The Key to Holiday Gift Giving (and Interviews)

It's mid-December and I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet.  I created my shopping list today and jotted down what I am going to get for each person.  For most people, it was pretty easy because I really strive to listen to my friends and family when we spend time together.  People are dropping hints all year round, we just need to be present in the moment and make a mental note.

So listening is the key to gift giving.

Listening is also the key to the job search.  I always recommend informational interviews because you get a lot of information you won't find on a Web site, plus the hiring manager tells you want they want for Christmas...  no, just kidding... but they WILL tell you what their ideal hire would be.  And you need to do more than make a mental note.  You need to take copious notes and ensure you have the requisite skills.  Or go out and acquire them!

So stop applying to all of these job postings, hoping that your resume will be the gift the hiring manager is seeking. You're just guessing.  Just sit down and ask them.

Speaking of Christmas, what books, gadgets, etc. are on your list this year?  Please comment below.  You might also want to check out this list from Tim Ferriss's blog.