In this issue:

About SixFigureStart

You Are Not Doomed At Birth: A Client's Interview Success Story

Free Coaching Teleclass next Friday, December 19:  How to Effectively Handle a Job Layoff & Move Forward

Give The Gift of Coaching:  Special Offer for December and January

About SixFigureStart

SixFigureStart offers career coaching by former Fortune 500 recruiters for Gen Y college students and young professionals.  SixFigureStart uses proprietary strategies and exercises to help you:

Identify what you want – passion, balance, legacy

Build a strong brand – resume and cover letter, presentation skills, online presence

Communicate effectively – networking, interviewing, negotiating

Navigate for the long-term – promotions, lateral moves, mentorship

Founded by two professionals with over 40 years of combined HR and business experience, SixFigureStart coaches have recruited for start-ups through global blue chips, including leading the entry-level hiring efforts for Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Time Inc.  We have hired thousands of people and bring you the insider’s view into how the hiring process really works and what employers want.

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You Are Not Doomed At Birth: A Client's Interview Success Story

In two recent blogs (Nov 19 and Nov 21) I talked about how good job search skills are learned, not inborn.  So you do not have to worry if you feel like your current skills are not where you want them to be.  If you are willing to do the work. if you are open to feedback on what you can improve and what techniques to try, then you too can find success in the job search.

This was borne out by a recent client success story:  a shy candidate who found herself tongue-tied in past interviews but worked with us on her interview technique and landed her dream job with a Big Four audit firm.  We outlined the likely questions, and she practiced her responses.  We role-played with mock interviews -- changed up the questions, challenged her prepared answers, threw in some curveballs (even if it meant getting a little tough).  Most importantly, we stopped coaching technique at least a day before the big interview, and instead focused on encouraging, keeping the client refreshed, and otherwise taking the pressure off this particular situation.

This is exactly what proactive jobseekers need to do in this competitive environment:  prepare; practice; stay relaxed.  Most importantly, stay optimistic.  Yes, this is a tough market but people are getting hired, and they are getting their dream jobs.  Yes, it is harder for candidates when the market is competitive, but with practice and coaching you can overcome your current blocks.  You are not doomed at birth -- job search problems are fixable, and success awaits.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine, co-founder of SixFigureStart, was former head of campus recruiting for Time Inc, and has also recruited for Accenture, Booz Allen & Hamilton, Citigroup, Disney ABC, Oliver Wyman and TV Guide.  Schedule a complimentary consultation with a SixFigureStart coach at 212-501-2234 or email info@sixfigurestart.com.