Get the Story Framework
Ask for stories, not jobs
The Get the Story Framework is a structured approach to finding a new job or transitioning to a new industry. It involves asking for stories, rather than asking for jobs, and building relationships with people in your industry. The framework emphasizes the importance of being curious and genuinely interested in others, and asking for their'story' rather than asking for a job.
- Ask for stories, not jobs
- Be curious and genuinely interested in others
- Build relationships and have conversations with people in your industry
- Identify People to Talk ToIdentify people in your industry who you would like to talk to, and reach out to them to ask for their'story'. Be curious and genuinely interested in others, and ask for their'story' rather than asking for a job.Pro tipBe respectful and considerate of others' time, and be clear about your intentions and what you hope to gain from the conversation.WarningFailing to be respectful and considerate of others' time can lead to a negative perception of you and damage to your professional reputation.
- Have ConversationsHave conversations with people in your industry, and ask for their'story'. Be curious and genuinely interested in others, and ask for their'story' rather than asking for a job.Pro tipBe engaged and attentive in your conversations, and ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into the other person's'story'.WarningFailing to be engaged and attentive in your conversations can lead to a lack of depth and meaning in your relationships.
- Build RelationshipsBuild relationships with people in your industry, and continue to have conversations and ask for their'story'. Be curious and genuinely interested in others, and ask for their'story' rather than asking for a job.Pro tipBe consistent and reliable in your interactions with others, and follow up with them to continue the conversation and build the relationship.WarningFailing to be consistent and reliable in your interactions with others can lead to a lack of trust and credibility.
Kurt was a professional who was looking to transition to a new job. He used the Get the Story Framework to ask for stories, rather than asking for jobs, and built relationships with people in his industry. He had 56 prototype conversations with people he was genuinely interested in meeting, and received 7 high-quality job offers as a result.
The Get the Story Framework was developed by Bill Burnett, based on his own experiences and those of his clients. He recognized the importance of building relationships and having conversations with people in your industry, rather than simply applying for jobs.