We have all read a good adventure story with twists and turns, setbacks and overcoming an obstacle. Our life and career journey are the same things. I have realized that much like the choice-based adventure stories I have been reading, I was in charge of my own story. The truth is that you are in charge of your story in more ways than you realize. It’s not right or wrong. It’s not about genuine or fake selves. It is about your own self-confidence. Let's talk about having a "Career Story" and how to share it.

Identify Your Career Goals

Ask yourself: What Is Your Why?

Knowing your why is an important first step in figuring out how to connect to what you do and therefore who you are. Only when you know your why will you find the courage to take the risks needed to get ahead, stay motivated when resistance emerges, and move your life onto an entirely new, more challenging, and more rewarding trajectory.

Where Have You Been? Where Are You Now? Where Are You Going?

As you've moved from job to job, in the end, what are your career goals? Where do you want to end up? A great place to start when developing your career story is to think through these three questions. Chronological order is the most common way to tell your story because it quickly creates a sensible order for the listener. Of course, the story you choose to tell is infinitely plausible as long as you stick to the facts.

Focus on Key Strengths When Telling Your Story

A “Career Story” is nothing more than a narrative about your professional life that tells the listener some highlights about why you have chosen your career path and where you hope to take it. Although it is not overly complicated, it is important to be strategic about how you frame your professional trajectory when dealing with potential employers and even your social network. Focus on the key thoughts you want to communicate to your audience.

Get Creative

Your career story is a chance to express yourself and showcase some of your creative skills. For example, if you enjoy photography, a well-curated slide show may be a way to help you develop your narrative. You may find that posting the slide show on your social media profiles is a great way to share your story with your professional network. This may lead to some great feedback or even a lead on a relevant opportunity.

Practice Your Career Story

The best way to get your confidence up is to start with a sympathetic audience. Tell your career story to friends, family, and colleagues whom you trust. As you practice your story, you will get more comfortable telling it. In addition, you will start to see the most important elements, as well as get a sense of which details provoke the most powerful reactions in your audience. With some practice, you'll be ready to share your career story whenever you need it, be that in a job interview or when meeting someone new at a social event. It is one more tool you will have at the ready when the time is right.