At LSP Recruit, we are passionate about discovering the qualities that make individuals stand out in their professional journeys. Last week, we shared a post exploring the concept of “grit” and how it impacts success. Today, we wanted to build upon that by delving into our interview style and the significance of storytelling.

When it comes to selecting the right candidate for a job, logic may appear to play the most critical role. However, it’s important to acknowledge that interviewers and recruiters often make decisions based on deeper factors, such as a person’s character, motivations, and overall fit within an organization. These elements create a connection that leaves us with either a positive or negative impression.

So, how can you make a positive and lasting impression while increasing your chances of landing your next job opportunity? The answer lies in the art of storytelling.

We develop personal relationships with candidates to ensure they are the right fit for the role and through our process, I’ve seen the power of storytelling in countless success stories. Guess which candidates are the ones that land the role? If you want to learn more, this article from HBR has some great insight and examples to learn from.

Think about who you’re talking to

What is their role? What is their level? Do some research and find out what’s going on with their business and their industry. What keeps them up at night? What’s most important to them? Keep these things in mind as you answer their questions.

Create an interesting narrative

This means thinking beyond your skills and experience. You may be the perfect person for the job, but telling a compelling story that takes your interviewer on a journey is key. Start with an interesting hook, introduce a challenge or an obstacle you overcome, describe what you did to make an impact and end by reflecting on what you learned from the experience.

Show some personality

Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role. You don’t need to go over the top but authenticity combined with emotion creates a powerful impact that sticks around long after the interview

Practice!

Prepare your stories in advance and focus on clarity, brevity and impact. Don’t waffle or tell long, meandering stories. Practice delivering your stories with confidence and enthusiasm. Ask your partner or a friend to listen and provide feedback. The more you practice, the more natural your stories will seem