"Tell me about yourself." What should be one of the easiest talking points often becomes a dreaded conversation topic because you don't know how to tell your career story concisely. Rather than simply listing off the roles you've held, and the companies you've worked for, thoughtfully crafting a career narrative allows you to tell your story, which is far more valuable than regurgitating your resume.

What is a career narrative?

Put simply, a career narrative is a story summarizing your professional experience. Your resume explains the "what" and the "how" when it comes to your career, but it doesn't provide any context as to "why." While people can draw their own conclusions about why you may have made certain moves and done certain things, think of your career narrative as your opportunity to tell the story from your perspective.

Why is a career narrative important?

Your career narrative is important because it will allow others to connect with you on a deeper level. It's been shown time and time again that telling stories builds empathy. Think about it - if you just recite information from your resume, does the listener get an idea of who you are, what you're passionate about, and your overall mission? The answer is likely "no." Since those items are all essential for genuine connection, your career narrative, too, becomes essential.

Important things to consider as you craft your career narrative

As you begin to craft your career narrative, it's helpful to consider the following questions:

• What career milestones have you celebrated?

• What significant challenges have you overcome?

• What are you interested in exploring next?

• Who are you here to help?

Once you've created your career narrative, be sure to practice. Much like a story, it's important to ensure that it flows! You've got this!

Crafting Your Career Narrative is an exercise in our ultimate job seekers bundle, The Professional Pivot. If you're currently on the search for a new job, be sure to check it out!