Hiring managers don't remember resumes - they remember stories

In this episode of Top of the Pile, Karen sits down with storytelling expert and narrative strategist Aaron Calafato to talk about why storytelling isn’t just a “nice to have” skill - it’s essential to standing out in today’s job market.

Aaron has helped brands like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Palo Alto Networks build trust through story-driven content, and he brings those same principles into the job search and interview process. Aaron is the creator and host of the award-winning 7 Minute Stories podcast, which has reached over 30 million listeners, and the co-creator and co-host of Glassdoor’s The Lonely Office. He also serves as an audio growth strategist for State of Mind, one of Apple’s leading mental health podcasts.

Together, we break down the difference between simply having conversations versus telling intentional stories, and why most job seekers struggle to clearly communicate their value.

We dive into the idea of storycatching — paying attention to your own experiences as they happen — and how self-reflection and self-awareness can help you build short, compelling stories that resonate in interviews and networking conversations. Aaron also explains what a throughline is, why it matters, and how understanding both your own story and a company’s mission can dramatically improve how you show up in interviews.

If you’re a college student, recent grad, or early-career professional trying to articulate your strengths, pivot careers, or feel more confident talking about your experience, this episode will give you practical tools to tell better stories — and get remembered for them.

LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.
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