THE IT INTERVIEW: A QUICK GUIDE TO CAPTIVATING YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH STORYTELLING

1. A GOOD STORY:
Is authentic
Goes beyond simply reciting a résumé
Makes you memorable to a hiring manager
Makes an emotional and personal connection
AVOID STORYTELLING SINS
AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES
UNDERSTAND WHAT A GOOD
STORY IS MADE OF
RESEARCH YOUR AUDIENCE
Make small talk ahead of time to help you relax and
establish a connection.
Avoid telling scripted stories; be authentic and engaging.
Avoid explicit statements about yourself (“I’m collaborative”);
instead, let your story speak for you (“I worked with
colleagues to build the database in record time”).
PUT YOUR RESEARCH TO USE
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THE IT
INTERVIEW:
A QUICK GUIDE TO
CAPTIVATING YOUR
AUDIENCE THROUGH
STORYTELLING
Looking to stand out during your
next interview? Those who are able
to captivate and engage their audience
will have a better chance of doing so.
Review the following tips to help you
prepare for your next IT interview.
ENTRY-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS:
Relevant studies or research you’ve completed
How fast/well you’ve adapted to new projects
Coaching you’ve received to expand your knowledge
and experience
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS:
Guidance or mentorship you’ve provided
Conflict resolution experiences
Examples of complex problem-solving you’ve undertaken
SENIOR PROFESSIONALS:
Your ability to drive change
Your influence on team culture
Description of your leadership style
REVIEW STORYTELLING TOPICS
DON’T LEAD THE
CONVERSATION—ROLL WITH IT
TIP: The more you know about
both the company and the
hiring manager, the better you’ll
be able to tailor a story to your
audience’s frame of reference.
Check the company’s
website for press releases
and news about their
recent activity.
Look over the hiring manager’s
LinkedIn®
profile or company
bio for mutual interests,
connections, or affiliations.
Research the company’s
competitors, too.
DURING THE INTERVIEW:
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:
Using clichés and
company jargon
Bad-mouthing past
employers
Fabricating details
Over-answering
questions
Loses your
audience’s interest
Makes you look
bad—always
Undermines your
credibility
Lacks focus and shows
poor communication
ESTABLISH A
PERSONAL
CONNECTION:
Share anything
you may have
in common with
the interviewer
MAKE YOUR
AUDIENCE CARE:
Match your skills
to the company’s
needs/goals
To stand out in today’s competitive IT job market, tell
your story in an authentic way that resonates with your
audience. Using the art of storytelling is a great way to
ensure you’ll be a memorable candidate.
Search for jobs on kellycareernetwork.com, or visit
kellyservices.us/ITcareers for career insights.
SHOW
ENTHUSIASM:
Share what
excites you about
the company
BE LIKEABLE:
Show an interest in
the interviewer by
asking questions
REVIEW COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Why are you
interested in
working here?”
“Why did
you leave
your last
position?”
“Why should
we hire you?”
“How do
you handle
conflict?”
Do your homework on the
position, hiring manager,
and company.
Want more information?
Click here to download our ebook,
The IT Interview Guidebook.