I first met Dana when we were speakers at a Microsoft internal sales event in Phuket, Thailand. (Tough job, right?) ? We were both newer to our roles – Dana being newer to Microsoft, while I was new to my business group and role.
Dana was on stage prior to me and as I watched her, I was struck by what a strong woman she was. She was passionate about her topic and she was in clear command of the audience. She was a small bit of fascination!
As time went by, we were both hit with breast cancer. As we worked on our individual paths of healing, Dana asked me to join her as a guest speaker at a Microsoft internal women’s conference. I had not spoken to a large group regarding my cancer and her invitation brought forth many unaddressed feelings I still had about cancer. It was a very cathartic experience and I owe Dana a “Thank You” for her invitation.
Fast forward a few years and we ended up working in the same business group. Dana was a General Manager and I was the Senior Business Manager for the group, so we intersected on many fronts. Dana was always so well prepared for her business report outs. After both of us left Microsoft we began a friendship. I was, and am, taken with the passion with which Dana approaches life. Her zest and excitement for all thing’s life offers is contagious. I don’t think there is a single thing Dana can not master.
Her book combined with her work with military members and their families along with her volunteer and charity work are nothing short of inspiring. I am extremely proud to know Dana and to be on her ‘cheer squad’ to support her as she battles cancer for the 3rd time and continues to live with stage IV metastatic cancer.
The work she has done on job search and networking skills is stellar. Here is but a small snippet from the dynamo I call my friend – Dana Manciagli. Be sure to look at her many resources as they are a goldmine of information.

You have written a very successful book detailing your proprietary job search and networking process. What led you to develop this?

Three main reasons led me to my career change and book authoring.

First, throughout my 30-year career in major corporations, my favorite part was mentoring others on their career choices and tactical job search techniques.

Secondly, one of my key responsibilities was hiring hundreds and interviewing thousands so I witnessed a huge variety of job search skills by candidates, most of them filled with errors.

Finally, I have been a job seeker numerous times and I have a special place in my heart for those seeking a career change, promotion, or those who are unemployed or under-employed.

Therefore, when the stars aligned, I left my great job at Microsoft, wrote my book, “Cut the Crap™, Get a Job!’ and started my coaching and online course business.

During the last six years as a company founder, I have faced multiple obstacles, including battling cancer for the 3rd time and now living with stage IV metastatic cancer.

I am blessed I get to help others in need, including the U.S. Military Veteran community who need significant help securing employment post-military. The Military Spouse community, which is 92% women, is a massive effort of mine, too. Learn more in this Forbes article.

 What three key pieces of advice do you have for today’s job seekers? 

Wow, only 3?  I’ll try!

  1. Set a Goal. Choose your next career move and be deliberate about the next steps. Define your job goal, get organized, and block the time to go step by step. There are no shortcuts.
  2. Ready, Aim, Get Hired.Most job seekers are missing steps 1 and 2 and fast-forwarding to “Get Hired” by spraying poorly written résumés then just waiting to be called. Each step is outlined in my recent Forbes article.
  3. Pivot Your Brain.Look at your LinkedIn profile, résumé summary and your practice interview answers. Now take out a highlighter and count the number of times you use “I, me or my”.

Change your entire positioning. Be relevant and focused on your future hiring manager, recruiter and network.  Your goal is to be the square peg for their square hole

Having good role models is very important to people today. What do you feel we can offer each other to ensure that we are a good role model to each other?

I’d like to change “role model” to “connections” or “network”. Why? Role model implies one is more senior or “better” than the other. And that’s not what today’s influence model should be.

Some basics we can all strive to do immediately:

  • Respond when someone reaches out for help.
  • Offer help at the end of every conversation. We all have something to give.
  • Be a giver, not a taker.
  • Connect great people with other great people.
  • When someone helps you, show huge gratitude. Follow up, send notes, and thank them multiple times.

What figure has influenced you the most in your life?

What I love about life is the opportunity to be influenced by so many diverse people. Growing up, my mother and father were equal influences. After that, each chapter of life brought new influences, making a canvas of riches.

Please include any sources that people can use to purchase from you or connect with you.

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