Most people get fired at some point in their careers and it’s not the end of the world, even though it might feel that way at the time. Here’s concrete, step by step advice to get you back on track if the worst happens.

Last winter I had five college senior clients all seeking their first job, some with great trepidation. Of the five, I was least concerned about an outgoing, socially adept and directed Trinity College psych major who knew for sure she wanted to go into advertising. Sadie Cooper had been very strategic throughout her college summers and had several internships under her belt, including one in advertising. She and I both assumed she would graduate with a good job. Here is the story of Sadie’s career twists and turns and, ultimately, happy ending.

Most interviews are in a behavioral format, meaning the interviewer not only wants you to share that you have a particular skill, they want to hear about how you used that skill in past jobs. Practicing your skill story ahead of time will allow you to share it strategically, building it seamlessly into The Story of YOU.

It’s Summer 2018 and the unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in years. Arguably it’s a candidate’s market. And yet, many new and recent college grads are still unemployed. How can that be?

Telling the Story of YOU should be a great experience. It should make you feel like you’ve just had a 5-mile run or a great cup of coffee, or both. Instead, if it feels tortured, nervous-making or rambling, just imagine how the listener feels.

Last time we discussed the basic principles behind engaging listeners with your story. Today we are going to get downright specific – I’m going to share specific instructions for creating narratives that work well to open doors for all types of job seekers. First, some general principles for developing your narrative.