Are you applying to MBA programs? Making a career switch? Moving up in the world?
If so, then you need an IMPRESSIVE professional STORY and a PROCESS to create it. But before we get into that process, let’s acknowledge…
Three Reasons to Read This Post
Reason #1 – You are competing for your target opportunity. You are not the only person applying to MBA programs, considering a new job, or desiring a promotion. The only way you are going to earn the opportunity is by proving you deserve it more than your competition.
Reason #2 – You are the reason you are pursuing your target opportunity. No one is forcing you to look at MBA programs. No one is making you take your career to the next level. This is an opportunity you want because you deserve it. Because of that, only you can clearly articulate why you should have it.
Reason #3 – You need help to earn your target opportunity. You are talented. You have strong ambition. That is why MBA programs are of interest to you. Still, it is difficult trying to condense your life experience into a single conversation or essay. First, you need help clarifying your story for yourself. Next, you need help expressing that clarity to others.
If you identify with the three reasons above then this process can help you. It is going to simplify your brainstorming and help you create your own unique, IMPRESSIVE story. Get a pencil and paper and take organized notes. These notes become the blueprint for the IMPRESSIVE story you are creating.
Three Main Steps to an IMPRESSIVE Story
MAIN STEP #1 – Identify Your Goal
Clearly state the thing you are trying to accomplish. Maybe it is just a sentence. Maybe it is a paragraph or more. Still, state your goal in the clearest words you can. Here are some simple examples.
*I want to apply to MBA programs.
*I am looking to switch to a more exciting career.
*I want to earn the next available promotion.
MAIN STEP #2 – Develop Your Story
With the goal clear, now you can begin to target yourself towards that goal. Your story contains three main elements. You will explain how you are:
Qualified – Good enough to get the job done.
Different – Unique from your competition.
Relevant – Valuable to the organization.
Once these things are clear then you will put them together to create your STORY.
*Warning* *Warning* *Warning*
This is not a “fill in the blanks” process. Give yourself time to think. Give yourself time to remember the details. The more specific your brainstorming, the stronger your story will be. Brainstorm on these things separately and then put them together to build your story.
Be Qualified – Summarize your academic and professional background. Remember your success stories. List your academic achievements. Prove that you meet the minimum requirements for the opportunity. Know which parts of your background satisfy those requirements.
Be Different – Identify your uniqueness. Specifically explain why this goal is value to you. Remember the specific skills you depend on to ensure your success. List your special talents.
Be Relevant – Connect your goals to the goals of your audience. Know what the organization is trying to accomplish over the short and long term. Know what “kind” of people the organization is looking for. Be clear that you fit in the environment and your success is tied to the success of the organization.
MAIN STEP #3 - Put it all together
Now look over your notes from Step 1 and Step 2. You should begin to see some connections between your goal, the organization, and how those two work together. Lastly, summarize your story in a single thought. It should reflect exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Here is an example:
Because of my stellar background in ____________ and my specific uniqueness of ____________, I am the best candidate to help your organization accomplish the goal of _________________.
What This Process Does For You
You should begin to see your story come together. You now have an outline of how you impress prospective employers, MBA programs, or anyone else. Now that you know how you are Qualified, Different, and Relevant, you can target your story specifically toward your situation and audience.
Remember this is a PROCESS, it will take time and feedback to get your story just right. Be patient with yourself and refer to this blog for help.
Did you find this post helpful? Please let me know with a comment below.