Chart Your Career Story: Coaching Tips for New Professionals - Part 2
Script Rehearsal—Interview & Resume Techniques
Sharing your story doesn’t stop or start at the wisdom link. Your resume, interview, and cover letter aren’t just checkpoints in the hiring process—they’re all different chapters of your story. Think of your resume as your highlight reel, showing the arc of where you’ve been and what you’ve built. Your cover letter is the voiceover that brings context, purpose, and intention to those highlights—connecting the dots between who you are and where you're going. And your interview? That’s where your story comes to life. It’s your chance to speak your truth, name your values, and share the moments that shaped your path. Each tool gives you a different way to say, “Here’s who I am, here’s what I’ve learned, and here’s how I show up.” When you approach them as storytelling spaces—not just formalities—you stop performing and start connecting. And that’s what makes you unforgettable.
Resume = Your Quantitative Story
Your resume is where numbers meet narrative. It’s the place to show your impact in ways that are specific, measurable, and rooted in action. This is your opportunity to highlight the receipts—not just what you did, but what changed because you did it.
Resume Tips: Tell Your Quantitative Story
Start with Action, End with Impact
Use strong action verbs like led, designed, increased, facilitated, launched. Then, follow with what happened because of your action.
→ Example: “Led onboarding sessions for 100+ new hires, resulting in a 25% decrease in early attrition.”Use Metrics That Matter
Think beyond revenue. First-gen, nonprofit, and mission-driven work may not always come with dollar signs—so look for metrics like:Percentage increase in engagement, retention, or completion
Number of students, clients, or community members served or trained
Number of events or programs created
Hours saved, errors reduced, partnerships built
Impact is impact. Numbers tell a story.Group Roles by Theme, Not Just Job Title
Especially if you’ve worn many hats, group experiences under skill themes like “Community Engagement” or “Program Coordination.” This tells a clearer story about your strengths across different jobs.Use a Short Summary or Headline
Begin with a one- to two-sentence summary that speaks to who you are beyond the bullet points.
Example: Purpose-driven professional with a passion for mentoring, storytelling, and systems that center equity.Translate Community & Informal Work
Don’t leave powerful work off your resume because it wasn’t a formal job. If you organized mutual aid, led workshops in your community, or built something from scratch—name it, quantify it, and claim it.
Cover Letter = Your Qualitative Story
Your cover letter is where you bring the receipts to life. It’s the personal bridge between your values, your story, and the role. This is your space to say, “Let me tell you why this matters to me.”
Cover Letter Tips: Tell Your Qualitative Story
Start With a Story, Not a Summary
Begin with a moment, insight, or conversation that shaped your path. Draw the reader in.
Example: “When I helped my little cousin navigate their first college application, I realized just how powerful guidance and encouragement can be.”Connect the Dots—Don’t Just Re-List the Resume
Your cover letter should answer the question: “Why do you care?” and “Why this job?” Use it to explain the whybehind the what.
Example: You increased social media engagement by 70%—but what did that mean to the mission? What did you learn about connection?Name Your Values, Not Just Your Skills
Skills get the job. Values build longevity. Make it clear what you stand for and how that shows up in your work.
Example: “I believe in building programs that center access, dignity, and community—not just outcomes.”Let Your Voice Come Through
Don’t over-polish to the point of losing yourself. Use your real voice. That doesn’t mean being casual or unprofessional—but it does mean being authentic.Make It Mutual
Close by saying what you are excited to learn, build, or contribute—not just what they can do for you.
Example: “I’m excited to grow alongside a team that shares my belief in purpose-driven innovation.”
Bringing It Together: Resume x Cover Letter = Story x Strategy
Your resume shows what you've done.
Your cover letter shows why it matters.
Together, they tell the story of not just what you've built, but who you’re becoming.
✨ Abundant Tip: Every line on your resume and every paragraph in your cover letter is a chance to affirm your journey. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence, purpose, and clarity.
Interview = Live Storytelling
Your interview is your time on stage—but you’re not performing, you’re storytelling. This is your chance to speak your truth, bring your experiences to life, and help the interviewer feel why you’re the right fit. It’s where your values, your voice, and your journey meet the opportunity.
Abundant Reminder: You’re not just answering questions—you’re introducing the lead character. Make it memorable.
Interview Tips: Tell a Compelling Story
1. Use the STAR Method with Soul
Yes—Structure matters. Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay focused, but add reflection to show growth.
Situation: Set the scene.
Task: What was your role?
Action: What did you do?
Result: What changed?
Reflection: What did you learn? Why did it matter?
2. Don’t Just Say It—Show It
Rather than saying “I’m a good leader,” share a moment where you led in your own way. Think of your best stories in terms of scenes, not summaries.
3. Turn Weakness Questions Into Wisdom Moments
They’re not just asking what went wrong—they’re asking how you grow.
Example: “One area I’m still developing is delegation. Early in my career, I wanted to do everything myself. But I’ve since learned how trust and shared ownership lead to stronger outcomes—and happier teams.”
4. Bring the Role Into Your Story
When they ask “Why this job?” or “Why this company?”, reflect back what you see in them and how it connects to your path.
Example: “When I read about your commitment to equitable learning programs, I felt like you were describing the kind of work I want to be a part of. It reminds me of the afterschool program I helped lead in college—where we turned a classroom into a safe space for voice and growth.”
5. Practice—but Don’t Memorize
Know your core stories and strengths, but let your voice stay natural. Think of it like jazz: you know the structure, but you’re playing with heart.
Interviews Are a Two-Way Story
While you’re sharing your story, you’re also learning theirs. Interviews aren’t just about proving you’re the right fit—it’s about discovering if they are right for you. Listen closely to how they describe their team, their values, their leadership, and their vision.
You’re looking for alignment, not just opportunity. Ask:
“How does your team support professional growth and learning?”
“What does a successful first 90 days look like in this role?”
“What do people love most about working here—and what are the challenges?”
Pay attention to their tone, their honesty, and their energy. Do their answers reflect the kind of environment where you’ll be able to thrive, grow, and show up fully? If something doesn’t sit right, it’s okay to pause and reflect. This isn’t just about acceptance—it’s about alignment.
Edited with support from ChatGPT (OpenAI) to enhance clarity and flow, while staying true to the story’s voice.
All images in this post were generated using OpenAI’s DALL·E image model via ChatGPT.