Learn how to use storytelling techniques to make your resume more engaging, persuasive, and memorable. Discover the benefits, tips, examples, and mistakes of storytelling in your resume.

Storytelling in a resume is crucial for standing out to employers and recruiters. Effective storytelling can be challenging, but to get started, I take a step back and ask myself, "What's the journey that someone is piecing together when they read my resume? How are my enduring skills shining through?" Storytelling through an effective summary statement and captivating bullet points can leave a lasting impact on your reader. Showing your leadership, mentorship, collaboration, drive, critical thinking, etc. through your bullet points helps employers understand your full professional self.

How important is storytelling in a resume?

You may have heard that storytelling is a powerful tool for personal branding, marketing, and communication. But did you know that it can also make a big difference in your resume? In this article, you will learn how to use storytelling techniques to showcase your skills, achievements, and personality in a way that captures the attention and interest of hiring managers.

1 What is storytelling in a resume?

Storytelling in a resume is the art of crafting a coherent and compelling narrative that connects your professional experience, education, and goals to the specific job and company you are applying for. It is not about making up stories or exaggerating your accomplishments, but rather about highlighting the most relevant and impressive aspects of your career journey and how they align with the employer's needs and values.

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Evan J. Walsh, M.A. 🏳️🌈

AI + Careers | Student Development & Education Equity Champion | GradEd | Empowering Harvard Med graduate students to explore, refine, and confidently pursue their dream careers with authenticity, agency, and passion.
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Let's face it - sometimes, storytelling can be difficult for people. Especially on a resume, storytelling can cause anxiety: am I doing it right? Am I showcasing my strongest self, skills, and abilities? Foundationally, storytelling focuses on connecting experiences, achievements, and skills in a narrative that showcases your personal and professional growth to exemplify your value to potential employers. Through effective storytelling, candidates can stand out while also leading with authenticity.

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2 Why is storytelling important in a resume?

Storytelling is important in a resume because it helps you stand out from the crowd of other applicants who may have similar qualifications and credentials. By telling a story, you can show your personality, creativity, and passion, as well as demonstrate your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. Storytelling also makes your resume more memorable and engaging, as it appeals to the emotions and curiosity of the reader, rather than just listing facts and figures.

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Angela Richard, M.Ed.

I help Gen Z navigate their careers 👏 | LinkedIn Top Voice 💙 | Ph.D. Student 📚 | Professionally Unprofessional, LLC | TEDx Speaker
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Storytelling in a resume is crucial for standing out to employers and recruiters. Effective storytelling can be challenging, but to get started, I take a step back and ask myself, "What's the journey that someone is piecing together when they read my resume? How are my enduring skills shining through?" Storytelling through an effective summary statement and captivating bullet points can leave a lasting impact on your reader. Showing your leadership, mentorship, collaboration, drive, critical thinking, etc. through your bullet points helps employers understand your full professional self.

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3 How to use storytelling in a resume?

When crafting your resume, storytelling is a great way to capture the reader's attention and make an impact. Use a catchy headline or summary statement to summarize your main value proposition and career goal. Action verbs, quantifiable results, and specific examples should be used to describe your achievements and responsibilities in each position. Additionally, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be used to structure your bullet points and showcase your skills and competencies. Additionally, be sure to use keywords and phrases that match the job description and company culture. Lastly, ensure that your resume is consistent and clear in style, tone, and format. Utilize headings, subheadings, white space, and bullet points to organize your information and highlight your main points.

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Bhakti Talati

Transforming stress into balance 🌻 – Work-Life Balance & Boundaries Coach + Resume Building Specialist!
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What does storytelling look like in a resume? Let's assume, one of the keywords identified by you is cross-functional collaboration. To highlight this in the context of the job application, think of an example, a project where you demonstrated the skill. Craft a sentence that indicates your contribution.

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4 What are some storytelling examples in a resume?

Illustrating how storytelling can enhance your resume, here are some examples of resume statements that utilize storytelling techniques. The headline reads: Experienced and creative graphic designer with a passion for visual storytelling and branding. The summary states that the individual has five years of experience in various industries, and is proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as HTML, CSS, and WordPress. They are looking for a challenging and rewarding position where they can apply their creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative skills to produce high-quality and engaging visual content. An achievement example is provided, detailing how the individual designed and launched a new website for a local non-profit organization which increased donations and volunteers by 50% in six months. Additionally, the skill section mentions how the individual demonstrated excellent communication and presentation skills by pitching and winning three new accounts for the agency, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue and client satisfaction.

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5 What are some storytelling mistakes to avoid in a resume?

Storytelling can be an effective way to improve your resume, however, there are some pitfalls to avoid. It is important to focus on the most important and relevant stories that showcase your value and suitability for the job, while keeping them concise. Additionally, it is essential to be honest and realistic about your achievements and skills. Furthermore, ensure your stories are consistent with your personal brand, career goal, and the employer's expectations. By using storytelling techniques, you can make your resume more attractive, persuasive, and memorable, thus increasing your chances of securing an interview and job offer.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How important is storytelling in a resume?

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1 What is storytelling in a resume?

2 Why is storytelling important in a resume?

3 How to use storytelling in a resume?

4 What are some storytelling examples in a resume?

5 What are some storytelling mistakes to avoid in a resume?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Resume Writing

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How important is storytelling in a resume?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is storytelling in a resume?

2 Why is storytelling important in a resume?

3 How to use storytelling in a resume?

4 What are some storytelling examples in a resume?

5 What are some storytelling mistakes to avoid in a resume?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Resume Writing

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