Reviews (17)

Valuable time saving reference and tutorial
I started a job hunt recently, and hadn't written a resume in the last 6 years or so. I had a good idea of how I wanted to present and market myself, but I didn't have all of the fine details filled in.

This book is extensive, but well labeled. Start reading at the beginning, and every subject points you to the chapter with more information on that subject. Kind of like hyperlinks. That way you can look through at the major headings and pick and choose what you don't already know.

I took a prioritized approach, because I was in a little bit of a hurry. I took the resume section, picked a format based on my experience, then wrote a draft. From there, I went back and picked through the writing sections to make sure that I was on the right track. If you've read the examples, and the "before and after" sections, you'll probably have a good idea already what the big picture is. From then I went on to the section on cover letters and online job searching.

There are sections on virtually every subject of resume and cover letter writing, gathering references, job searching and interview preparation. Everything that you really need to get started, or just touch up on what you already know is well organized and labeled so that you can use it immediately. It's just what I was looking for, so that I wouldn't have to waste time reading the "full story" on each subject.

After following the advice in this book and sending out about 20 copies of my resume online, I had about 10 replies in the first week, and about 6 requests for interviews already.

600 pages for a book on writing a resume, impossible?
I said, "How can resume-writing be this complicated?" before carrying this 600-page 8.5" x 11" book home. Susan Whitcomb did a good job of compiling tips and advice and presenting them at the right time. There are tips on left vs. right justification, including personal information, and picking fonts, and long discussions on CVs vs. resumes, on functional vs. chronological, on printed vs. scannable vs. ASCII, and on grammar and mechanics. She's obviously a great copyriter and page designer.

Because, indeed, a resume now must look good enough so it will be read.

One chapter did nothing but help you choose which sections and section titles fit your situation. I found that weird, until I began the next chapter, which read, "Even experienced writers can feel some fear and trepidation when facing the start of a new project. You already have a good outline in which to work (chapter 4), which puts you beyond the 'blank sheet of paper' stage."

Inside the "tweaking" section, she even gives the keystrokes you'll use for both Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.

You'll also find 250 "impact-mining questions" to ask yourself to come up with powerful accomplishment statements. Is that a lot? Well, no, but it gives you a good start! When you expect a resume-writing book to have a list of action verbs, Susan diligently wrote a impressive example for each verb.

I do not agree with her treatment of ASCII resumes, though. Of course, her discussion on online promotion and online resume submittal has grown stale; her ideas on "keyword resumes" is as outdated as advice on META TAGS on web pages.

Bulky... comprehensive... a great workbook.

Great book!
This book may be long, but it is easy to get through. I loved it! I absolutely recommend it for resume writing. It took me only a week or two to read and come up with a resume I am proud of. I am also receiving compliments from prospective employers (one said it was "unique" and not boring like all the other resumes she sees).

Quite Simply...The Best!
I don't give five stars to just any book. They must richly deserve it. Like this one. This is unqualifyingly the best how-to-write-a-resume book out there and I've seen dozens of them. Ms. Whitcomb has a get-to-the-point writing style and offers hundreds of tips, suggestions and examples. Her book is very well organized and she writes with amazing clarity.

I was overwhelmed
I was overwhelmed,

This book is more of a resource book than a clear guide on how to quickly write a great resume. I found the volume of information overwhelming and it only served to frustrate me in that I did not know where to begin.

Trying to read the book from start to finish was a daunting task as it doesn't follow a logical series of steps to produce a great resume; it makes a great reference book but not a hand-holding guide.

I returned the book and purchased Robin Ryan's "Winning Resumes" (0471263656). This is an excellent, short book/instruction manual. Actually, I purchased both of her books; her cover letter book is "Winning Cover Letters" (047126348)

I purchased Ryan's books after I had sent 20 resume and cover letters and received nothing back except one rejection letter. After reading the books and following her step by step instructions I produced a much better set of material.

I have sent ten Cover letters and resumes since adopting her ideas and I've had three responses in just two weeks!!! I've had an interview with two of the companies and the third is still taking apps and will "get back with me".

Good luck in your search...

... Read more

Book Description

This Third Edition will guide readers to transform their career. Readers will be rewarded with wonderful relationships with bosses, coworkers, and peers.After the Revolution: The Radically Changing Paralegal World; Firing Up Commitment for Strategic Career Planning; Educating Paralegals; Talking the Talk; Paralegal Careers in the New Millennium; When to Say NO to Your Dream Job; Cutting-Edge Legal Careers In the Virtual Workplace; In Pursuit of Success; Shifts in Legal Temporary Staffing Trends; Careers with Legal Vendors; Learning the Secrets of Quality Service; Baby Boomers Meet Generation X; The Experienced Paralegal: Climbing the Invisible Career Ladder; Using Vendors to Upgrade Your Career; Billables: A Win-Win; Getting Up Off the Sticky Floor; You Call This Networking?; Paralegal Orientation Program for New Hires and Temps; The Paralegal Manager; Straight Talk from a Few of the Most Powerful Paralegal Administrators in the Country; Creating an Environment for Keeping Talent; Formal Evaluations; How Partners Get Paid Those Big Bucks; Toxic Bosses; Positive Career Changes; Career Questions and Answers; Reaching Out: The Joys of Writing and Teaching; Legal Secretaries Seeking Paralegal Positions; Creating A Business; Trial: The Brass Ring; A Quiet Revolution; Surfing the Net; Litigation Support: Systems, Software, Services You'll Need to Know; Just Do It. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

PARALEGAL CAREER PATHS
If you've ever had those middle of the night terrors wondering if you've made a mistake by choosing a paralegal career, you should pick up a copy of the Paralegal Career Guide. This book packs a lot of information about career pathways for paralegals.

Written clearly, this book is chock full of information covering trends, career options, how to create value, salary negotiations, tips on getting along with co-workers, and other career resources. There is practical advice on topics such as job sharing to deciding whether or not to temp. The chapter I'm now focusing on - "Paralegal Careers in the New Millennium" - provides more far more career options for paralegals than anything I've ever seen. One comes away from the book with a sense of what's possible with a paralegal background.

Ms. Estrin has provided a list of valuable resources at the end of the book. It includes staffing agencies, online resources, relevant books and periodicals and even a "Systems, Services, and Software Guide." After reading this book, I would issue this label: Caution: Reading this book will make you giddy with optimism.

Best Career Book I have ever read
I loved this book. The author obviously knows her subject. Any paralegal will find it invaluable in charting the course of his or her carrer. This is real insider stuff so if you want to know how others have made a go of a tough career, pick this book up.

Best book on paralegal careers I've ever read!
Chere Estrin really knows this field! Here is an insightful, powerfully written book that gives solid advice to experienced and entry-level paralegals. I found the book to be direct, helpful and very funny! I actually laughed out loud in parts. The book spells out how to succeed in this field. It captures the nuances you need to know. It has checklists and creative forms that will help you on the job. It even has very interesting profiles of other paralegals. Chere Estrin can help you get ahead in your career. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Everything you ever wanted to know
If there is only one book you buy on what it's like to be a paralegal, this would be it. She tells you everything you need to know. It's a good book for people who are considering the career, as well as providing information for the seasoned professional (i.e. alternative places to use paralegal skills, etc.) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent book for the safety professional
This book contains 17 chapters that define basic concepts of loss control in an informative, easy to read format. The strength of this book was the author's straight forward practical approach to loss control leadership. Aneffective methodology to implementation, with a motivating style ofwritting made this my most popular book in OH&S to date. This book isone of the few that have also become a permanant addition to my referencelibrary. The books weakness was that it did not cover the historicalaspects in great detail (a weakness that may reflect the reviewersinterests). The book was a text used at British Columbia Institute ofTechnology for it's OH&S program. ... Read more

Book Description

This casebook is an excellent resource for counselors working with clients from diverse populations who have career concerns. It contains practical, up-to-date material which counselors will find useful in working with selected clients and describes a variety of career and vocational counseling models that can be used for divers populations of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Informative
Outstanding piece of work. The author really did his homework. It is about time an in-depth book was written about career counseling.

Excellent career counseling book.
This book applies classic counseling theories for use in career counseling. It is an interesting and innovative look at this often neglected area of counseling. ... Read more

Book Description

The second edition of Inside Secrets to Finding a Teaching Job provides real-world job search tips from other teachers as well as administrators. Also contains resume-writing advice, how to create a teacher portfolio and demonstration video, and Internet resources for finding the perfect situation. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good and Practical Advice for Would-Be Teachers
Like some other reviewers, I am currently looking for a teaching position. I ordered this book and found it had very good information on where to find jobs, how to write a resume, and how to answer possible interview questions. I would say the resume part was the most useful so far, as few resume books have examples of teacher resumes. From the examples provided I was able to construct a more condensed resume from the three-page one I previously had.

However, the jury is out in so far as whether I will be able to obtain employment in the field even with this advice. The reason I did not give this book five stars is that there was not a whole lot of information for those people who are changing careers in mid-life. Most of the emphasis seemed directed at those traditional college age graduates with little or no employment experience.

Must Have For All Teachers
I found this book to be a must have for all teachers. As a recent graduate with a teaching degree, I was nervous about finding the right teaching job for me. I used the techniques and suggestions in the book. I was offered a job from my very first teaching interview.

A great resource for those "still looking"
I just got this book and have only flipped through it, but already I can tell it will be a great asset. I am a recent graduate with a teaching degree. Our last year we had several seminars and workshops on interviews and finding a job. I have notes scattered all over the place. This book puts all the same info in one place and a whole lot more. Really great interview tips. Lots of potential questions and what not to do or say during an interview. I can't wait to read this book in depth! A definite "must have" in the increasing competitiveness of the teaching job market!

Worked for me!
What a dream of a book! After redaing this paperback, I was better prepared for my job interview than my competition. I was ready for the most common questions, which I was asked. Better yet, I knew what not to do in an interview, they asked some trick questions too. My performance was certainly enhanced by this book and I got the job! It was my first interview and now I have my dream teaching job! I highly recommend this book for new and seasoned educators looking for a job. Best of luck to you all! ... Read more

Book Description

An engineer's road map to professional and personal success

Congratulations! You're an engineer, and now you're ready to take the corporate world by storm. But in order to succeed in your career, you'll need more than just great technical skills.You'll need to be able to promote your ideas, share them with others, and work with a wide variety of people. Stuff You Don't Learn in Engineering School: Skills for Success in the Real World is designed to give engineers entering the corporate world the "soft" skills they'll need to succeed—in business, and in life. Based on the author's popular leadership seminars, this easy-to-digest guide to success will help even the most inhibited engineer to comfortably deal with the difficult people, processes, and meetings of today's competitive business world.

Step by step, you'll learn important skills like

• Setting priorities
• Working in a team
• Being more effective at meetings
• Speaking in front of a group
• Negotiating personal or business issues
• Dealing with stress
• And just having more fun in the process!

Filled with insightful, practical advice addressing dozens of vital skill areas and helpful tips you can apply immediately to any situation, Stuff You Don't Learn in Engineering School will help you take charge of your career and achieve the success for which you've worked so hard. ... Read more

Book Description

This one-of-a-kind workbook for graphic designers, which may be used independently or in conjunction with Graphic Design Solutions, 2E by Robin Landa, will stimulate your imagination and enable you to flex your creative design muscles. The exercises in this workbook expand upon graphic design applications and each exercise presents a creative problem intended to stimulate visual thinking, encourage sketching and ideas, and, most importantly, prompt you to try new approaches. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a great design workout!
tons of great visual exercises that really revive creative juices! Allows you to expand your vision and provides a creative resource.

can't design without it!
This book is a must-have for any professor, designer or aspiring design student. The full range of creative problems stimulates and enriches! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This did the trick
I got a 55 on the exam. However, I received the book 3 days before the test. I crammed and got through it. However, there were lots of questions on the test not covered in the book. The book itself was just a bunch of tests, not tangible study material. In summary, it was a good investment.

Great preparation for the Environment & Humanity Exam!
I used this book along with a library book on environmental science to score a 58 on the exam (enough to give me credit with an A!).In many cases, the example questions were much harder than the actual exam qestions.I spent quite a bit of time reviewing the practice questions in this book, and the glossary of environmental terms came in very handy when I would come across a question that I wasn't familiar with.This book can not be your only study resource if you know very little about the topic.However, when used in conjuction with a well-written book on environmental science and current issues, it helps you to find your weakest areas and improve upon them.It also helped me to get a feel for the layout of the exam and gave good basic information about all the DANTES exams offered, including contact information for the Chauncey Group, the organization that oversees the program.

This book does what is is meant to do: give you a glimpse at the exam before you take it, make your weakest areas clear to you and tell you how to find out more.It is NOT like one of the CLEP guides, which includes a small "textbook" as the first half for those who know little or nothing about the subject.

These books by Jack Rudman are the best of the limited resources available to those who wish to take DANTES exams. ... Read more

Book Description

Published since 1971, the famous "Red Book" lists 13,600 recruiters at 5,600 search firms in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The industry's most comprehensive source.

Indexes management functions, industries, geography, key principals & 570 individual recruiter specialties.

Targets specialty areas.

Fast and easy to use -- page references and state locations in all indexes.

Thorough contact data -- listings include phone, fax, e-mail and web addresses. Accurate and reliable -- the only directory updated annually by a dedicated full-time research department.

Paperback, 1,176 pages.

Plus! Kennedy's exclusive Career Resource Kit on CD-Rom included free! Contains valuable career tips, tactics and strategies. Also available on this CD: Optional tools for your career arsenal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent tool
This is an excellent reference book. It is complete with the types of agencies, kind of positions they fill, and the proper contacts. It provides not only the address and telephone numbers but fax and email addresses, as well a contact name in many cases. It also lists all locations if the agency has several offices. I found this to be extremely helpful in my executive job search and found that 80% of the time I received some type of response after I submitted my resume. Ultimately it successfully helped me find the position for which I was searching. Everyone should refer to this book first when seeking a new position it is well worth the investment. Additionally, you can write it off on your taxes as part as your job search expenses. ... Read more

Book Description

Get any training session off the ground fast-- or jumpstart one whenever it lags--with more than 400 proven activities in thebestselling Games Trainers Play series. Their names may range from ``Tombstone Planning'' to ``The `Nobel' Prize Winner,'' but these brilliantly offbeat, unexpected, disarming, fully reproducible games have one serious mission: to coax even the most reluctant groups to talk, laugh, think, and work together. Page after page of fun, easy-to-plan tear-out exercises help you: break the ice and get participants acquainted; shake up outworn habits and perceptions; challenge with thought-provoking brainteasers; test learning and retention; develop communication and listening skills; bring out and involve participant-leaders; win back lethargic, distracted, low-energy groups; encourage creative problem-solving; boost or reinforce a group's self-image; forge cohesive work teams and value object; facilitate transfer of training to the job. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Resource
This really is an excellent book for finding activities to add to your training sessions. There are a lot of great games in this resource. The games are listed by subject matter to make it easy to get right to where you want to go and the games are just as relevant as they ever were.

The only reason that I didn't give it a five is that I don't care for the typeset and overall presentation of the book, but these things are easily overlooked when you find a great new activity.

STILL A GREAT CHOICE
Don't be put off by this book's 1983 publication date. It is still one of the best sources of icebreakers and other training exercises. It's value?--the book's not just for professional trainers. It can be used by just about anyone who needs some ideas about what to do when you get up in front of a group--any group. It's not cluttered by lectures or lengthy explanations. You just jump right in and flip through the samples. It's even fun just to browse. This is the second in a series of training game books by Scannell and Newstrom. Look at one and you'll probably want all three! ... Read more

Book Description

You've looked at dozens of books that promise to help you get a job. This book is different. This book is written by an executive whose business is teaching managers how to interview job candidates. He knows what they're looking for--and how you can successfully prepare for landing that job you really want.
        
Through interactive and easy-to-follow exercises, Landing the Job You Want equips you to make your next job interview one of the most positive experiences of your life. Whether you're a recent college grad searching for a first job, a corporate veteran looking for that big promotion, an at-home mom starting a new career, or an experienced worker looking to move in a totally new direction, you will walk into interviews prepared and confident because you know how to:

• identify the skills most important for a job
  
• decide whether a job is right for you
  
• present your skills with maximum impact
  
• respond to difficult questions
  
• perform well in simulations and tests
  
• handle an ill-prepared interviewer
  
• close an interview on a positive note
  
• critique your own interview performance

Each exercise in Landing the Job You Want is designed to help you look within yourself to identify your strengths and your weaknesses. You'll learn how to quickly develop a portfolio of skills that match your ideal job, and you'll understand exactly what your interviewer is looking for in a candidate. You'll be ready to dazzle your interviewer with both your qualifications and your preparation. The result? The interview of a lifetime--one that leads to the job you've always wanted. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great
If you are looking for a job, or promotion and the corporation will be using the Targeted Selection method this is the book you must read! Forget those silly answers like "I am a people person" This book will help you explain why you should land the job!

very good interview prep
I would highly recommend this book for job interviewing preparation. Also recommended for job interview preparation are the job interview guides published by Vault.com, including the Vault Guide to the Case Interview and the Vault Guide to Finance Interviews. Good luck!

The best preparation book I have ever read.
This book was Fantastic! It gave me great examples, and allowed me to practice with real work oriented questions. This allowed me to prepare the upcoming promotional opportunity within my company. I feel that I am now relaxed and fully prepared to do the best that I can. I have and would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in seriously getting promoted. It will work, you just have to do the work and read the book. It's that Easy. ... Read more

Book Description

Make training more REAL than ever before!

You've got groups, facilitated by managers or team members, conducting project planning and problem solving. You've got relatively few formal trainers and instructors. In this modern, team-based environment, how can you ensure that groups develop the skills and knowledge they require?

You want training solutions that are problem-oriented, goal-based, and work-related? You need The Action Learning Guidebook. With action learning, no one ever loses sight of the job. The responsibility for learning falls upon the shoulders of the learners, who feel more invested--and interested--in the development process than ever before.

Your groups and teams will use this powerful resource to:
• Create their own learning experiences
• Plan projects and implement solutions
• Discover new problem-solving techniques . . . and much more!

"Two reasons to buy this book, read it from cover to cover, and apply the conceptsimmediately: (1) Rothwell is one of the best authors in the performance-improvement business; and (2) action learning is one of the most powerful performance-improvement strategies."--Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan, president, Workshops by Thiagi; editor, Thiagi GameLetter

"The Action Learning Guidebook is clearly written and the content is excellent. The chapter on partnering with clients to determine real training needs is a gem!"--Dale M. Brethower, professor of psychology, Western Michigan University; president, International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)

Rothwell, a legAnd in instructional design, gives your employees the tips and techniques they need to conduct reality-based action learning sessions. Teach groups to teach themselves!

... Read more

Reviews (1)

An invaluable guidebook !
"This book", writes W.Rothwell in his Introduction, "is a primer that serves a three-fold purpose. The first purpose is to show how Action Learning can be used as a real-time strategy for problem finding or problem solving. It can be valuable tool by which to tackle business problems and meet business needs. The second purpose is to show how Action Learning can be applied to training design. It is intended to stimulate the thinking of instructional designers about a new way to analyze needs, design and develop training, deliver training, and evaluate results. The third purpose is to show how Action Learning can be maximized to build intellectual capital and enhance human talent. In this sense, the book shows how team or group work can be become a means for developing people in its own right."

In this context, W.Rothwell :

* defines Action Learning, lists barriers that may prevent its application, and introduces a model of the Action Learning process.

* reviews occasions when applying Action Learning is and is not appropriate.

* focuses on who decides when Action Learning is appropriate, how decision makers recognize situations suitable for the use of Action Learning, and when a problem or improvement opportunity should be handed over to an Action Learning team.

* focuses on issues associated with recruiting, selecting, and orienting members of an Action Learning team.

* examines the team facilitator's role.

* focuses on the application of Action Learning as a means for identifying and solving problems or addressing other organizational issues.

* describes the application of Action Learning to training design.

* explains advantages and disadvantages of using an Action Learning team to design training.

* focuses on evaluating Action Learning efforts and on debriefing Action Learning teams and individuals who participated on those teams.

I highly recommend this invaluable study to all line managers, trainers and HR professionals.

(Reviewed by FreeImage HR Consulting / a division of T.B. FreeImage HR Group, Istanbul, Turkey)

* ... Read more

Reviews (4)

THE book to buy for novices & pro's
I recommend this book to anyone looking to get into this biz. Even if you are already IN this biz, you can never know too much. Susan keeps on track and winds you through the proper elements of building a career and knowing "how to" when it comes to the basics, demo tapes, agents, auditions and more. Susan & Molly also list many contacts with agencies, workshops, etc.

A must have guide to voice work!

Johnny George
VO guy

www.johnnygeorge.com

Chapter Two ALONE Is Worth 100 Times the Price of the Book
Here in Los Angeles the streets are lined with people who can "read copy," but the choice voiceover assignments go to the select few who add something more to the work - believability, personality, and a strong one-on-one connection with the audience. "A camera does not lie," say the authors, "and neither does a microphone."

That's why this book is so valuable. Although trying to teach voiceover skills through a book is inherently challenging -- sort of like trying to teach driving, or violin-playing, that way -- this book is the most successful one I am aware of. It is without doubt the best single resource on voiceover work in print today.

The key is the authors' relentless focus on the internal process of creating great readings, which they call "The Basic Process."

"Ad copy is more than just a bunch of words strung together to promote a product," they write in Chapter 2. "It is very much like a miniature play, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. One or more characters are involved, and it takes place at a particular time and place. You need to discover all those elements and more to act out the copy."

To get in touch with the reality of the copy, the authors detail their Basic Process: "Focus - Visualize - Commit." Using this process "allows you to make the copy your own little drama or comedy with its own life and vitality." Without it, "all your readings will sound alike -- and that sound will be mechanical and lacking in conviction." I don't know how anyone could lay out this crucial principle more clearly. The detailed suggestions for how to follow the Basic Process are both helpful and understandable.

The book offers a wealth of other information as well, including discussions about refining your reads, developing other voices and characters, preparing for animation work, producing a demo tape, finding an agent, handling auditions, and promoting yourself in your market. Throughout the book, voice actors, casting directors, advertising writers, and other industry experts are quoted extensively with helpful advice and entertaining war stories. Practice copy in various genres is provided. And the appendices contain numerous listings of workshops, agencies, and other resources of interest to voice talent. Every chapter offers tremendous value, all of it written with charm, elegance, and a sense of humor.

Anyone serious about a voiceover career should get this book and devour it.

A must for anyone starting (or keeping) a voice-over career!
I always recommend this book. Susan Blu has the credentials: she's an accomplished voice talent, a casting director and a voice acting teacher. Along with tips and tricks, there's a great regional listing of agencies, schools and studios with addresses and phone numbers. She knows her stuff and you'd be doing yourself a favor by following her advice in this book.

Excellent book, especially with the companion audio cassette
This is an excellent reference and manual for voice-over artists. It's a particularly good buy when combined with the companion audio casette. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pssst, wanna make a weird photograph? How about a moody blue cyanotype or a Kallitype? Or maybe a ziatype, anthotype, or Ambrotype? Or perhaps you'd just like to know more about image transfer processes or how to make a pinhole camera. Imagine knowing a really cool guy who casually tells you lots of valuable stuff about the history and science of photography while you're working in his experimental darkroom, and you've got the essence of the unusual and delightful Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Christopher James, a photographer and former Harvard University professor, leads you carefully through the chemistry and use of materials for each process. He offers numerous ways to make negatives and prepare the printing paper, and he coaches you in understanding and accepting the enormously variable effects of each method. Seven useful appendices deal with such topics as safety considerations and resources on the Web. Unlike the narrowly task-oriented approach of average how-to guide, this one points you to a much bigger world. Even the illustrations include a generous assortment of contemporary prints--among them James's own inventive images--as well as work by 19th- and early-20th-century photographers. They were the ones who pioneered most of the techniques that are now considered "alternative."

The fun of this book--even for someone unlikely ever to set foot in a darkroom--lies in the author's fascinating excursions into the wide world of knowledge, from the workings of 3-D to Charles Babbage's steam-driven punch-card systems. Equally compelling are the author's sense of humor and his utter lack of dogmatism. "In gum printing," he writes, "there are very few absolutely correct ways to do anything." --Cathy Curtis ... Read more

Reviews (13)

THE Book
Christopher James has written the most reader friendly, technically demystifying, and visually rich books that I have seen in a very long time. The "Little History" sections that begin nearly every chapter are fun to read and full of the connections, anecdotes, and colorful characters, that has made the photographic arts so compelling to historians and artists.

Technically, the book is clear and informative (winner of the Golden Light Technical Book of the Year in 2001) and goes to great lengths to be sure the reader will have little difficulty comprehending and working with the myriad processes covered.

Besides James's very accessible writing style, which reads like conversation between friends, the collection of illustrated work is truly outstanding. It is significant that of the over 300 illustrations, a good percentage were made by James's students and those of other artists, and teachers, represented in the book. It is important to note that the production values in this full color book are outstanding.

James has collected a rich contemporary survey of alternative process work, likely the most comprehensive in print, and this alone makes his book a terrific resource for students of any age. For teachers, it clearly "sets-the-bar" with a buffet of visual possibilities. I viewed an exhibition of the work in the book last fall, at The Art Institute of Boston, and can assure you that the quality of reproduction is first rate.

All in all, this is a wonderful book to read, work with in the studio, and to enjoy purely for the images. If you've ever had an interest in alternative process photography, this is The Book to have.

The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes
Christopher James has written the most reader friendly, technically demystifying, and visually rich books that I have seen in a very long time. The "Little History" sections that begin nearly every chapter are fun to read and full of the connections, and colorful characters, that have made the photographic arts so compelling to historians.

Technically, the book is clear and informative (winner of the Golden Light Technical Book of the Year in 2001) and goes the distance making sure that the reader will have little difficulty comprehending and working with the myriad processes covered.

Besides James's very accessible writing style, which reads like conversation between good friends, the collection of illustrated work is truly outstanding. It is significant that of the 300 odd illustrations, a good percentage were made by James's students and those of other artists, and teachers, represented in the book.

The book is a contemporary survey, really the most comprehensive in print, and makes it a terrific resource for students of any age. For teachers, it "sets-the-bar" with a buffet of visual possibilities. I viewed an exhibition of the work in the book last fall, at The Art Institute of Boston, and can assure you that the quality of reproduction is first rate.

All in all, this is a wonderful book to read and to look at? even if you never attempt the creation of an image using the recipes and techniques within.

even if you have a slight interest..
As far as I am concerned, this is THE BOOK.
It is so incredibly useful and I've learned so much from reading it. It's very well written, easy to follow, tons of references. Wow. I recommend this book to anyone interested in alternative process photography. Anyone interested in photography even. It is wonderful.
Basically, in photography, Silver is used a lot in the photographic papers. Alternative processing uses anything BUT silver. Platnium/palladium, gold, Iron.. even berries and various plants. This book gives a wonderful over-view of it all and tells you how to do it. There is even a bit of history about the different processes complete with wonderful pictures. I love this book.

outstanding
this book is the most thorough alternative photographic process book on the market today.
the images from james, his students and other well-known photographers make it an
inspirational smorgasboard (sp?)......the writing is fun, funny and easily understood.....
highly recommended

do not buy this book. It is not good
This guy has some processes which do not work. He skims over some important details in other chapters. There are some nice images in here, but the Coming into Focus is better.

So, buy another book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

A Film Student's Bible
Hollywood 101, The Film Industry by Frederick Levy is an informative and helpfull guide to those who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Not only does the book break-down and define the players involved in the film making process but it also includes a long list of contact information, tips and real-life examples of what to do and not to do.

An incredible book! Truly insightful!
Unlike some of the reviewers of this book, unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to meet Mr. Levy but I would like to congratulate him on a book that is truly insightful and provided me with several days of wonderful reading.

I don't want to sugarcoat this review but I have read so many books on the film industry and this book did not make me yawn one bit. This book was created for people who want to break into the industry. By no way is the author saying it's easy but the insight to certain industry professions and the professionals he had contribute to this book is remarkable.

If you know someone who wants to break into the film industry, I know there are many books out there but purchase this book as a present for that individual. It's hip, informative and definitely not boring.

Highly recommended!

A Optimistic Joy
Excellent book about breaking into the "Industry". This book details almost all jobs in the industry and really tells you how to go about securing that job without knowing someone who can help you. You may find that you are better suited for another career within the industry, one you never would have dreamed of. Frederick Levy is a guy who knows his stuff and truly wrote this book to help you succeed with your career in film. He talks about writing a Television 101.......I am waiting!! Although Hollywood 101 was just as helpful! After reading your book, I am more than ever convinced that I shall succeed as well. Thanks Mr. Levy, I look forward to more books on the Industry from you!!

It Gave Me Hope
This is the first book I bought after I decided on a career in television production. Thanks to this book, I've never looked back or questioned my decision. Levy outlines all the aspects of the industry and gives you tips on how to make it if your uncle isn't Steven Spielberg. What a great resource!

Terrific Hollywood Reference Book
Excellent reference book containing answers to questions you might be embarassed to ask otherwise. Full of straight forward and valuable information about the workings of Hollywood. ... Read more

Book Description

Career experts Pat Alea and Patty Mullins present a new approach to looking at your career, one that incorporates every aspect of your life. Using the simple, three-part program that is the hallmark of Alea's and Mullins's career consulting work--and mapping out your own personal Lifeline--you will be able to jump-start your career...and your life.Clarity will help you discover where you are, where you've been, what matters most, and where you're headed before you make your next move. Strategy will teach you to map and track your opportunities and get the straight talk on rsums, networking, and interviews. Action will put to use the resources available to you and move you to success and satisfaction.The Best Work of Your Life is a continuous process of focusing and refocusing that helps you to integrate values, goals, and new opportunities--into a powerful, ever-changing vision. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A guidemap for job seekers
I, like a lot of people, found myself in an unpleasant job situation, and decided to find a different job. The prospect of looking for a job is daunting, because there's so much out there, and there can be a lot of fear of getting into another unpleasant job. This book was unlike any other that I found, in that it really helped me focus in on what kind of a job would make me happy. By stripping away pre-conceived notions of what I "should" do, I was able to envision what I really wanted. I limited my search, and when I was offered jobs that I knew weren't right, I was able to turn them down, rather than accept out of some feeling of desperation. But it's not just a theoretical book, it also has an action component to get people actively looking. The book includes resume advice, and when I developed a new resume based on that advice I received many nice complements on my resume from employers.

Think Different and Be Happier!
This book is unlike any other career guidance book out there.Its philosophy is to help you find the job that fits you, rather than vice-versa.This subtle distinction is the difference that will set youapart from all the other candidates.The book provides several easy,insightful excercises to help you discover and articulate the kind of workthat you thrive on.From there, it walks you through how to find the jobof your dreams.Throw out any other career books you have; this is theonly one you'll need.

Disappointing
I'm obviously in the minority, but I didn't find this book very helpful.The approach described in the book may be well suited for people just beginning their careers or entering/re-entering the workforce mid-life. However, I don't think that the advice in the book is really geared towardthe person who is established in a career and seeking advice on how torealistically make a change.I wish I had not spent my money; there aredefinitely more helpful books out there.

Fantastic!!
This book is, hands down, the best-written, most practical career book I have ever read. It is a treasured volume that is already much-referenced as I work through the chapters and follow the authors' solid advice. This bookcan change your life - it did mine.

great reference book, insightful anecdotes
Great book for the new college graduate or the unfulfilled middle-ager.Thanks for the fresh perspective. ... Read more

Book Description

Features:-How group travel works-Step-by-step procedures-Sample forms and letters-Exciting photos and illustrationsALSO AVAILABLE INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Instructor's Guide, ISBN: 0-8273-3516-4 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best one volume book on managing group travel for profit.
This is probably the best book on the subject. This textbook takes you from A to Z in clear and indepth steps. Beginning with how the business works and assessing your own abilities, through researching and designing a tour, negotiating and booking, to costing and pricing, Martha S. de Souto describes cleanly and encouragingly how to make the most of the opportunities in this lucrative and fun field. ... Read more

Book Description

The interview strategies that help graduates of the nation's top business schools get the best jobs with the highest salaries

Interviewing for a job is more than answering questions. The most successful candidates are those who've done their homework, who come prepared with polished answers for every question, and who know how to steer the conversation where they want it to go. Now professional career coach Shelly Leanne--a Harvard graduate--teaches job seekers proven interview techniques taught at the nation's top business schools. How to Interview Like a Top MBA arms job seekers with:

• Insights and advice from top corporate executives, headhunters, and MBA program administrators
• Worksheets, charts, diagrams, and other valuable tools for creating a customized interview strategy and plan of action
• Valuable lessons on how to read interviewer signals, take control of an interview, turn weaknesses into strengths, ask the right questions, and much more

Reviews (2)

Highly recommended!
How To Interview Like a Top MBA, by Shel Leanne, is extremely well written and provides great insight into how to interview excellently for a job. The topics covered in the main text are very timely, with chapters about situations in which you may be trying to get a more advanced position, as well as ways to approach a job interview if you have been out of work for a while or if you are transitioning to a new field. The book also has a very valuable sample 100 Questions and Answers section. This book was thoughtful and insightful, and the advice from headhunters and recruiters add great dimensions.

Very useful resource!
Shelly Leanne does an excellent job in providing important insights in How To Interview Like a Top MBA. The book will be useful for those in business as well as other fields. It seems as if it would have been hard in the market of interview preparation books to write something novel, but this book accomplishes that wonderfully. I greatly enjoyed the range of topics covered - from how to do research about a job and industry before you try to interview for a job, to how to deal with tough questions. The sample Q&A section is very useful. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The government is hiring, for homeland security jobs and more! But if you want to be successful in landing a federal job, you need to understand the government's unique and complex application process. In this complete guide, Troutman shares the expertise that has enabled her to help many others just like you go on to new and rewarding jobs in federal service.

Applying for federal employment is different than in private industry. This new guide shows you how to succeed by breaking the government's intricate process down into 10 simple steps. Both first-time applicants and those already within government will find something new here, as application processes change over time. Ten Steps is simply the most up-to-date book on federal employment available today!

Written for all job levels and categories, with salaries ranging to $140,000.

Ten Steps to a Federal Job is a "must have" for any job seeker looking for federal employment. Let Troutman's latest guidebook walk you through every step of the application process and into a rewarding job in federal service.

Includes a CD-ROM with samples and examples, and our Federal Resume and KSA Builders, normally sold for $35 each. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Must for the Military to GS Transition
For those of you on active duty wanting to make the transition to the GS side Kathryn Troutman's Ten Steps to a Federal Job is the first weapon of choice!

Her book and supplemental CD-ROM, filled with numerous examples of excellent resumes, arms you with the Step by Step manual to get started, solidify your work experience with the correct verbiage, and hammer home your marketable skills.

Do not be fooled into thinking you can navigate the Federal hiring process armed with only the information provided during your separation lectures, these are nice but Kathryn's book gives you more - much more! Inside you will find how to formulate your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's), selecting the correct job series to parallel your experience, great web links, and even interview tips! Additionally, if you are unclear about the material call the Resume-Place for FREE advice! You just might get to talk to Kathryn herself, she quickly emailed me the answers to my in-depth questions!

This book is a must have in any rucksack - right next to Kathryn's Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook & CD-ROM!

Great Book! Great Price!
The Ten Steps book and cd are quite helpful. Kathry has condensed a very convoluded process into 10 easy to follow steps which make sense. I have utilized this book for my job search and it has helped me to stay focussed, on task, and prepared me for what I have come across on the various federal websites. I am very impressed with how easy it is to navigate the cd. There are even resume builders to help when you get stuck writing the resume! If your computer is connected to the internet, it will email what you've typed into the builders right back to you in a format which can easily be cut and pasted into the resume. I have earmarked various pages and I have used the resume templates (both paper and electronic formats) to write my resume. Now it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to apply for a job online because all I have to do is cut and paste. And it has been successful. I work for the federal government.

Review - Writer's Digest, April 5, 2004
Having worked several years for a government organization, I say Hats Off to the author, for writing and putting together a helpful guide book for anyone wanting to get into the federal system. The U.S. Government is a whole different animal from Corporate America, and pretty much a frustrating maze and entity unto itself. Just to be able to speak "Governmentese" is a real coup - it has its own language, mostly of acronyms. But to understand the structure of this very frustratingly mammoth national organization, and to be able to explain it and guide someone to find a job therein - well, this book could be a gold mine to anyone so interested in finding a federal job. And yes, there are great opportunities within the federal system. Comprehensive and well thought out, this book would help shortcut the frustrations getting there, open up new possibilities to new hires and returnees for new careers - step by step.

If someone is serious about working in the Government, he/she would only need this book. From resume writing to cover letters, finding job announcements to interviewing tips, etc. - it's all right here. A CD ROM is attached, offering basic templates (of the above) to go by. The book is very attractive, with an appropriate, catchy cover and graphically appealing layout and type style inside. Well done!

From a commercial point of view, the only deterrent would be that the book is geared to a highly specialized audience. But colleges, trade schools, libraries, recruiting centers (and many other outlets) nationwide, and especially those in the Washington DC area, would all be very interested.

Outstanding Resource
I am a Army Staff Sergeant just getting out of service after almost 10 years of service. I bought your book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." I used the suggestions in the book to my own information and applied for a position at the library of congress as a Information Technology Specialist 2210-GS-12. Well I just got some good news today after doing some out processing from the army. The HR department had left a message on my answering machine they had called to offer me the job!!! I was so excited I called them back right away to say I want the job. I have applied for Fedjobs.gov for about a year. Your book was what I needed to help me realize all of my training and experiences can be used to help give the person looking at your application a better picture of who you are and you ability to get things done. Thanks for your book, I am buying some for my family members who are in the federal job market. Thank You.

Tips for other Federal jobseekers:
Apply for everything you think you are qualified for, with that said make sure to read the vacancy announcement and to use Kathryn Troutman's book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." if you read it and understand it, the book will be worth it's weight in gold. plus remember if and when you get hired you will have to use these same steps to get a transfer or even get promoted.

Tips for interview techniques and strategies:
Stay focused, answer the questions without babling, keep eye contact, stay calm and smile occassionaly

Tremendous Resource for the Federal Job Seeker
Although this book provided a tremendous amount of valuable information, I am most thankful for the hope that it has given me. I had almost given up on the idea of working for the federal government, but I feel much more confident and enthusiastic about renewing my federal job search after reading "Ten Steps to a Federal Job", as well as "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" (also by Kathryn Troutman.) I read "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" first, and was very impressed with it. Wanting to learn more, I then purchased "Ten Steps to a Federal Job". "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" is so full of valuable information about the federal job search process that I found myself reading it very slowly and taking a lot of notes. Reading the book in this way provided such a good foundation for me that I found myself re-reading "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" again, the second time with greatly increased understanding.

I had been told that you must start out "at the bottom" if you wanted to work for the federal government - that the only way "in" was through entry level positions. What I learned from reading this book (Ten Steps) is that it is possible to move into a position comparable in grade and salary to the non-federal job that you hold. Also, I had become discouraged by vacancy announcements that required knowledge of a particular agency's policies, procedures and/or programs. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" describes how to perform research and to familiarize yourself with an agency and its programs, and how to then incorporate the knowledge you've gained in an open and honest manner into your job-search materials.

"Ten Steps to a Federal Job" also goes into great detail to describe the process for writing successful essays about your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's). This was completely unfamiliar territory to me, as it is not part of a non-federal job search process. I now feel confident in my ability to write KSA essays, as well as a good resume directed at federal vacancies. Regarding resumes, I learned that I needed to forget everything that I had ever learned about them! The advice that I had always been given was to limit your resume to one page - two if absolutely necessary, but never more. Your federal resume may need to be three to even five pages in length, in addition to the three to six required KSA essays of approximately one page that may be required.

This book will tell you how to read federal vacancy announcements to determine their exact requirements - length of resume, KSA requirements (if any), how to submit your resume, etc. It also provides valuable information about the electronic resume process. But, if you are serious about securing a job with the federal government, I would strongly recommend Kathryn's "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" as well, as it goes into even greater detail explaining the requirements of the electronic process. Buy them both, and read them very slowly! My efforts in carefully studying these two books were rewarded with greatly increased knowledge, and the confidence to actively pursue a job with the federal government. ... Read more