No money or wrapping required…

This holiday season, there are few gifts we can give each other as precious as the act of listening.

When we provide another person with the time and space to tell his or her story — and we really listen — we let that person know how much he or she matters to us.

I’d like to share with you one of my favorite public service projects, especially designed to help us share stories; bring us closer to our loved ones; and encourage us to listen collectively.  Perhaps you’ve heard of StoryCorps, one of the largest oral history projects ever undertaken.  Since 2003, over 35,000 people have recorded conversations and interviews with loved ones through StoryCorps.  Each conversation is recorded on a CD and is preserved at the Library of Congress.  Millions listen to StoryCorps broadcasts on public radio and the Internet.  (*There is a permanent StoryCorps Booth in lower Manhattan where you can make reservations to record your story, or you can record in the comfort of your home).

Whether you record your conversations using StoryCorps’ Do-It-Yourself Guide — or you simply sit down over the holidays to chat with a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or child — you will be telling that person that he or she matters.  Taking the time to ask someone special about his or her life is a gift that costs no money and is more valuable than anything that comes wrapped. In the words of StoryCorps, “it may be the most meaningful time you spend this year.”

For a great list of questions to get your conversations started, visit here.

If you’d like to learn more about how to make your own recording with a friend or family member, I encourage you to visit StoryCorps.

Wishing you joyous holidays and a happy New Year!

P.S. Make sure to turn up your speakers to hear one of my favorite StoryCorps clips (running-time: 2 minutes): Listen here.

————————————————————————

Jen helps dynamic individuals achieve professional success and personal fulfillment.
Her personal & career coaching programs are custom-designed to help you meet your unique goals.  Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Smart Money, Forbes.com, Time Out New York, and on The Today Show.

To learn more about Jen’s private coaching services or to schedule an introductory session, please contact Jen directly:

Phone: 914-617-8283
Email: Jen@JZBcoaching.com

Visit Jen on the Web at  www.JZBcoaching.com

Are You Doing This on Interviews?

When it comes to job interviewing, by-the-book advice is easy to come by.  But these being far from by-the-book times, it is with great pleasure that I share an inspiring client story about the power of approaching an interview differently.

What made the difference for the career changer I’m about to introduce was his recognition that a job interview isn’t simply the culmination of weeks and months of networking…
A job interview is a relationship-building opportunity itself.

True story*: Four months ago, Roger contacted me for career coaching.  During the course of our work together, he landed 3 rounds of interviews at the very company he most wanted to work for, vying with 2 other candidates for his “dream job”. Roger recognized the position might be a stretch based on his prior experience and technical skills, but he felt firmly “in the running”.

After a nail-biting couple of weeks, Roger received word that he had been turned down for the position.  Disappointed but undeterred, he and I put our heads together, keeping in mind the value of relationship building.

During the interview process, Roger had established great rapport with one interviewer in particular named Stan.  Roger felt Stan would be upfront with him about the decision that had been made, so he decided to call Stan.  He asked Stan for feedback, expressed his interest in keeping in touch, and requested pointed advice on resources that could improve his chances next time.  This was Roger’s initial way of building on the relationship he had begun to develop with Stan in the interview room.

While Roger continued to apply to a number of job openings elsewhere, he made a point to buy the books Stan recommended and to enroll in a class after work.  Each step of the way, Roger e-mailed Stan to let him know he’d taken his advice and how well it was going.  By taking the initiative to keep in touch, Roger continued to build that relationship.

Fast forward…Well, wouldn’t you know what happened two weeks ago?  Roger received a call from Stan, asking him to interview for another position that had opened up on his team.  This time, Roger was the only candidate…and this time, he landed the position.  Furthermore, on his first day on the job, Roger already had a relatively established relationship with his new supervisor, one built on mutual respect.

Granted, things came together pretty nicely for Roger.  Interview candidates aren’t always able to get honest feedback from employers, or witness the timing work to their advantage.  But Roger’s story is a great reminder that regardless of outcome, a job interview is an opportunity to establish a relationship with a key member of an industry.  Once we dismiss the perception that an interview is a pass/fail evaluation, we lower our anxiety, increase our confidence, and put the interviewer at greater ease, too.   Essentially, we make room for big things to happen!

Warmly,

*Permission was granted to share this story, and names have been changed.

Jen helps people to set goals and then exceed their own expectations! Her personal & career coaching programs are custom-designed for students and professionals.  Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Smart Money, Forbes.com, Time Out New York, and on The Today Show. To learn more about Jen’s private coaching services, or to schedule an introductory session, please contact Jen directly: Phone: 914.617.8283 Email: Jen@JZBcoaching.com Visit Jen on the Web at  www.JZBcoaching.com

The Complete Job Interview Checklist

How great would it be to avoid oversights or last-minute rushing before your next job interview? Well, now you can! Access The Complete Job Interview Checklist here. I’ve designed this checklist to be a quick tool for getting materials in order “the morning of” — so you can feel relaxed and prepared, knowing you won’t forget a thing. It comes in handy for business meetings, too! My hope is that this checklist proves useful to you, allowing you to walk into future interviews and meetings with confidence and enthusiasm (two ingredients that count far more than any others on this list). With cheer! p.s. If you know someone who might find The Complete Job Interview Checklist helpful, please share it. You may wish to print it and store it with your good resume paper…(you’ll be glad to discover it when the time comes). The checklist is a PDF document. If you have trouble accessing it, download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Jen helps dynamic individuals achieve professional success and personal fulfillment. Her career coaching programs are custom-designed to help you meet your unique career goals. To learn more about Jen’s private coaching services or to schedule a get-acquainted session, please contact Jen directly: 914-617-8283 Jen@JZBcoaching.com Visit Jen on the Web at www.JZBcoaching.com