Interview with Jennifer Swanson, Author of 'What They See'

1.    How did you do research for your book?

      I've been teaching post-secondary students for 21 years, so much of my information came from direct experience. I did survey some of my most recent graduates, read articles and books, listened to podcasts and used the internet. Oh, and I asked my Millennial and teenaged children questions too...they were helpful!

2. In your book, you state, "you are more than your resume". Why is that?

    Because it's true. A lot of stock is put in putting together a killer resume, and that's important, but what's more important is how you show up in person for the interview, and on day one of the new job. Interactions in "real life" speak far more about you than does a slick document, and "what they see" will make a difference.

3. Where do you write?

     I write in several places. My favourite is in the kitchen at the island near the windows, because it's bright and there is a bird feeder and I like to watch them. It's also close to food, which allows for ease of snacking!

4. What is your writing schedule?

     It was pretty much whenever I could squeeze in the time. I'm a really fantastic procrastinator, and would find all sorts of things to do that weren't writing, (even washing bathrooms became interesting!) Between two jobs and four kids and a service-dog puppy in training...there was no regular schedule.

5. What is your favourite dessert?

     That's a hard one because I've recently developed a gluten allergy, and can't have all my favourites anymore...but I would say it's a toss up between anything chocolate and lemon-meringue pie.

6. What's the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

     Well, it was embarrassing at first and funny later. I was extremely pregnant with my first child, working on a busy medical unit in a hospital. I had a uniform on that was a dress (very comfy for a tent-like garment) and was standing up writing something on a clipboard, when a doctor came up behind me very quietly, and said, "Jennifer, you are really slipping." I turned in surprise and was about to ask in what area was I slipping in, when I noticed I something around my ankles. I looked down, and there it was...my slip.