True Backstory

by Liv Combe

In the fall of 2024, I was ready for something new. I'd spent nearly five years as a Senior Content Strategist at NerdWallet, followed by a year of freelancing. I wanted another full-time tech role that would stretch me creatively.

The problem? In a market where thousands of people apply for every job, a solid résumé wasn't enough. I needed a way to stand apart and show companies who I actually am.

I'd watched Scott's cinematic narrative portfolio open doors, so I built my own. (I'm so glad I did.)

My portfolio gave hiring managers a sense of me before we ever spoke. Interviews became easier because people already got my story. They could tell how I think, what I care about, and whether I'd be a good culture fit.

The process also reminded me that I'm still twitterpated by storytelling. And that my year of freelancing had expanded me in ways I hadn't fully understood, or appreciated. It gave me a lot of confidence. And yes, it probably played some role in me landing a dream job. (Last spring, I joined Google's Gemini team as a UX Content Designer. I’ve been there since.)