Mastering Storytelling Techniques for Interviews and Career Advancement

1. Storytelling Techniques for Interviews and Position Advancement Presenters: Elizabeth Figa, Ph.D. and Julia Wright, B.S. University of North Texas Department of Library and Information Sciences

2. Thank you for the Invitation • Donna Kearley for the invitation • Greg Hardin for the topic idea of storytelling and interviewing

3. Learning Objectives: • This session will  provide knowledge and skills to • Prepare your cover letter and other included materials to tell your story • Methods to rehearse for your interview using  storytelling techniques • Practical methods to prepare to field a variety of questions including the one question that is your greatest fear • How to gather competitive intelligence and organizational information   • Preparing your “giveaway” • What to do when you get home

4. Current Trends in Library Hiring • There are positions open • Competition is high • There are actions job seekers can take to be optimally prepared! • Who here is currently seeking a position o an advancement opportunity? • Who here has or knows of a position opening?

5. Know where to Look and Network! • Networking results in lots of leads • Use your library skills to search for position openings

6. The Application Paperwork • Optimize your first impression • Prepare your cover letter and other included materials to tell your story * Do not feel forced to conform to a one page resume!* • Consider enclosures such as: • Publications • Samples of course work • Annotated bibliographic guide • Business card

7. Methods to Prepare ( Rehearse) • Job Description … research on similar positions. • Be confident in the ways your skills match the position • Prepare a set of questions YOU would ask the person interviewing for the job you want • Consider the “common questions”: What interests you about this job?. • Practice answering those questions … aloud! Over and over. • Ask someone else to do a practice interview with you. Treat it like a real interview. • Phone interview preparation The one question that is your greatest fear

8. Methods to Prepare ( Rehearse) • Methods to warm up and rehearse for your interview using  storytelling techniques LIVE/INTERACTIVE • DEMONSTRATIONLED BY DR. FIGA

9. Two Case Studies Case study of the library development job: No direct experience • Dr. Figa’s Story as a Case Study: Advancement • Your references can also be your “consultant • The #1 way to advance in your organization • ”

10. Organization Research (Competitive Intelligence) • Organization website • Budget • Departments • Board members • Leaders • Salary range • Interviewing team

11. Research • Google • Organization • Interviewing team • Articles recently written about the organization • Articles written by leaders in the organization • Current events within the organization

12. “Giveaways” • Be memorable! • Business cards • Portfolio • Bookmark • Handout • Paper

13. Things to do when you get home • Make notes on the interview • Document names • Process Follow-ups • Thank you notes to all appropriate personnel • Other suggestions from the audience?

14. Summary • Questions from the participants: • Drawing for Two Certificates THANK YOU!! Elizabeth Figa and Julia Wright