Your Personal Narrative
When reentering the workforce after significant setbacks like incarceration, addiction, or homelessness, one of the most powerful tools in your job search arsenal is your personal narrative - the summary story about how things went the way they did and why you are reentering. This genuine and accurate narrative forms the basis for "Delivering the Mail," a significant tactical step I explain in detail in my book, "Get Beyond Your Troubled Past."
Why is developing your narrative so crucial? First and foremost, it allows you to take control of your story – truthfully and accurately. For many with a criminal record or red-flag gaps in their employment history, the knee-jerk response is to avoid the details (as if they won't come up) or to put a spin on them in some street-esque, self-promotional, BS way.
Not good!
Your narrative is an opportunity to face and reframe your experiences. You get to craft your narrative, where you decide what your story means and where it's heading. Think about it this way: if you don't tell your story, someone else will. And chances are, their version won't be nearly as nuanced, compassionate, or growth-oriented as yours. By proactively sharing your narrative, you avoid any potential negativity or assumptions. You demonstrate that you're not hiding from your past but are willing to own and learn from it.
So, how do you go about developing your narrative? Start by setting aside some quiet, reflective time to write your story from the beginning to where you are now. Don't worry about perfection or polish - focus on getting it all out and down. Be honest about your challenges and setbacks, but don't dwell on them. Acknowledge your choices' impacts, but don't get bogged down in shame or self-blame. Focus on what you've learned, how you've changed, and what drives you now.
When done, set it aside - don't touch it for at least a day; two or three is best. Then, haul it out and cut it in half. If it started as ten pages, make it five, keeping the core events, the meat of the story. Then, set this version aside again for another couple of days.
The last step is another reduction, chopping it into a concise narrative you can share in job search situations. Aim for a brief, 3-4 sentence summary that hits the key points: the issues you've faced, the lessons you've learned, and your commitment to a new path.
For example:
"I faced significant challenges with addiction and incarceration in my past. Through that experience, I learned the importance of personal responsibility, hard work, and surrounding myself with positive influences. I've been sober for a year now and am committed to rebuilding my life and career with integrity and dedication."
Practice delivering your narrative out loud until it feels natural and authentic. Get feedback from trusted mentors or job search coaches. Tweak the language until it feels true to you.
The goal isn't to script a perfect speech but to internalize your story so you can share it with confidence and calm when the opportunity arises. Whether in a job interview, a networking conversation, or a cover letter, your personal narrative is a powerful way to connect with potential employers and demonstrate your resilience and growth.
Getting it out and down where you can read it also allows you to release some of the emotions built up over time and helps clarify the facts. Reading what you write about yourself back to you removes the subconscious storyline you've probably used to support or defend your take on the situation.
Remember, the Marketplace doesn't care how you feel about anything, including your background problem. Consider each prospective employer you meet as a stand-in for the Marketplace. As a result, you need a way to manage your message.
Onward!