top of page
Search

Master Your Talk Track

Updated: Nov 8

As part of your job search, you will want to put some time into building a clear narrative to support the (many) conversations you’ll be having.


Here are some of the questions you will get asked. Here are some other questions that you should be ready to answer. Remember: It’s important to be concise and, ideally, to back up each idea with an anecdote to illustrate your point and make it memorable.

  • What is your super-power? Think about the value you bring to a company and why a CEO would hire you.

    • If your super-power isn't unique and niched down and doesn't communicate a reason for a CEO to hire you, it isn't well articulated.

    • If you can tie your super-power to the types of companies you are looking at and achor that with an example company you are speaking to, it can come across powerfully and show that you are in demand.

  • Why are you looking now? Help people understand why are you leaving your last job, making this transition. Try to be quick and clear. Some examples

    • Confidentially we made the decision to sell X and I'm starting the search for my next role.

      I reorged myself out of the role

  • What is the role you are looking for? Get clarity on your next role

  • Why are you qualified for this job? Not every role will be right up the fairway but you want to focus on ones that are a good fit. But industry is one you can often stretch on.

"When they ask you how you can do the job if you don't know the industry... have a quick answer ready for this." Whispered Member


"I've learned that I shouldn't proactively try to explain why I left a job but wait for them to ask and have a simple story ready." Whispered Executive

It’s important to step back and think about the themes driving your next career steps. Writing about themes/trends you are excited about can catalyze your search. This clarity can make it easier for you to engage people in deeper conversations and identify companies you are excited about.

“So few candidates have a thesis for the problems they are excited to solve. This clarity of thought can help guide their search and make them much more compelling as candidates.” Chuck Brotman, Recruiter and Founder of Blueprint Expansion

Another fun talk track to practice is to answer "If a recruiter introduced you in one sentence, what would you want them to say?". This will push you to be brief/specific. Some best practices to include:

  • Name companies you've been at before. It gives people a memory hook

  • Do the math for them and talk about the stage / size of company you operated at and team size you led

  • Really niche down and be memorable


Nail your stories


Great speakers almost always have prepared stories they use in their speeches because well-crafted narratives are a powerful tool to engage the audience, convey a message effectively, and make their points more memorable


You should prepare impactful short stories that you can use in every interview / discussion to highlight areas including:

  • The impact you drive

  • How you lead

  • How you work at an executive level

  • How you are comfortable getting your hands dirty

  • How you have successfully learned new areas


Also try to use numbers / company names to help people remember stories:

  • "I grew X from $5 to $200 million in 3 years"

  • "I managed a team of 45, and an ARR of $80 million"

  • "I excel at high-velocity models and have worked at Zapier and Rippling"


Practice these stories regularly. Both in front of the mirror, on interview calls but also podcasts are a great place to practice these stories.


And remember when recruiters or hiring managers are advocating for you... stories are much more powerful. Think of "what is the story they will tell about you when you aren't in the room." and design your talk track to help them find the right story


Do you know how to find your next role?



bottom of page