Be a Storyteller - Kayne Karbach



Kayne is back again with another great blog post on the importance of your story.  Great insight and congratulations on your new job!  Take it away . . .

Be a Storyteller

Everyone has a story. Unfortunately we often fail to tell our story when conducting a job search. But if you want to land a job, you’ve got to tell your story. Not your life story, the story of you; your hopes and dreams and how your next job can make them a reality.

Like most people, as part of my job hunt I decided to begin reaching out to old and new friends alike. But instead of just talking about my background and what kind of work I’m suitable for, I told them my story. My story is one of a future where I align my work with my beliefs. That means engaging in work with a social impact component, having a real opportunity make an impact in my community, and to grow as a person.

It’s important to realize that when telling your story to people, many times it will fall on deaf ears. But that’s a sign that it’s working. You don’t want a lot opportunities that are sort of a good fit. You want the one. Telling your story will help weed out the sort of good fits and help you focus on the job you really want.

But don’t just make something up on the fly. Take time before reaching out to people to really think through what you want your future to be and how a job can make that so. They’re not separate. You’ll find that this time will help you think in a more holistic way.

I recently landed a job that is two miles from my home. A nearly impossible feat in the suburbs of Washington, DC! As a result I get to spend more time with my family, and I get to bike to work - two aspects that are part of a future I’ve envision for myself. And it’s all thanks to telling my story.

Kayne Karnbach has a decade's worth of experience in stakeholder engagement and project management in issues spanning human rights to environmental conservation. He is currently seeking a position in corporate social responsibility and can be reached at Kayne.karnbach@gmail.com.