Max Kringen from TellWell Story Co. shows listeners how to use story in their job interview process to stand out from a sea of candidates and make authentic connection. 

As Simon Simek suggests, start with why. Your why is your differentiator. The how is probably similar to other applicants and the organization will want you to buy into their how. 

For job seekers to set themselves apart: 

• have stories that align with the point you’re making. People remember how they feel more than they will remember stats. 

• Use narrative transportation to help make connection. This sounds like, “do you remember when…”

And when asked the inevitable…Tell me about yourself. 

• Get real. Start by sharing something not included in your resume or application materials. Be authentic. It could include the first time you realized this mission or organization was important. It may be the heartbeat of your professional life or the moral conviction that drives your work. 

The interview process allows many opportunities to build trust. Use the Trust Framework to develop a strong rapport with the hiring team:

1. Introduce: where curiosity is sparked, each party thinks, “there may be something here for me”

2. Educate: build reliability; articulate your skills and experience that align with the job at hand

3. Engage: call to action; ask the interviewer for the opportunity to address any beige or red flags they see in your candidacy; 

4. Remind: this one is simple but often overlooked, remind people that you love them, if you’re grateful for the opportunity to interview, share it with the hiring team

Looking beyond the job search, we hear from Max where the nonprofit industry is headed. 

With attention spans getting shorter and shorter, it’s not about getting louder and louder: Cut the jargon because clarity is kindness. 

Do NOT copy and paste out of AI. **Genuine human connection is going to win.**

The nonprofit sector needs to approach communication with our boards, supporters, beneficiaries and the public at-large aiming to create community and connection. We can apply this same approach in the interview process, lead with authenticity with the goal of making connection.

TellWell Story Co. is a creative studio that helps nonprofits tell more human stories that build trust through film design and web experiences.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Max Kringen is the Founder and Chief Storyteller at Tellwell Story Co., a creative studio based in Fargo, North Dakota, that partners with mission-driven organizations to craft human-first stories that don’t just inspire—they drive action. With a decade of experience helping nonprofits, higher education institutions, and community-based businesses share their stories, Max has become a trusted guide for organizations seeking authentic connection in a noisy world.