTION: Share anything you may have in common with the interviewer MAKE YOUR AUDIENCE CARE: Match your skills to the company’s needs/goals To stand out in today’s competitive IT job market, tell your story in an authentic way that resonates with your audience. Using the art of storytelling is a great way to ensure you’ll be a memorable candidate. Search for jobs on kellycareernetwork.com, or visit kellyservices.us/ITcareers for career insights. SHOW ENTHUSIASM: Share what excites you about the company BE LIKEABLE: Show an interest in the interviewer by asking questions REVIEW COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS “Why are you interested in working here?” “Why did you leave your last position?” “Why should we hire you?” “How do you handle conflict?” Do your homework on the position, hiring manager, and company. Want more information? Click here to download our ebook, The IT Interview Guidebook.