I had this client, who had a tough time articulating why he was a natural-born leader. The class monitor to college president to leadership roles in the current job was self-evident in the resume. Unfortunately, not all schools look at the resume and say to themselves – here is a leader. Even military applicants, who have leadership experience and skills in managing a highly volatile environment had to start offering context on ‘why their job’ is unlike any other.
When applicants are nudged to start the draft, many come back to me with the question that you might also have – “where do I begin.”
I tried to create narratives on the school experience. Perhaps his father had a role in inculcating the habit of owning responsibilities at a younger age. The narrative didn’t resonate with him. Perhaps he wants to take ownership of the students’ outcome in school. Not really.
Finally, I asked him what excited him the most about his journey. Immediately, he went into an extensive narrative of his current job and its complexity. Managing the suppliers, negotiating the price, planning for the operations, and the fact that the Founders have undying confidence in his character.
Integrity, managing the end to end experience, and earning the confidence of the Authority figures motivated the applicant.
I had another client, who wrote more about her role in a non-profit than any of her impressive achievements as an Investment Banker. The visceral experience of watching the smile appear in the faces of the underprivileged children meant more to her than earning 15x return for wealthy individuals.
When you start writing from parts of your life that excites you the most, words flow. Once the creative juices are flowing, you can find meaning in the most mundane projects.
For Tips and Strategies to create a memorable narrative, Download Winning MBA Essay Guide.
More Writing Freely Tips:
Writing Freely Exercise #2 - Replace Blank Stare with Questions
