Positive Minds | Positive Stories | Edition 006

Six years ago, in 2014, a young lady, Miriam (not her name) contacted me via LinkedIn. She sent me her CV with a short paragraph:

"Sir, my name is Miriam. I am a new graduate with a Master Degree in Political Sciences and International Relationships. I'm looking for a job or internship. I am available for a call or a meeting to tell you more about me".

I decided to call Miriam. Here is the short version of our conversation:

• Me: Tell me what's not in your CV?

• Miriam: I came from a large family. My father is married to 4 wives. I'm the first of the five daughters of my mother who has no boy. I want to be a model for my sisters and pride for my mother, who is mocked by people for having only girls...

• Me: What do you expect from me?

• Miriam: I'm not begging for a job, sir. I want you to give me a chance. I will take it from there.

• Me: I can't promise you a job. I will share your CV with my recommendation to a few people I know.

It takes me no more than 15 min to recommend Miriam to a few organisations. Two months later, she was interviewed by one of them and got the job. Today, she worked at UNDP at a senior role.

Moral: a small gesture can go a long way and make a big difference.