Picture this: you’re working on a new app. You have users. You have features. You even have Post-it notes all over your desk. But somehow, things still feel… off. The features aren’t quite solving the real problems. Your release notes are full of half-baked improvements. What’s missing?
It’s not your users. It’s your stories.
Let’s talk about a better way to write product requirements. A smarter way. A clearer way. Let’s talk about Job Stories.
What Are User Stories, Anyway?
For years, product teams have embraced User Stories. You know the ones:
- “As a user, I want to reset my password so that I can access my account.”
- “As a shopper, I want to filter items so that I can find products faster.”
- “As an admin, I want to ban users so that the platform stays safe.”
User Stories are everywhere. They’re easy to write. Familiar. But over time, people noticed… flaws.
The Problem with User Stories
User Stories start with who is using your product. But not why. That’s a problem.
Just knowing someone is a “shopper” doesn’t tell us much. Why do they want to filter products? What’s really going on in their world?
User Stories can be shallow. They focus on the user’s role. But not the situation, motivation, or outcome.
And that’s where Job Stories come in.
Enter: Job Stories
What if we stopped writing requirements based on personas and started writing based on situations? What if we nailed the job that the user is trying to do?
That’s what Job Stories are for.
Instead of this:
As a user, I want to receive notifications, so I don’t miss updates.
You write this:
When I haven’t opened the app in a few days,
and there’s important activity happening,
I want to receive a helpful summary,
so I can stay informed without being overwhelmed.
See how much richer that is? You get the context, the trigger, and the desired outcome.
That’s gold for designers. It’s magic for developers. And it’s clarity for everyone else.
The Anatomy of a Job Story
A great Job Story follows a simple pattern:
When [situation], I want to [motivation], so I can [expected outcome].
Let’s break that down:
- When [situation] – What triggers the user’s need?
- I want to [motivation] – What action are they taking?
- So I can [outcome] – What’s the end goal?
Here’s another example:
When I’m booking a flight for a work trip,
I want to see the most budget-friendly options first,
so I can get approval quicker and stay within budget.
No mention of “as a user.” Just raw, honest, practical context.
Why Job Stories Are Better
Let’s be real: Job Stories aren’t just fluff. They’re powerful.
Here’s why they beat User Stories in most cases:
- They focus on real situations, not vague roles.
- They reveal actual motivations, not generic needs.
- They connect directly to user outcomes, giving teams a clear target.
- They inspire better design decisions — because the problem is clearly defined.
User Stories start with “what.” But Job Stories start with “why.” And that makes all the difference.
How to Write a Great Job Story
Ready to start writing your own Job Stories? Here’s a quick guide.
- Interview real users – Talk to the people using your product. Find out what they do, what holds them back, and what they’re hoping to achieve.
- Spot the jobs – Look for challenges or repeated tasks they’re trying to complete.
- Frame the story – Use the “When… I want to… so I can…” formula. Make it specific.
- Test your story – Share it with your team. Ask: Does it clearly express the user’s situation? Does it guide the product direction?
Job Stories aren’t just for product managers. Designers, engineers, marketing teams — everyone benefits from clear context and intent.
Real-World Example: Not Just Theory
Let’s say you’re building a meal delivery app. A User Story might say:
As a busy person,
I want to order food online,
so I can save time.
That’s okay. But we can do better.
Try a Job Story:
When I’m leaving work late and I’m too tired to cook,
I want to quickly reorder my last meal,
so I can eat without stressing about dinner decisions.
That tells your team a lot more:
- The user is tired and overwhelmed.
- Speed matters — no browsing wanted.
- Reordering a past meal is preferred.
You’ve just designed a better feature: a one-tap reorder button.
When to Use Job Stories
Job Stories shine when you’re solving real-life problems. They work best when:
- You’re exploring new features.
- You need clarity about user behavior.
- You want to align your team around customer needs.
- You’re prioritizing what to build next.
User Stories still have their place. They’re good for simple features or small tasks. But for deep insights and focused problem-solving — use Job Stories.
Tips to Supercharge Your Job Stories
Want to make your Job Stories even better? Try these tips:
- Be real – Use actual language from users whenever possible.
- Be specific – Vague stories don’t help. The more detail, the better.
- Think moments – Focus on the situation. Not the persona.
- Write many – Capture all the different scenarios your product serves.
Wrapping It All Up
Job Stories don’t just help you build products. They help you build the right products.
They give you a window into your users’ worlds. They stop you from guessing. They bring clarity to your team. And most importantly — they lead to happier customers.
So next time you’re writing requirements, try this:
- Forget “As a user…”
- Start with “When I…”
- And discover problems worth solving.
Job Stories > User Stories. Every time.