“These new ways of storytelling about my work have already shifted my ability to make fundraising asks, write grants, talk to the press, and recruit and hire staff. As I continue to practice these storytelling skills, I’m sure their impact will only grow.”
— Beverly Socher-Lerner, Founding Director at Makom Community, Philadelphia, PA

Career Development

Crafting the story of who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

Your story is unique. There may be 8 billion people in the world, but nobody else has your specific life experience. And your professional journey is just as personal. How do you convey all of the choices, achievements, obstacles, and learnings that you’ve experienced? The team at CultureBuilds is ready with a host of professional development services to help you navigate your career path and find the story of you (and your work).

Potential Offerings

PERSONAL (STORY) TRAINER

Build your storytelling muscles! We offer one-on-one coaching for your specific needs. Many of our clients have asked us to provide insight and instruction for a high-stakes presentation, or to help them gain comfort in speaking in front of a live audience, or to support their search for a story that speaks to their mission and values, or to fine tune a story that can be used for a variety of needs. Learn more about how this service can be designed with your needs in mind in order to help you to find, craft, and present a story that meets your goals. 

JOB SEEKING SUPPORT

There are so many story-related aspects to the job search! Your resume and cover letter is the first opportunity to share your story. We can help you assess what information is critical, interesting, and most likely to get you an interview. This service also includes the design and development of this important written material. 

Or maybe your resume is perfect but you need support with the interview process. Interviews are SO HARD! And much of the success of an interview is dependent on being a successful storyteller. CultureBuilds can help you diffuse your stress by providing you with the skills that will help you shine in an interview. Content that might be covered here includes: how to respond to questions with a story, how you can ask questions that elicit the information you need to know, and how to ensure that your achievements are memorable. 

Make sure that your professional story is cohesive, dynamic, and serves as the best reflection of your experience. Present your full self and give your best first impression!

MASTERING THE ART OF INTERVIEWING

What can you do during the hiring process to make sure you’ve found the candidate that is the best for the position, someone who gets It, wants It, and has the capacity to do it (EOS)? Our answer would be that you’re looking for stories. Work with a CultureBuilds coach to support your skills in framing questions and shaping a conversation in order to elicit the stories that will give you the insight and information you’re seeking from candidates. Plus, creating opportunities for candidates to shine can transform a monotonous interview into a dynamic conversation.

In front of 200 people, I tried out what I learned from 2nd Story’s CultureBuilds at the Project Directors’ meeting. I relayed our mission in the form of a story. It was wonderful. You made a real and lasting impact!
— Meredith Polsky, National Director of Institutes and Training at Matan Institute, New York, NY
CultureBuilds by 2nd Story has been a reliable resource in helping me to build my resume. I have used their services for years. They always take the time to get to know me, and use it to craft a better resume. With their help I have been able to get noticed for jobs, even when applying for jobs out of my home state. I highly recommend using them to start your next resume!
— Douglas Patterson