Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Executive Presentation • Engagement Survey • Message Framework

Change Story

Term from Corporate Communications industry explained for recruiters

A Change Story is a strategic communication tool used to explain organizational changes to employees and stakeholders. It's like a clear roadmap that helps people understand why changes are happening, what the benefits are, and how the transition will work. Communications professionals create these narratives to reduce uncertainty and resistance during company transformations, whether it's a merger, new leadership, or workplace changes. Think of it as a well-crafted explanation that answers the key questions: "Why are we changing?", "What's in it for us?", and "How will we get there?"

Examples in Resumes

Developed Change Story for company-wide digital transformation initiative reaching 5,000 employees

Created compelling Change Narrative to support merger communications strategy

Led the development of Change Stories for multiple department restructuring projects

Crafted Change Management Story to guide employees through new system implementation

Typical job title: "Change Communications Managers"

Also try searching for:

Change Management Specialist Internal Communications Manager Corporate Communications Manager Employee Communications Specialist Organizational Change Consultant Communications Business Partner Change & Communications Lead

Where to Find Change Communications Managers

Professional Associations

Online Communities

Learning Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle resistance to change when implementing a major organizational transformation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating tailored communication strategies, identifying and engaging key stakeholders, measuring employee sentiment, and adjusting the change story based on feedback. Should emphasize importance of two-way communication and executive sponsorship.

Q: Tell me about a time when you had to revise a change story mid-implementation. What happened and how did you handle it?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to adapt communications based on employee feedback, explain how they measure effectiveness, and show experience in managing complex stakeholder expectations while maintaining message consistency.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What elements do you include in an effective change story?

Expected Answer: Should mention key components like current situation, reason for change, benefits, timeline, impact on employees, and next steps. Should also discuss importance of emotional connection and clear calls to action.

Q: How do you ensure a change story reaches and resonates with different audience groups?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating targeted versions of the message, using various communication channels, and adapting language and examples for different employee groups while maintaining consistency in core message.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between a change story and a regular communication piece?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a change story focuses on transformation, includes emotional elements, provides context for change, and typically has a longer-term narrative arc compared to regular updates.

Q: How would you gather information to create a change story?

Expected Answer: Should mention interviewing stakeholders, reviewing business plans, understanding employee concerns, and working with leadership to align on key messages and desired outcomes.