Professional Job Interview Coach
My work is 100% aligned with two common themes in my life: Communicating well and a passion for stories.
From Wheat Country to the City by the Bay.
Growing up in wheat country 10 miles outside of Grass Valley, OR (population 165) with (ahem) few entertainment options, I’d fill notebooks with stories, just for fun. A communications major in college, I stayed the course and launched a corporate communications career in San Francisco initially working for three global companies, including Hyatt Hotels, Nestlé, and a commercial insurance brokerage firm.
Everyone Has a Story
After returning to Oregon and during a painful work year at a Portland PR firm, I grabbed the chance to pivot to do something completely different: executive recruiting.
It was a great move. I loved working with clients, I loved talking with prospective candidates, but mainly I loved hearing their stories.
In 2008, I merged my communications and recruiting expertise to help professionals like you remove barriers to success like these:
- It’s been years since you’ve interviewed. (Or maybe you’ve never had to “officially” interview for a job before.)
- You struggle to sell yourself, even though you’re great at what you do.
- You’re not getting offers, even though you’re actively interviewing.
- You need to rebuild confidence because you were laid off or were thrown off track by life events.
- Or you’re simply overwhelmed by the process and don’t know where to start.
After working with me, people who came to me with those struggles said things like:
“I felt prepared, confident, and ready to meet the employer!”
“You helped me land the exact job with the exact company I wanted!”
“Your feedback and focus were instrumental in me landing my dream job.”
Here’s the reality:
You have experience and great stories within you–you’ve earned them!
I’ll be your guide and your sounding board and take you through a tried-and-true process. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve interviewed. You’ll feel more confident in your conversations, and you’ll be one step closer to that job offer faster!
And Just in Case You’re Interested, Here’s my Official Professional Bio:
Previously, she worked in corporate communications (Hyatt, Nestlé), as an executive recruiter, and as an outplacement consultant (Lee Hecht Harrison, Impact Group). Dalena is a Certified Interview Coach and has her B.A. in Communications from the University of Portland. She works with clients globally who are committed to elevating their interview skills and want a personalized approach based on their unique situation.
Mission
To help people get the jobs they want faster through customized job interview prep and career marketing support.
Vision
To help as many people as possible achieve rewarding work. I strongly believe that if you’re happy at work, you’re much happier in LIFE.
Values
Honesty
I care deeply about your success. I will provide kind yet candid, practical feedback others may not be at liberty to provide or too nice to share.
Inclusivity
I respect each person as an individual and the unique perspective they bring to the world. I am happy to adapt my process or make special accommodations when needed to make my client’s experience as successful and effective as possible.
Sense of Humor / Authenticity
I’m a down-to-earth, friendly person with a good sense of humor who creates a comfortable, safe space during this process.
Responsiveness / Communication
Great communication and clear expectations are key for a positive working relationship. I will be in close communication and follow through on my promises and deliverables.
