Storytelling:
I love this podcast. Our guest Lyle Gee is an expert at storytelling, and because he is so excellent at layering stories into the conversation, two things happen.
First, you love to talk to him. If you put this into the context of an interview, he builds rapport almost instantly, which is critically important during an interview. Second, he uses stories to articulate his experiences and qualifications clearly.
Why Storytelling Could Be the Key to Acing Your Next Interview
Storytelling is a powerful communication tool that can transform a job interview from a routine exchange of information into a memorable and engaging experience. By using narratives to illustrate your skills, experiences, and values, you can leave a lasting impression on interviewers and increase your chances of securing the position.
Stories are memorable because they evoke emotions and associations. Research shows that people are 22 times more likely to remember information presented as a story compared to plain facts. Additionally, storytelling fosters connection (through shared human experiences), persuasion (by engagingly framing facts), and recall (ensuring interviewers remember you long after the conversation ends).
The Psychology Behind Storytelling
Stories resonate deeply with human psychology. Neuroscientific research has shown that when people hear stories that resonate with them or when they tell stories that are deeply personal, oxytocin is released. This ‘trust hormone’ fosters connection and receptivity between the storyteller and the listener.
And don’t you want this to happen during an interview? This emotional connection can help establish rapport with the interviewer, making your responses more impactful and memorable. Unlike listing qualifications or achievements, storytelling engages both logic and emotion, creating a holistic understanding of your abilities.
Specific Ways Stories Work in Interviews
Provides Context and Conveys Value
Storytelling adds depth to your answers by providing context for your experiences. For example, instead of merely stating, “I have experience managing teams,” you could narrate a specific scenario where you helped a team face and overcome a challenging scenario.
The story will provide evidence of your leadership skills, problem-solving capabilities, how you motivate others, and your communication abilities. In summary, the story shows your ability to have a positive impact on the team and project.
Captures Attention
Interviews are often fast-paced. They are also time-limited. Therefore, interviewers need to be able to quickly provide concise information while keeping the interviewer engaged.
Storytelling during the interview does this.
A well-told story creates a narrative arc that is easier to follow than fragmented facts or bullet points. This engagement ensures that your responses stand out among other candidates.
Demonstrates Skills
Stories allow you to showcase key competencies in action. We provide a list of behavioral interview questions that can help you prepare stories that will highlight relevant skills like teamwork, leadership, or critical thinking. This method helps interviewers visualize how you approach challenges and achieve results.
Examples of How To Storytell in the Interview
Remember that successful storytelling requires practice. Today’s podcast provides some real examples. We also outline tangible advice on how to prepare so that you will be well-equipped to ace your next interview through the art of storytelling.
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