How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth

by The Moth

SARAH ON STORIES DURING JOB INTERVIEWS: My father spent his career in executive leadership, and he believes in connecting the dots on your résumé through story. He says, “When you look at your résumé, what did you learn in each position that led you to the next? What is the story arc of your career, and why is this new position the right next step?” For example: Maybe you were a bassoonist who then became a conductor and then ultimately interviewed to become a music educator because you wanted to inspire more young people to choose a career path of music. You might not know where the story of your career is going, but when you look back at all the different jobs, there has to be some connection. What did you learn in one experience that narrowed down what you wanted to do next? When Travis Coxson, The Moth’s executive assistant and office coordinator, applied for his job, he had just spent years traveling as a stage manager for Broadway tours. We worried that he’d miss being on the road. But in his interview he told us that when the pandemic shut down theaters, he was suddenly at home for long stretches of time. He found he loved quiet mornings with his longtime partner. What used to be a crash pad became a home. He settled into a routine and realized how much more grounded he felt. He wanted to pivot, and find a way to use his organizational skills for live theatrical events without living out of a suitcase. His story resonated with us, and we offered him the job. A perso...