You Belong: Owning Your Story in the Job Search

In one of her most powerful quotes, Brené Brown says, "Don't walk through the world looking for evidence that you don't belong. Because you will always find it."

This hits hard, doesn’t it?

Whether it’s walking into a room full of strangers, scrolling through highlight reels on social media, or sitting in front of a hiring panel, the fear of not belonging can creep in and whisper doubts: You’re not qualified enough. They already have someone better. You don’t fit here.

But here’s the thing: you do belong.

The challenge isn’t convincing others—it’s convincing yourself.

When you approach an interview or a job search with a sense of belonging, you step into your story with purpose and confidence. You don’t just apply for a role; you claim a space in a team where your skills, experiences, and values can make an impact.

So how do you turn “I hope I belong” into “This is why I belong”? Through stories, research, and data.

1. Tell Your Story—And Tell It Well

Stories are powerful. They don’t just convey information; they create connections. When you share a well-crafted story in an interview, you’re not just explaining what you did—you’re showing how you think, how you solve problems, and how you’ll fit into the role.

What Makes a Good Story?

• Relevance: Choose stories that directly relate to the role. If they’re hiring for a project manager, share a story about leading a team under pressure, not your high school debate championship.
• Structure: Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to keep your story clear and concise.
• Emotion: Share challenges you overcame or moments you were proud of. Vulnerability makes your story relatable and human.

Example:
Imagine you’re interviewing for a marketing role, and they ask how you handle tight deadlines. Instead of saying, “I just work hard and push through,” you could say:

"In my last role, our team faced a campaign deadline that was moved up by two weeks. I took the lead in reorganizing the schedule, delegating tasks based on team strengths, and cutting unnecessary steps. We launched on time, and the campaign exceeded its engagement goal by 25%."

That story not only answers the question but paints you as proactive, collaborative, and results-driven.

2. Back It Up With Quantifiable Data

While stories build connection, data builds credibility. Numbers make your achievements tangible and measurable, showing interviewers exactly what you bring to the table.

Why Quantify?

Saying “I improved efficiency” is vague. Saying “I reduced processing time by 30%” is impactful. Numbers demonstrate value in a way that resonates with hiring professionals.

Add Quantifiable Data to Your Stories:

Let’s revisit the marketing example. Without data, it’s:

"I helped the team meet a tight deadline."

With data, it’s:

"By restructuring tasks and eliminating inefficiencies, I ensured we launched the campaign two weeks early. The result? A 25% boost in engagement and a 15% increase in sales."

The numbers validate the story, making it harder to forget—and harder to ignore your qualifications.

3. Do Your Homework: Research the Role, Company, and People

Belonging starts with understanding. Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission, culture, and challenges. Research the team you’d be working with and the role you’re applying for.

Why Research Matters:

When you show up prepared, you demonstrate that you’re serious about the role and invested in the company. It’s not just about them liking you—it’s about showing that you understand why you’d like to work there.

How to Research Effectively:

• Role: Study the job description. Highlight the skills they’re seeking and prepare examples that align with those needs.
• Company: Read their website, recent news articles, and social media. Look for values, goals, or projects that excite you.
• People: Use LinkedIn to learn about your interviewers. What’s their career journey? Do you share common interests or connections?

Example:

If the company emphasizes innovation, you could say:
"I was especially drawn to your focus on innovative solutions, like [specific initiative or product]. In my last role, I launched a new process that reduced inefficiencies by 20%. I’d love to bring that same creative problem-solving to your team."

4. Show How You Fit Their Team

Interviews aren’t just about what you can do—they’re about who you are. Employers want to know if you’ll work well with their team, align with their culture, and contribute to their goals.

How to Show You Belong:

• Mirror Their Language: If they emphasize collaboration, highlight your teamwork stories. If they value innovation, share examples of creative solutions.
• Connect to Their Mission: Explain how your values align with theirs. This builds rapport and reinforces your commitment.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Show genuine interest by asking about team dynamics, upcoming projects, or company goals.

Example Question:

"I noticed your team recently expanded into international markets. How has that changed the way your team collaborates across regions?"

5. Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Belonging doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s easy to focus on what you lack instead of what you offer. But imposter syndrome can sabotage your chances by holding you back from showing up as your authentic, capable self.

How to Combat Doubts:

• Focus on Strengths: Make a list of your accomplishments and skills before the interview. Remind yourself of what you’ve achieved.
• Shift Your Mindset: Instead of asking, “Why would they hire me?” ask, “Why wouldn’t they?”
• Practice Affirmations: It might sound cheesy, but repeating affirmations like, “I have valuable skills to offer,” can shift your perspective.

Example:

A candidate once told me she almost didn’t apply for a leadership role because she thought she lacked experience. During the interview, she shared a story about mentoring junior team members and leading a volunteer committee. The hiring manager was so impressed by her initiative and leadership potential that she got the job.

You don’t need to be perfect to belong. You just need to be honest about what makes you uniquely qualified.

6. Follow Up to Reinforce Belonging

The interview isn’t over when you walk out the door. Following up with a thoughtful thank-you note reinforces your interest and reminds interviewers why you belong on their team.

What to Include in a Follow-Up:

• A thank-you for their time.
• A reference to something discussed in the interview.
• A reiteration of your enthusiasm for the role.

Example Email:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me about the [Role Name] position. I especially enjoyed learning about [specific project or value discussed]. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my [specific skill or experience] to your team."

This extra step shows professionalism, gratitude, and confidence.

Final Thoughts: You Belong

Job searches are tough. Rejections happen, and doubts creep in. But every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.” When you walk into an interview, don’t look for evidence that you don’t belong. Instead, focus on the skills, stories, and experiences that make you the perfect fit.

You’re not just another candidate.

ou’re someone with unique talents, a compelling story, and the drive to make an impact. So own your narrative, do your research, and show them exactly why you belong—not just in the room, but on their team.