Creating Your Story Bank

Experience(noun)

• direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge
• the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
• practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity
• the events that make up the conscious past of a community or nation or humankind generally

Narrative(noun)

• a way of presenting or understanding a situation or series of events that reflects and promotes a particular point of view or set of values
• the representation in art of an event or story

"A story must be told or there'll be no story, yet it is the untold stories that are most moving."
J.R.R. Tolkien

You've probably heard of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous stories like "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings." But have you ever thought about why stories matter? Tolkien once said, "A story must be told or there'll be no story, yet it is the untold stories that are most moving." Before we dive into what this means, if you're curious to learn more about Tolkien, check out this documentary.

Now, let's explore why storytelling is important, especially in job interviews.

A story must be told or there'll be no story.

To tell a story effectively, the first step is to remember the details. But to remember, we must know what's worth remembering to us. Let's look at this process from an software industry interviews perspective.

In interviews, we typically encounter three types of roles;

• Talent Acquisition, representing the hiring team
• Your Pair or Your Leader, those you'll directly work with or report to
• Upper Management, including Directors, Heads, and C-Level executives

Each of these roles expects to hear different stories from you, but there's one common requirement for all: communication. Therefore, let's prioritize communication as the first important aspect to consider.

1- Communication (This will be discussed in detail in a separate blog post)

2- Motivation

Next, let's discuss motivation. This is crucial because your first interview will likely be with Talent Acquisition. They'll want to know why you're interested in the company and the position. It's essential to convey your self-motivation and passion for your job. Having something unique to offer that aligns with the company's values can make a difference. Sometimes they'll ask directly about your motivation, but it's also good to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the role.

3- Awareness

Awareness is another crucial aspect to consider during interviews. It involves being mindful of yourself and your surroundings. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on areas for improvement and leverage your strengths effectively. Awareness extends to both technical skills and soft skills. While specific behavioral interview questions won't be covered in this blog, you can find additional resources at the end. Developing self-awareness enables you to present yourself authentically and navigate interview scenarios with confidence and clarity.

4- Adaptation

Adaptation is key in any career journey. No company or role is without its challenges, and it's essential to acknowledge and learn from these experiences. Interviewers are interested in how you navigate difficult situations and overcome obstacles. Demonstrating your ability to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances showcases your resilience and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable traits in any professional setting. Embracing adaptation not only helps you grow personally and professionally but also highlights your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.

5- Interaction

Active interaction within your company is crucial for establishing your presence and contributing effectively. This involves engaging with colleagues, teams, and peers to build strong working relationships and make meaningful contributions. Being a keen observer and attentive listener is the first step in fostering positive interactions. Additionally, mastering discussion techniques enhances your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with your peers. Developing these skills requires practice and experience, but they are essential for making a valuable impact within your organization.

6- Vision

Finally, having a shared vision with the company is essential for long-term success. When applying for a job, it's crucial to consider whether your goals align with the company's mission and values. Ensuring that your aspirations align with the organization's vision increases the likelihood of a fulfilling and rewarding career. During discussions with managers, it's beneficial to explore shared visions, growth opportunities, and mutual goals. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose and commitment, driving both personal and organizational success in the long run.

Now that we've outlined the important 6 topics to remember in your career, it's essential to remain aware of them in your daily experiences. Each day presents opportunities to apply and refine your understanding of these concepts. Remember, the value of your experiences lies in how you perceive and share them with others. With that in mind, let's discuss our methodology for effectively communicating these insights.

What methodologies you should follow while you are sharing your experiences in interviews?

If you're getting ready for an interview, chances are you've heard about the STAR methodology. It's a great way to prepare your stories and present them effectively. Here's a suggestion: Write out your experiences using the STAR method, just like you shared below:

S - Situation: Start by describing the situation or scenario where the experience happened. Provide enough details to give the interviewer a clear picture.

T - Task: Next, explain the specific task or objective you were dealing with in that situation. What were you trying to achieve or solve? This helps the interviewer understand the challenge.

A - Action: Then, outline the actions you took to address the situation or accomplish the task. Focus on your own actions and decisions.

R - Result: Finally, talk about the outcomes or results of your actions. What happened because of what you did? If possible, include numbers to show the impact.

While the STAR methodology is a great way to prepare your stories, in a natural conversation, you might not always have the time to express every detail as you've prepared. Imagine yourself as the interviewee and ensure that in a natural conversation, you're able to share the punchlines of your stories effectively.

I suggest applying the mirror technique to tell your stories. Record yourself while practicing, especially since many interviews are conducted online nowadays. This method allows you to see how you come across and helps you become more comfortable and authentic. With practice, you'll become more confident and better able to convey your feelings and experiences during interviews.

Untold Stories

Untold stories are the essence of your professional journey, enriching your CV with depth and authenticity. Beyond the formalities of resumes, platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, GitHub, personal blogs, and social media offer avenues to showcase your passions and skills. Embracing these untold narratives not only amplifies your candidacy but also fosters a sense of connection with potential employers. They demonstrate your creativity, resilience, and adaptability, setting you apart in a competitive job market. So, as you navigate interviews, remember that your untold stories are your secret weapons—share them boldly and let them shine as testaments to your potential and passion.

Lastly, building confidence in sharing your experiences comes with practice and seeking feedback. Utilize the knowledge gained here and apply it through practice and interviews to gather insights. Remember, confidence is cultivated through continuous preparation and refinement. It's crucial to remain open to feedback and view each interview as a unique opportunity. While you may feel seasoned in your field, every company and position present distinct requirements. Thus, tailor your preparation uniquely to each opportunity, ensuring you're well-equipped to showcase your skills and fit for the role effectively.

Stay Curious and Stay Strong in journey.
Good Luck!

references
https://www.techinterviewhandbook.org/behavioral-interview/