Zitron Parham Career & Life Counseling

The first hour I spent with Nick completely changed my perspective on what it takes to get hired at the executive level by today's leading global firms. We discussed resumes, how global companies screen applicants at the executive level, positioning, and a host of other topics. I realized, through informative consultations with Nick, that in the last 10 years everything has changed in terms of what it takes to get noticed and to land in the pool of finalists for top rated positions. Nick is a firm believer in having skilled applicants take control of the job search process, not only in terms of how they apply for jobs, but where they apply. He empowers you to research firms you would like to work for and then helps you make those aspirations a reality. I can't say enough about his talents. I have recommended Nick to other senior executives and will continue to do so moving forward.

Posted 02/19/09

The resume that Nick Parham developed for me sparked the interest of hiring managers and got great results. I had a call for an interview in less than 24 hours after I applied for my first job using the resume that Nick prepared for me. I also wanted a person that would be available to answer questions and coach me through challenging situations. Nick was always available to assist me and gave me a lot of valuable advice.

Nick is a very talented and knowledgeable, and I was well prepared after meeting with him. He explains the services that he offers and let's you decide on what you want. I highly recommend Nick Parham.

Posted 05/03/08

Nick Parham was tremendously helpful when I was looking to get back into technology sales after 4 years in another industry. He guided me through a series of questions designed to uncover my most notable career achievements, my strengths and weaknesses, and the "soft skills" that employers need, but many resumes and job seekers neglect to mention. He recommends a skills-based resume format which is a refreshing alternative to the old-school boring chronological timeline. Based on his coaching, I quickly lined up a series of interviews, which turned into two very exciting job offers.

Posted 08/21/07

My employer was downsizing. After 25 years working as a successful sales and marketing executive in the entertainment industry I was forced to find a new career. Nick and I investigated a number of opportunities and industries until I found the right fit. He helped me create a great resume , do networking, and create cover letters and search for jobs. He helped me keep motivated and on the right track.

I took a new career with the nation's fourth largest financial services firm and I am now going for a promotion after little more than a year on the job. Nick's helped me get there,

Nick understands the Bay Area job market and offers practical advice and a good process. He also provided sound advice to my daughter who was fresh out of college and looking for work. I would reccommend his services to anyone. NC Man

Pros: Knowledgeable, Reliable, Personable, Results Oriented

Cons: Travel Time

Posted 05/11/07

I found Nick?s process very thorough and effective. With Nick?s help I overcame my confusion about the type of work I wanted, I identified companies for me to investigate, I set up the search process and started networking. I revised my resume using his template, which gave it more impact. We did some videotaped interview training to sharpen my skills. I?m now in the final rounds of interviews. Nick is professional, he?s kept me honest along the way. He?s a great coach!

Pros: Great guy. Great listener. Gets the challenges women face at work.

Cons: He made me face some self-esteem issues I?d rather not have faced.

Posted 03/30/07

Originally I called Nick Parham because I was unhappy with my job and where I worked. He helped me determine my career path and find a place that allowed me to grow. I am now a department manager and I got a GREAT pay increase, too. Then, a year later, I was enjoying my job but I was getting caught in between my boss, a vice president, and another vp. The office politics made me very uncomfortable and distracted me from the work I like to do. I didn?t know how to get out of the situation. So I called Nick. He quickly arranged a phone conference for us. He understood right away my situation and helped me determine the direction that was best for me and the organization. Nick?s solution also removed me and my team from the disagreements so we could focus on our work. My vp thought it was a great solution. It was amazing to me what a 45 minute phone conversation with Nick helped me accomplish. I learned how to ?manage up? and stay focused on what I do best.

Pros: Responsive; strategic thinker; great motivator

Cons: None

Posted 03/28/07

Nick has been a terrific resource to me over the past 10 months. I engaged his services to help me expand my marketing and management consulting business. Our early discussions helped me focus on a clear description of the services and benefits I offer to my clients based on an analysis of my previous work. We developed a crisp one page overview document that I turned over to a graphic designer - it has gotten great feedback from my clients. His support and availability on an ongoing basis has helped me through my search for interesting projects, through bidding and winning several, and ultimately now behind-the-scenes when needed, as I provide great value to my clients. He has been incredibly responsive via email and meetings as issues arise that I'd like feedback on. I would definitely recommend Nick to anyone who is looking for assistance thinking through their career plan and a great behind-the-scenes cheerleader.

Pros: Supportive, Good career planning process, Encouraging

Cons: None

Posted 11/25/06

Sent email and received an email back asking for number to call to set up free 15 minute consulting. Didn't hear from him for a few days so called Mr. Parham a couple of times to set up, also left numerous messages. Got him once and he promised to call back as he was on another line. That was 4 days ago. Not very good customer service. How hard is it to even email that they are busy and set up a time to call that way. Went to someone else who was willing to talk to me, do the work and take my money!

Pros: could never get a call back

Posted 10/11/06

Working with Nick Parham has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. He began as a mentor and insightful counselor, and ended up as a friend and the greatest cheerleader Ive ever had. I began coaching with Nick when I was ready for a change in my career. As a professional writer, Id been in book publishing and the greeting card business but was feeling my creative energies stall. Nick helped me focus my thinking, really explore my passions, and define an entirely new direction to pursue. He even coached me through the difficult decision to move across the country, keeping me steady when I was spiraling.

Nick doesnt do the work for you, but pushes you to do it yourself to take a truly honest look at your values, your dreams, your talents and what defines your quality of life and take the huge leap of faith to believe in yourself and your value to others. Just as promised, connections and opportunities literally started to drop into my lap the minute I got a clear picture of my goals. Nicks coaching can be part therapy, part insider tips youll never get from an HR department, part hands-on resume and letter writing workshop. In the end, it all comes down to being an amazing opportunity to look in a mirror and see yourself in a way you may never have before. All this and a hot cup of tea you cant beat that!

Pros: Nicest guy on the planet; hard work that can really change your life

Cons: Homework : (

Posted 06/22/06

A colleague at work told me about his experience with Nick so I gave him a call. I had a phone conversation and then a free introductory session with him to check out the services and fit for my needs. Nick helped me get clarity about about what was best for my next career move and then showed me how to get there. I was a senior manager in a Fortune 500 hitech company after years of hard work but felt stuck. Nick helped me see all the opportunities I had, then we narrowed them down to the 3 that best met my short and long term objectives. With his guidance, fresh ideas and motivational support I generated several exciting job offers. Not only did I choose a different career path, but I was promoted to Director with a 50% salary increase.

Pros: seasoned pro, great ideas, got me quickly

Posted 04/13/06

I own a small service business. Since I've been seeing Nick I have raised my rates and nearly doubled my business. I'm more confident in asking for a price that I believe I deserve and I understand my clientele in a much different way than before. Actually, I see my entire business differently. He also helped me hire the right people and taught me how to ask and answer the correct questions during interviews.

In less than 6 months, I went from owning a business that I thought was strong and would probably succeed to one that has a good business model, is correctly focused on its optimal target population and one that brings more joy and wealth to my life.

Thanks Nick

Pros: Motivational, Goal oriented, Inexpensive

Posted 04/10/06

When a high-tech company offered me a job, I was going to turn it down. I didn't like the money. I didn't think asking for more was an option with this particular job, and I was afraid to ask for it anyhow. Nick helped me gain the confidence to ask for what I wanted. When I did, my potential boss said she'd get back to me. A few days later, she said that after further consideration, I was "worth every penny." So I got even more than I could have hoped for, I got a better understanding of my value in the marketplace, I'm happy with the job, and none of this would have happened without Nick's help. Nick encourages you to push past your preconceived boundaries--which is what a good coach should do. He shows you how you can be even more successful than you thought you could be.

Pros: Excellent coach, Direct, honest advice

Cons: None

Posted 03/29/06