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I am an ESL Instructor, Communications Specialist, Career Coach and Novice Writer specifically for your communication/ career goals, and establishing your brand. For over 11 years, I have led leadership/communication workshops (and now online sessions ) on developing leadership skills, enhancing creativity, creating a work/life balance, and many other subjects for the Toronto Board of Education, and in the non-profit and corporate sector. My approach teaches the vital importance of clear, motivational, yet caring communication. I have recently written a journaling workbook for my students/clients that contains weekly reflections with activities. It has been used by life coaches, career consultants and communications instructors. Here is the link for those who wish to learn about my journalling workbook and to purchase it.. http://tinyurl.com/serendipityjournal I’m currently working on my second workbook – a unique guidebook for traveling your career pathway. For more information about my upcoming other workbooks, email me at: d.wri3420@gmail.com

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Interview Strategies and Introductions…. The First Few Critical Minutes..

I recently attended a seminar re: persuasive communication skills for business owners with Suzanne Sherkin, CPO Highborn Communications on”The Power of Presence” and came away with some lasting thoughts. I believe that introductions, especially in interviews, are like first dates in their dynamics, because snap judgments are made in the first few minutes of the encounter. Here of some of my lasting thoughts:

1- Practice and hone your personal technique to encourage the colleague or interviewer to listen- encourage them to listen empathically by engaging their hearts in your dialogue with them
2- People will remember how you make them feel- not what you say…Treat them like they are the most special person in the world- like they are the CEO of the company. Try to honor and respect them in a genuine and caring way.
3- Focus on how you will pay attention to what the real needs of the company/organization are and communicate acknowledgement of these needs. This is the first step in creating /building a vital relationship.
4- Timing is critical in the introduction of the interview- it starts/ begins with (and your chance can be lost right there by their first impression of you), simply by failing to ignite a spark of dynamic interactivity between you and the interviewer.


More lasting thoughts to come in the next post....