The 3 Questions That Make Your Story Stronger
I’m in New York City meeting colleagues and old friends, and my week is stacked with 1:1s (IRL). Every 1:1 has a similar opening. What’s the Naomi update? Job interviews and networking calls are the same way.
One of the most powerful things you can do during your job search is nail your personal story. Not just your titles or accomplishments, but what drives you, what you’re great at, and where you want to go next.
When you have clarity around those things, it changes the way you network, interview, and connect with others. And that’s how you make a great first impression.
The good news is: this is something you can practice and improve over time (including at our upcoming Networking Hour). So in this week’s Get Hired, we’re talking about how to strengthen your personal story.
1. Why do you do this work?
What motivates you? What kinds of work feel meaningful or energizing? This is often the part orgs connect with most because it helps them understand how you align with their mission.
Examples:
“As someone with lived experience in _____, I’m motivated by work that helps expand access, equity, and opportunity for people who are often left out of systems.”
“Ever since _____, I care about helping movements grow and building organizations that can create lasting change.”
“I care deeply about protecting LGBTQ+ rights and building communities where people feel safe, supported, and empowered.”
2. What’s your superpower?
This question helps people understand the value you bring. Think about what you’re great at, the kinds of problems people come to you to solve, the work that comes naturally to you, and the strengths that have shown up throughout your career.
Examples:
Building relationships with community leaders
Creating financial or operational systems
Organizing campaign staff to hit a goal
Managing senior level staff
Getting legislative wins on the state level
Fundraising with major donors
Producing strong content across channels
Leading successful employee engagement projects
Your strengths do not need to sound flashy to be important. Clear and specific is great.
3. What are you looking for next?
This one is all about what kind of impact you want to make looking forward. You don’t need every detail figured out, but having a sense of direction helps people understand where you’re headed. In an interview, this helps them understand how you’re a fit for this role in particular.
Examples:
“I’m looking to transition into democracy and voting rights work because of the recent attacks on our democracy. My experience in _____ and _____ will make me a strong fit for this role in particular.”
“I’ve spent my entire career in grassroots organizing, and I’m excited to take on leadership opportunities where I can mentor teams and shape strategy.”
“I’m looking for a more strategic executive role where I can bring together fundraising, operations, and team leadership experience to help an organization grow and scale its impact.”
Practice
You don’t need to remember a script, but try to remember this simple structure:
Here’s what motivates me.
Here’s the work I’ve been doing and what I’m good at.
Here’s what I’m excited to do next.
Your story will get stronger the more you say it. Talk to your family, your friends, your partner. Networking conversations are a great time to practice. Pay attention to what needs to be refined and what feels authentic.
If you want to learn more about the impact your story can have, I really like Marshall Ganz’s talks on story of self.
Overall, you may be surprised how much more natural and energizing interviews or networking conversations feel when you have a strong personal story. People connect most with stories that feel clear and grounded, and specific details help people remember you. Then it becomes easier for them to advocate for you, refer you, or imagine you succeeding on their team.
This week, spend 30 minutes reflecting on the 3 questions above. Then practice talking about them during your next networking conversation. Happy job searching!
Chief Financial Officer @ Bend The Arc | Remote | $155K-$165K
Executive Director @ New Grassroots AI Organization | Remote | $250K-$300K
Managing Director, International Engagement @ America Is All In | Remote | $175K-$209K
Managing Director, Communications @ America Is All In | Remote | $175K-$209K
Managing Deputy Director, Mid-Atlantic & Florida Region @ J Street | NYC | $95K-$110K
Deputy Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic & Florida Region @ J Street | NYC | $71K-$100K
Chief Operating Officer @ Mothers Milk Bank Northeast | Newton, MA | $105K-$130K
Program Associate, Network Engagement & Operations @ Growald Climate Fund | Brookline, MA | $88K-$93K
Executive Director @ PA Voice | Hybrid in Philly | $160K-$175K
Organizing Director, Black Workers United @ East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy | Oakland, CA | $100K-$110K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of them on the NRG website.
Upcoming Events
NRG Networking Hour
6/4 | Pay-What-You-Can | 1-2pm EST
Speaking of telling your personal story, you’re invited to our next NRG Networking Hour! This is a space designed for mission-driven job seekers to connect, share, and grow together. Whether you’re actively job searching, exploring your next move, or simply looking to expand your network of like-minded professionals, this session is for you.
📢 Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the roles we’re hiring for.
📬 Not a member of the NRG Talent Network yet? Take 3 minutes to fill out a quick form and let us know you're thinking about your next role.
Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you.
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