It’s not enough to have a polished resume anymore. To stand out, you need to know how to tell your career story in a way that connects, inspires, and makes people want to learn more about you.
And here’s the truth: that’s not always easy.
Why Your Career Story Matters
For years we’ve been conditioned to think the resume is the tool that gets us hired. But in reality? Most opportunities don’t come from applying cold with a resume. They come from conversations, connections, and referrals.
Think about it: people hire people they know, trust, or feel a genuine connection with. Networking is simply relationship-building. It happens when you show curiosity, ask questions, and share a bit of yourself.
Eventually, someone will ask: “So, tell me about yourself.”
Will you be ready with a career story that feels clear, compelling, and authentic?
Don’t Let Someone Else Tell Your Career Story
Your story is already online…somewhere. But is that the best version of your story?
Take a moment to Google yourself. What shows up on the first page of search results? That’s exactly what employers and recruiters see. And make no mistake, most of them are looking.
According to CareerBuilder survey
- 70% of employers check social media before hiring (CareerBuilder).
- 60% use search engines to research candidates.
- Nearly half admit they’re less likely to consider someone with no online presence at all.
In other words: hiding online isn’t an option. Instead, take control of your story.
And Jobvite Recruiter Nation study reported that 92% of recruiters are using social media.
Take Charge of Your Online Visibility
You don’t need to be everywhere, but you do need to be intentional. Here’s where to start:
- LinkedIn: Your #1 professional platform. Keep it updated and engaging.
- Personal Website: Think of this as your digital portfolio. Owning [yourname].com puts you in control of what shows up in search results and helps you showcase your personal brand.
- Facebook (and others): Don’t overlook personal platforms. Adjust your privacy settings, but also consider what story your public activity tells.
Visual Content Is More Engaging
Our brains process pictures and images faster than text, 60,000 times faster according to some data. The added bonuses of adding visuals are that pictures engage readers and emotionally connect readers to the content!
How To Use Visuals
Here are a few ideas:
- Add multimedia to your LinkedIn profile (presentations, video clips, project samples).
- Use visuals on your website to bring your accomplishments to life.
- Try creating an infographic resume as a conversation starter or networking leave-behind. (Just don’t upload it to an applicant tracking system—they can’t read them!)
What About Infographic Resumes?
You bet infographic resumes are valuable tools to network with and WOW an interviewer. Just don’t try to put them into an ATS. You don’t need to have graphic design skills to build an infographic resume templates.
Order your copy and get step by step instructions and beautiful, inspiring ideas.
STC Spectrum Presentation
I was fortunate to present on this topic and wanted to share the slides here.
(Photo credit and shout out to Todd DeLuca)
Listening to @careersherpa give talk about telling our stories at #spectrum16 with @stc_rochester colleagues. pic.twitter.com/apc9yNZwVm
— Todd DeLuca (@TechCommTodd) April 18, 2016
Don’t Let Someone Else Tell Your Career Story
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
