Getting Your Stories Ready for Your Job Interview

Telling stories at a job interview? It’s more common than you may think.

Being prompted to tell a story during an interview may make you panic if you’re not prepared. However, there’s no need to worry if you practice ahead of time. This type of prompt is called a behavioral interview question. Behavioral questions are typically asked at job interviews to gauge how successful you are at problem solving. These questions provide the interviewer with insight into your personality, skills and abilities. The stories can be from prior jobs, school, volunteer work, or real-life experiences.

A good story can make you stand out from the other job applicants. So, when you’re asked the dreaded question, “Tell me about yourself…” don’t let it trip you up. If you have your job interview stories at the ready, you’ll be sure to ace your interview! This colorful hand-drawn infographic by Human Workplace CEO Liz Ryan offers 15 great ideas for stories to prepare. Use these as writing or discussion prompts in your career exploration class, or as practice questions for your next job interview. Good luck!

Text:

1. A story about a time when you had to turn on a dime.
2. A story about a time when you learned from a mistake.
3. A story about working on a team.
4. A story about working with a difficult person.
5. A story about going it alone without directions.
6. A story about going the extra mile.
7. A story about changing course in mid-stream.
8. A story about a time when you solved a complicated problem.
9. A story about compromise.
10. A story about when you thought of a better way to do something.
11. A story about when you saved the day.
12. A story about a time you volunteered.
13. A story about when you helped a co-worker.
14. A story about when you thought outside the box.
15. A story about a time you learned something about yourself.

The Human Workplace blog shares videos, stories, advice and commentary for the new-millenium workplace. Check it out! https://humanworkplace.com

What story were you asked to tell about at your job interview? Please share it!