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Kristen Carter

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How to Tell Your Compelling Career Story

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By Kristen Carter, M.Ed., GCDF 
Contributor, Career Services

I love telling a good story. What I love more than telling a good story is getting a positive reaction from my listener. Knowing my audience is captivated by my story causes me to become more excited, which typically involves a change in my volume and hand gestures.

Stories are a part of everyday life. We share narratives with our coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends on a daily basis. So, what’s any different than sharing your career story? You are the author of your story, and you must convey enthusiasm surrounding each of your career moves, whether this is on your resume, in an interview or at a networking event.

Keep in mind that a hiring manager is hearing your story for the first time, so you must weave together your accomplishments, skills, and experiences so he or she is aware of how you ended up where you are. Do not assume a hiring manager can piece together your career progression by reading a few lines on a resume. Implement these five easy tips to capture your audience’s attention.

  1. Go beyond the facts. No one wants to listen to you spout off your day-to-day responsibilities. Showcase your accomplishments. It’s easy to be modest, but don’t downplay your contributions. Tell your story about the change you implemented, the projects you spearheaded or the processes you launched.
  2. Use details. Details make all the difference in a good story. Incorporating metrics will help you paint a detailed story.
  3. Demonstrate how your story benefits them. Your narrative must showcase how the skills you carried out in your previous roles fit the needs of your listener.
  4. Don’t exaggerate. While it’s easy to exaggerate when sharing a quick story with friends, you will want to steer clear of embellishing on your skill set or career accomplishments.
  5. Practice makes perfect. Crafting a message requires preparation. Rehearse your story and tweak it for the various audiences you want to share it with.

Now, some stories are not as easy to convey on a resume, but are worth telling in a cover letter or in an interview.

  • Did you start as an intern or in an entry-level role and get promoted after 6 months due to your excellent work ethic/contributions?
  • Was a job role created for your unique skill set?
  • Were you working full-time while also pursuing your degree as a full-time student?

Remember, anyone can tell a story. But only you can share your story. And a good story can ultimately lead to a job offer.

[Related article: You Have to Tell Your Career Story Fast]

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How to Prepare for a Career in Cybersecurity

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As we rely more on technology to manage our day-to-day lives, the need for cybersecurity is everywhere. Recent high-profile hacks of government and private-sector entities have increased the demand for professionals in this field. In this vlog, Senior Career Exploration Specialist Kristen Carter talks about the importance of learning common fundamentals, seeking relevant certifications and continuing education opportunities, as well as finding ways to get involved.

Kick the Monday Blues

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Have you ever wished for a permanent three-day weekend, justifying an extra day off of work would cause you to be more productive and enjoy your job more throughout the week? If we are really honest with ourselves, I’m not sure if this would solve our case of the Mondays. So, is it possible to ever avoid that dreaded Monday feeling?

Humility and Your Career Journey: The Perfect Combination

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By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

Today’s job market encourages you to broadcast all you have to offer in a loud and proud manner. After all, you are your greatest asset when it comes to selling your brand. While it’s important to have a handle on your strengths and be great at what you do, it’s also imperative to recognize that you do not know it all.

Humility is challenging at all levels and is sometimes viewed as a weakness in the corporate setting. However, humility does not imply you lack self-confidence or that you hide in the background, downplaying your achievements or deflecting praise for a job well done. There is a fine line between being boastful and confident. Communicating that you are a valuable asset comes in the form of knowing your strengths, while also not being afraid to admit your weaknesses and seek improvement when necessary.

Mastering One Dreaded Interview Question

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By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

It’s bound to happen to you. You’ve researched and studied all of the possible questions an interviewer may ask. You’ve identified specific work experiences to showcase how your skillset is relevant to the job at hand. You feel prepared and confident you are going to ace this interview.

But, all of a sudden, the question comes out of left field. We’ve all been there. An interviewer asks a question that we didn’t expect, “Tell me about yourself.”

You were hoping they wouldn’t ask it. It’s a simple question, yet why is it so difficult to answer? Your heart stops for a split second. You’ve rehearsed your response for every other question, except this one. You’re stumped.

How hard can it be, really? Just talk about myself, right? Or wrong. Your answer to this question will set the tone of your interview, so it is best to think through how you might answer this question prior to the meeting. While applicants tend to ramble on about themselves, instead, be sure to focus on your professional self and how it directly relates to the position to which you have applied.

The Art of Networking at Holiday Parties

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By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

A common misconception during the holiday season is that companies stop hiring; however, business typically continues as usual. While holiday travel and vacations may cause additional challenges for interview scheduling, the increased pressure from upper management to fill open positions before the New Year sparks hiring managers to fill positions in order to not lose them. Hiring managers may also post positions prior to the holidays with the intention of gathering resumes and conducting interviews after the New Year.

Regardless of a company’s hiring procedure during the holidays, it is best to not assume that they are taking an extended vacation. Thus, keep your job search in mind when attending any future holiday parties since you never know whom you might strike up a conversation with or who might be hiring.

Embrace a Spirit of Thankfulness in Your Job Search

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By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, being grateful and appreciative of our circumstances is typically in the forefront of our minds because we are reminded to “be thankful” everywhere we turn. But, sometimes it is not the easiest mindset to embrace when you have experienced a job loss or recent rejection.

Going Up? Get Off On the Right Floor with Your Elevator Pitch

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By Kristen Carter
Contributor, Career Services

Whether you are actively job seeking or networking, it is important to have a prepared elevator pitch to communicate to your listener who you are and what you do. Even if you are one of those networking buffs that can rattle off a few clever statements and keep your audience engaged the entire time, it is still important for you to plan ahead of time what you might say.