Template: Build Your Personal Story

Our brain is wired for stories. Understanding why helps you use them better.

The science behind storytelling: • Stories activate more brain areas than facts • They release oxytocin (the trust hormone) • They are remembered 22x better than raw data • They create an emotional connection

What recruiters really want to know: • Who are you beyond the resume? • Why this path? (coherence) • Why now? (motivation) • Why us? (fit)

Classic mistakes:

❌ Reciting your CV chronologically ❌ Listing skills without context ❌ Talking only about yourself (ego trip) ❌ Being too long or too vague

✅ Telling a common thread ✅ Illustrating with concrete examples ✅ Showing what you bring ✅ Being memorable and authentic

Reminder: Your story is not your biography. It's a strategic version of your journey, adapted to your audience.

Every good story follows a narrative structure. Here's the one that works for your journey.

Act 1: The starting point (Where I come from)

Objective: Create context and empathy.

Elements to include: • Your education or career start • What attracted you to this field • A personal element that humanizes

Duration: 20% of your story

Act 2: The journey (What I went through)

Objective: Show your evolution and accomplishments.

Elements to include: • 2-3 key stages of your journey • Challenges faced and how you overcame them • Skills developed • Results achieved (quantified if possible)

Duration: 50% of your story

Act 3: The destination (Where I'm going)

Objective: Project into the future and create the link with the opportunity.

Elements to include: • Your professional vision • Why this company/this position • What you bring

Duration: 30% of your story

Complete template:

"I started with [Act 1 • context]. Throughout my journey, I [Act 2 • evolution + accomplishments]. Today, I'm looking to [Act 3 • projection] because [link to opportunity]."

Your story is built around pivot moments that shaped you.

Exercise: Map your key moments

Answer these questions:

Discovery moments • When did you know this job was for you? • What experience triggered your passion? • Who inspired or influenced you?

Challenge moments • What was your biggest professional obstacle? • How did you overcome it? • What did you learn from your failures?

Success moments • What accomplishment are you most proud of? • What impact did you have on your team/company? • What quantified results can you highlight?

Transformation moments • What changed your vision of the profession? • What decision was a turning point? • How have you evolved as a professional?

Select 3-4 moments maximum.

Too many moments = confusing story. Choose those that: • Illustrate your key skills • Are relevant to the target position • Differentiate you from other candidates

The common thread is the central theme that connects all your key moments.

What is a common thread?

It's the answer to: "What has guided all my professional decisions?"

Examples of common threads:

Impact "I've always sought to have a concrete impact on people/business/society."

Learning "My curiosity has pushed me to constantly learn and reinvent myself."

Challenge "I've systematically chosen the hardest paths to grow."

Human "Relationships and the collective have always been at the heart of my choices."

Innovation "I've always wanted to create something new, push boundaries."

How to find yours:

1. Reread your key moments 2. Identify the common point 3. Formulate it in a simple sentence 4. Test: Is it authentic? Is it differentiating?

Exercise: Complete this sentence: "Throughout my career, I've been guided by _______________."

Warning: Your common thread must be authentic. Recruiters detect fabricated stories.

Let's move on to the concrete writing of your story.

Long version (2-3 minutes) • For interviews

Structure: • Hook (1 sentence that captures attention) • Act 1: Context (2-3 sentences) • Act 2: Journey with 2-3 key moments (5-6 sentences) • Act 3: Projection + link to opportunity (2-3 sentences)

Example:

"They often say the best Product Managers are those who've lived user pain. That's exactly my case.

I started as a developer, frustrated building features nobody used. This frustration pushed me to understand the 'why' behind the 'what'.

I joined a startup where I took my first product responsibilities. In 2 years, I launched 3 products from scratch, including one that now generates 40% of revenue. I learned to listen to users, prioritize ruthlessly, and ship fast.

Today, I want to apply this approach at a larger scale. Your mission to democratize [X] resonates with what motivates me: creating products that truly change people's lives."

Short version (30 seconds) • For networking

Keep only: • Common thread • 1 key achievement • What you're looking for

Tip: Record yourself and time it. Adjust until it's fluid and natural.

An effective story adapts to its audience. Here's how.

According to the interlocutor:

HR / Recruiter • Focus: cultural fit, motivation, soft skills • Emphasize: values, collaboration, why this company

Operational Manager • Focus: technical skills, results • Emphasize: quantified achievements, problems solved

Executive / C-level • Focus: vision, business impact • Emphasize: strategic contribution, ambition

According to context:

Job interview • Complete story (2-3 min) • Adapted to the position • Follow-up questions prepared

Networking event • Short version (30 sec • 1 min) • Ended with a question • Exchange, not monologue

LinkedIn / written • Very concise version • Strong hook • Clear call-to-action

Adaptation checklist: • [ ] What keywords from the offer can I integrate? • [ ] What company values match my story? • [ ] Which key moment is most relevant here? • [ ] Which projection shows the best fit?

Exercise: Rewrite your story for 3 different contexts.