Getting Your Story Straight – Tips for Job Seekers

Career Search Series – Part 1

The intent of this series of posts is to provide practical tips, and guidance from an HR pro’s perspective. Unemployment and job loss continue to be a pressing issue and we can’t forget the impact it is having on job seekers and the community at large.

In Alberta over the last 4 years, over 100,000 employees have lost their jobs. During 2 of those years, I’ve had the privilege of working with dozens of individuals who have gone through career transition.  A majority of those people left roles in the oil and gas industry, as well as others due to a slower economy.

The first post in this series addresses the dreaded question of “why did you leave your last job?” In other words, what’s your story and why should we hire you?

Getting Your Story Straight

Sharing why you have left your last job if it wasn’t your choice with another person can be humbling and embarrassing, but it need not be. Why?  That’s because it’s only one of three parts of your story – your leaving story, your current story, and the why you part of your story. Sharing each of these clearly and concisely will help restore and build your confidence, and provide clarity to others who want to help you.

Leaving Story – The Past

This is initially one of the hardest parts for job seekers to share and yet, it is the shortest and least important part of your career story. So you were let go, how do you talk about it?  As an HR pro, I’m looking for 3 things from you – be clear, be brief and be professional.

Tell me what happened without emotion in one sentence. You may feel compelled to share your side of the story or that you were treated unfairly, but to be honest, if I’m hiring you, I’m more interested in what you have learned or been doing since.  When you are asked why you left your last job, the following statements are a small sample of responses you can give:

  • I left my company as part of a company-wide downsizing.
  • My department/division was acquired and the new leadership brought in a new team.
  • My position was realigned. My manager/I realized my job no longer matched my skills or interests.

 

Being concise and honest will help the hiring manager understand more about your how you handled something difficult. Remember to be as neutral and calm as possible. This is about your past, not the present or the future.

Current Story – The Pitch

This is your 30-second pitch and tells others about you in a crisp and detailed way. The pitch can be used when you are asked tell me about yourself in an interview or what do you do, at a networking or social event.  Most people haven’t thought about how to describe the work they do or value they bring and it is hard to do however, when you are in job search mode, mastering the pitch is critically important. 

The pitch has 3 parts:

  1. Who are you– an HR professional with 10 years experience in oil and gas
  2. What you’re really good at/proud of– recruiting; help finding the right talent at right time
  3. Your strengths– detail-focused, great relationship builder, strong analysis skills, etc.

 

You will likely change your pitch a few times until you land on one that works best for you, so write it down, get in front of a mirror and practice, practice, practice!

“Why You” Story – Tell Me What You Really, Really Want

A recruiter wants to know why they should choose you over other qualified candidates.  In addition to your pitch, you want to say where you want to go next in your career. This helps recruiters assess whether or not you will be a fit in the organization right now.  It also helps someone you are networking with understand if they can help you or where they can point you to if they can’t help.

We know you want another job, so be specific about why this job. More challenge? Work/life balance? Working with a start-up so you can create?  Think about what would be most fulfilling and enjoyable in your next job.

Remember, your story is unique and it is worth sharing.

Our next post will focus on the six key marketing materials you need to have a successful search.

Pauline Greenidge
info@upwardhr.ca

Pauline Greenidge is an HR Consultant and Chartered Professional in Human Resources. She empowers others to create positive employee experiences. Her book A Grand Dinner Party is available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

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