Be a Storyteller and Unlock a Job Offer!

“Before I had my surgery last year, I was having sinus problems, getting tremendously bad headaches, and would become very lightheaded and dizzy due to a deviated sepsis. There was one night at karate class that I could not perform well at all, but I would still not quit. I kept pushing myself harder and harder, until I became so dizzy, that I lost balance and instead of punching the pad, my fist went through the wall.” That was one of my favorite anecdotes to tell on a job interview when they asked me what my weaknesses are. It helped me break the ice, make them laugh and allowed me to relax and become more comfortable. It also led to a great transition, on how my weakness, which was a lack of patience for myself, is also a great strength as it has helped me persevere to become successful in my many walks of life.
Like most candidates, I went into interviews prepared. I identified my competencies and attributes, researched the industry, company and job description and rehearsed answers to typical questions. But still, I could not compete with the more experienced job seekers, until a close friend my family gave me this really helpful advice, ‚ÄúStop thinking about the interview from your perspective and view it through the interviewer’s eyes. Telling vivid and detailed stories can be the best way to unlock a job offer.‚Äù
I wouldn’t say that I am an expert in the job hunting process, but after 15 months of searching and interviewing, I have come to realize to get the offer, you have to stand out from the rest. The more you can make your experience vivid and memorable for the recruiter, the greater the odds are of advancing to the next stage of the interview process.