Book Description

* The most useful, current, and comprehensive career reference available!
* More job descriptions than any other book—nearly 8,000!
* Easy to use—organized around the user-friendly structure of the "Occupational Outlook Handbook!"

Readers can find virtually everything under the sun with respect to job descriptions and details in this fifth edition of the "Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook." That's because the "EOOH" combines information from the three most authoritative occupational data sources.

Access is easy because the "EOOH" uses the same user-friendly clusters of related jobs as the "Occupational Outlook Handbook," 2004-2005 Edition. The complete, well-written narratives from the "OOH" are included (270+). Then related job descriptions from the government's latest O*NET database (more than 750) are appended to the "OOH" descriptions, as are titles and brief descriptions from the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" (nearly 7,000).

The result? Readers can easily find current facts for career research and planning that include the latest details on earning, job growth, number of openings, education and skills required, working conditions, employment trends, related personality type, and more. ... Read more

Book Description

CASH. COERCION. CONS.

Whatever it takes to get unsuspecting grads to sign that offer letter, Corporate America is game.Because once it’s finally plain that the entry level, in fact, is a hellish and demeaning place of gruntwork, brownnosing, and mental drool, the ink’s already dry and the newbies in bed.

Way in, what with the pressure to keep post-college résumés stocked with "respectable" Fortune 500 firms.Instead, most early-stage workers end up ashamedly burying their dreams underneath their paychecks, suffering quietly through the frustration, depression, and thoughts of beating their manager with a stick.

No more.@ THE ENTRY LEVEL is designed to lead you through the psychologies, philosophies, and strategies for succeeding in business’ basement, but with the single-minded purpose of finding the work you were made to do.It’s the first book ever to dispel the myths, whisper the tricks, and supply the tools to help you as a young professional:

> Manage the transition from college to work.
> Negotiate the Entry Level Rite of Passage.
> Navigate office politics and build your personal brand.
> Earn the promotion or transfer with the right fit.
> Locate a sturdy work – life balance.
> Uncover your values to make healthy career decisions.
> Gain the courage to follow your passion

Further taking a hard look at the seduction of money, the silliness of company loyalty, and the side effects of waiting until midlife to figure out what your job should mean, this is the indispensable guide for career freshmen seeking a richer, deeper, more meaningful working life.And for those who just need to keep breathing. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wonderful read!
This book is so unique in that the author takes a head-on view of the corporate world--he doesn't sugarcoat the reality of being in the trenches day-in and day-out.

But time and again, he draws you back to the fact that you have to use your first couple of jobs to find your calling--to discover that work you're passionate about doing. Plus he shows you step-by-step how to go about doing that. So it's not negativity so much as it's reality and common sense. And it's written with such depth and humor...

I (and all of my associates) strongly recommend this immensely enjoyable and exceedingly useful book!

Incredible!
This book is a must read! It answers all the questions you were afraid to ask and those you never knew to ask. The author shares may of his own experiences with colorful detail and insight. I would recommend this book to any recent graduate heading out into the corporate world.

nothing new for people who figured out their calling
I was actually a bit disappointed in this book because I expected more advice on how to deal with the survival and achieve success rather than how to find a true calling. I do think I have found that true calling already thus this part was not interesting for me. I was fresh out of grad school when I got this book and despite having some work experience I did not think I had come even close to starting to figure out office politics etc. This book has not offered me many new insights and I still feel I am at the starting point re: survival and success. If anyone has good tips on books that might be more helpful, please let me know.

Mr Ball's book really got me rolling
I've been in the workforce for almost twenty years, and am only now going back to college, but I felt like this book was written just for me. It talks about direction, and uses words we don't see enough of - like Passion, and Value. After working in customer service for so long, every word he said rang true. It is obvious he has studied many succesful people (from the quotes and anecdotes he sprinkles throughout the book) and is trying to pass on what he has learned from them while emphasizing that most important third dimension of work - satisfaction. (The first and second being Money and a Benefit Package *wink*)

While the theme is a serious one, the book is a great read. Michael's style makes you feel like he's right there in the room telling his jokes in person. The intimacy really worked for me. I'm glad I picked this up - I might even change my major!

Well worth your time
Every graduating student should consider reading this book. It provides an honest and thoughtful account of life as a young professional. By sharing his own difficulties, Mr. Ball helps us avoid some of the difficulties that he encountered. Mr. Ball obviously spent a lot of time articulating his thoughts, and by spending a few hours reading and thinking about his experiences, one may save oneself from a few years of frustration. ... Read more

Book Description

Drawing on conversations with those who have braved the consulting interview gauntlet, this book outlines common question types, offers tips on how to attack each, and presents 15 all new practice questions culled from actual consulting interviews. As always, we follow the practice questions with a thoughtful discussion of how to approach the case and similar cases as well as suggested answers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

No matter the economic environment, there are ample reasons why you might be aching to change jobs or move up in the one you already have. In What to Do With the Rest of Your Life, career consultant Robin Ryan--who's offered her advice over the past 20 years to individual clients and through top broadcast and print outlets--shares the specifics that can help you do it right. Dividing her book into sections that focus on sequential steps in the process (figuring it out, moving on, staying put), she describes proven ways to determine your ideal job and workplace, land a job or launch a business and get paid appropriately, get promoted, get a raise, or take your own enterprise to a higher level. Virtually all of Ryan's suggestions will prove useful to one reader or another, as she explains in detail how to tap into the hidden job market--since some 85 percent of all positions are never directly advertised--via research "on the Internet, in the library, over telephones, and through conversations with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances." She also explains, based on interviews with 78 top executives, how "to help you get promoted no matter what level you're at or how big your organization is." --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very "What color is your parachute-ish"
Lots of the Robin's advice comes straight out of the job hunting bible of the past 2 decades "What color is your parachute" by Richard Bolles but still --- It's an excellent primer for the real thing, and summarizes a lot of what Richard Bolles preaches and teaches.

Because it is a quick an easy read, I suggest buying it cheap (or take it out of the library (sorry Amazon)), use it to whet your appetite for Bolles books, then begin collecting every edition you can get your hands on of "What color is your parachute" (every edition has something new in it). And try to get a hold of the audio book (I think he only put one out in 1995 - I wish he'd put one out every year!). It'll change your life and maybe mine too, cause maybe, just maybe, If everyone were to read Bolles books and truly understand the concepts I wouldn't have to deal with so many unhappy, bitter people at the work place.

Learn From Someone Who Knows!
I highly recommend this insightful book to anyone who wants to improve their current job situation or consider a change altogether. It offers numerous options, ways to determine the best approach, and will continue to be a valuable resource for many years! Robin Ryans' realistic advice reflects her extensive and sought-after knowledge.

Definitely worth a look
I gave the book three stars rather than four or five because it doesn't deliver what the title promises and the cover is all hype -- but the book does deliver some very worthwhile guidance.

What to Do (WTD) will be best suited to the midlife career changer with valuable skills -- self-motivated folks who just need direction. I like the book's down-to-earth no-nonsense tone.

Good parts:
List of career-killers -- not new to anyone who's been out in the world, but well-stated and worth reviewing
Discussion of interviewing for information and network: very realistic
Discussion of internet job search is right on!
Discussion of starting a business is better than average (but I like my own "are you ready" checklist better!)
Salary negotiations section is excellent

Weak parts:
Self-assessment (lists of values and skills were very ordinary and won't be helpful to most)
Recommendation to take tests: rarely useful for mid-career managers or professionals
Relocation section: My book on this topic, Making the Big Move, is two hundred pages long -- two pages can't do justice to the topic and may be misleading.

I wish the author had focused more on interview and resume strategies; interestingly, she does not include a discussion of resumes at all. I suspect that her strength lies in the nuts-and-bolts of job search and I wish she had included more on those topics.

I had to smile when I read her section on how to find a career counselor. Everyone who writes a book includes a list of "must have" qualifications for an advisor and, amazingly, those qualifications are all held by the author!
With a degree in counseling, this author urges us to find a vocational counselor. However, vocational counseling experience helps younger job seekers. Midlife, mid-career professionals need different sources of help. Recent books that target this market tend to be written by experienced professionals who have advanced degrees and life experience.

There are valuable nuggets here and I wish the author would write a meaty book, based on what she knows well, rather than an overview that is too sketchy in some places to be a useful guide.

What any eye opener --buy this book
I heard the author on the radio and was quite impressed. Then I read her book and am convinced everyone who cares about their career needs to read this masterpiece. It's insightful & inspiring but has the specifics on direction that most books on uncovering your passion seem to lack. I wanted to do something I enjoyed more without having to take a big salary cut. In fact, Ms. Ryan showed me how to get a new job that's a promotion with a BIG raise attached to it. Ms. Ryan is a wealth of ideas on how to prosper and find the meaning that was lacking at work. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make a career change if you follow her sage advice. I'm happier and making thousands more because this lady really knows her stuff. My advise to you is buy it, use it & prosper. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the first book to identify hundreds of keywords job seekers should incorporate at critical stages in their job search. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Old DOT [Dict of Occupational Titles] looks out of dark ages
Far superior to old DOT. This ONE book gives info concisely yet on far more Job Titles and has cross references to legacy Dept. of Labor publications. I eagerly jumped on the internet to follow up some leads. When JIST gets all the info up on their website it will be a fantastic resource. I hope they make full book available to bonifide buyers online - cut & paste beats typing! The 4 star rating was based by overly broad Job Titles seeming to inflate the SVP [Specific Vocational Preparation] and GED [General Educational Developement] requirements. This could skew the perception that the goal is less achievable and cost(s) exorbitant. We specifically researched 31514 Vocational & Education Counselor DOT 187.167-198 Veterans Contact Representative. This gave SVP 7 [>2 years and Read more

Book Description

Professional Strategies,World-Class Advice, and Inside Tips on Finding Your Ideal Job

"The Secrets of Executive Search provides real-world and proven techniques in an easy-to-read reference format. Its a must-read for anyone who will be managing human resources and/or managing their own career into the new millennium." –Arthur E. Hobbs, former vice president, Human Resources, Raytheon Systems Co.

"This book will definitely help job candidates at all levels. Not only does it contain career advice that is helpful in conducting your job search, but also for enhancing performance on the job." –Libby Sartain, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Yahoo at Yahoo! Inc.

"A very current career reference guide complete with job search tips on how to maximize the power of the Internet. Its easy to read, easy to understand, and its filled with practical, effective techniques and advice. Once I began reading Secrets, I couldnt put it down." –C. Douglas Mintmier, Vice President, Human Resources, Mary Kay Inc.

"Ive interviewed countless applicants who could have made the final cut if they had read this book. It makes all the right points clearly and concisely, and provides insights that will guide people on both sides of the hiring equation." –W. L. Pendergrass, Vice President, Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.

"The Secrets of Executive Search . . . is right on the money. In this day and age, professionals and executives need a personal development reference manual to help them manage their careers. And this is the one they should have!" –James F. Nieves, Vice President, Human Resources, Childrens Medical Center of Dallas

"This is a down-to-earth reference guide that includes information many other career management books overlook. It combines the best advice from all worlds, from introspection to the practical side of how best to position yourself to get the job you really want." –Richard T. Huntley, Executive Director, Williams Communications Solutions

"Secrets is an extremely savvy snapshot of pragmatic advice for executives considering a career move. It brings into sharp focus the level of detail and preparation that are required for an executive to successfully reengineer his or her career." –Douglas P. Thomas, Senior Manager, KPMG LLP ... Read more

Reviews (25)

An Immediately Actionable Guide
Melancon has written a very readable and actionable guide for anyone who is in the job market or plans on advancing their career. As one who has recently been in a personal job search, The Secrets of Executive Search helped me to focus on what is important and develop an actionable plan tailored to my needs. Within weeks I saw a noticable improvement in the quality and quantity of the follow-up inquiries I was receiving.

The Secrets of Executive Search breaks down the search process into each of its component pieces from resume development to offer negotiations, offering the reader constructive help in each area while providing light anecdotal stories from Melancon's experiences as an executive recruiter. Did you know resumes should be organized differently on the Web and in databases for greater effectiveness? The book is chalked full of the small and large tips like this that would come from a recruiting professional with years of experience.

This book is required reading for anyone serious about marketing themself. It's a reference you'll go back to time and time again.

Practical as Well as Innovative Wisdom
The title of this book is somewhat misleading because it incorrectly suggests that Melancon's scope is much narrower than in fact it is. True, he has many insights into the executive search process itself, insights which may well be "secrets" previously unknown by most readers. His primary audience consists of career executives who are either now seeking another position or realize the need to plan a career which includes but is by no means limited to the position they now occupy. Melancon's insights can also be of incalculable value to students, their parents, and guidance counselors as well as to any others who wish to be better prepared to help students as they seek employment after graduation. (Over the years, Melancon has given a great deal of expert advice to the daughters and sons of family members as well as those of countless personal friends and business associates.) I also think this book will be of value to those in human resource departments who are involved, directly or indirectly, in the recruiting, screening, and (perhaps) interviewing of job applicants. Finally, I highly recommend this book to owners/CEOs of smaller companies who must identify and evaluate candidates but are unwilling and/or unable to retain executive search assistance from those such as Melancon.

There are 46 of the "secrets" to which the title refers. Each reader is already aware of several. Moreover, what were previously known before may have been forgotten so reaquaintance with perhaps prove helpful. For example: "Include a keyword summary in your hard copy resume (#8), "'Close the loop' with your references" (#15), "Always ask how you fit!" (#26), "Always ask for a copy of your test results and the interpretation" (#31), "When possible, ask for X weeks/months advance notice of termination" as well as "Negotiate extended temporary housing allowance" (#39). Some of the "secrets" are obvious (obviously) but all, together, can help a variety of readers (not only those actively seeking jobs) to understand much better the entire process by which people can most effectively secure better, more appropriate positions.

This book can indeed be of substantial assistance to those "on the either side of the desk" who wish to (a) strengthen their own interviewing and talent evaluation skills and (b) improve substantially the process by which to select those candidates who are best-qualified to fill the given positions. One of the most useful features is the series of "Checklists" which Melancon provides throughout the book. Melancon's tone is informal, conversational actually, as he shares various "professional strategies" which will help anyone to manage both a personal job search and, in process, an entire career. Well done.

Master of the Obvious
I expected something more than a review of search criteria that should be well known to anyone who has been through the job search process. This is especially true with the executive search process. I found no revelations here. In fact, I thought that the book was written on a much lower level than those to whom it was written to help. Unless you have never been involved in the executive search process, don't bother reading this book.

No secrets here
Just finished reading the book of "secrets." Perhaps it is because of the general degradation of the English language over the years, but the word "secret" seems to have lost its original meaning. No secrets here. This book is just a check list of things to remember, in other words, some helpful hints. A very fast read. My major concern however, is that the author appears to have a heavy bias towards recruiters/headhunters, perhaps because he earns his income in that way. For example, one of the "secrets" given in the book is: "Be kind to the headhunter." The advice on interviews is very scanty. You could get more useful information on interviewing from the average newspaper article on the subject. In summary, it seams as though this book was written in order to glorify the author's career as a headhunter. Naturally, he cares more for his clients (those that pay them his fees) than he does for job candidates. He spends an entire chapter warning job seekers never to accept a counter-offer from your current employer. No surprise, because one of the most frustrating things to headhunters is on those occasions when they find out that they aren't going to close on a deal. This book is OK for a person just starting out, but will produce a yawn for anyone with ten or more years of work experience. The advice is just too obvious ... and obviously biased.

Keys of Open the Secrets!
This book is good at understanding the strategies involved with recruiting top talent from the recruiters point of view. If anyone is going to work with a professional executive search firm and needs to understand how they do it, I encourage you to read it this book. This book has excellent management tips and skills! As a seasoned senior retained recruiter, I've used these strategies over and over and they have proven success. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, whether or not you are considering your options or not. ... Read more

Book Description

Write the Perfect Resume—and Get the Job You Want!

A resume isn’t just synopsis of your employment history. It needs to be a powerful presentation of your qualifications that positions you against dozens, sometimes hundreds, of candidates. Does your resume have the right stuff to get a hiring manager’s attention and get you valuable face time with a potential employer? Martin Yate, America’s most respected career expert, shows you how to create a compelling resume that will land you the interviews you want.

The bestselling book in its category for more than ten years, Resumes That Knock ‘em Dead includes exhaustive updates:

· Brand-new resumes used in successful job searches

· Information on new occupations

· Expanded content for today’s hottest jobs

· The latest information on electronic cover letters and online job searching

Resumes That Knock ‘em Dead also shows you how to stand out from the crowd—and get the job of your dreams. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Is your resume ready for the world?
As a Host of the Employability and Career Planning sites, and an Interactive Resume workshop ... I like to have all kinds of Resume books and examples to refer to. No two resumes should be the same--this book gives great ideas on how to make YOUR experience stand out, not only in its wording, but also in the visual appeal.

The onlydrawback I found is that some of the sample resumes are a bit simplistic and if taken at face value, people may try to keep it so short that they don't consider all their skills. Remember, your resume is the first step to selling yourself.

Valuable reference to have around.

Resumes That Knock 'Em Dead (Resumes That Knock 'Em Dead)
The knock 'em dead series is well worth the price and this is also true for this edition which deals with resumes. In here we are shown how to write a resume with confidence, clarity and the fortitude that is required to find the desired job.

Middle of the road...
I didn't find any new, earth-shattering insights into the resume process, but it did layout the fundamentals nicely. I learned a few new things, and it gave me a good outline to put together a resume.
The section that describes how to pull the resume information together, would have been presented better had it been in some sort of a chart or list format. The way it is set up - it is wrtten in long sentences that stretch over a couple pages. I had to keep flipping back and forth to remember what step to do next.
There was a lot of redundant information, and I thought the examples didn't help me much.
But in the end, it did prompt me to put together a new, more concise, and tailored resume. Although the description of how to edit the final resume was a bit broad.

Too General and Elementary
Book offers too simplistic and barely entry-level formatting and ideas. The styles were all basic and not varied enough, and the jobs were all low level. I am a marketing director and the upper level resumes they had were still so basic they were not useful as examples. Might be good for high school students, though.

Top-notch advice
This book is as good as it gets. Put the time into following setp-by-step and you will have a dramatically different view of your own skills. Plus, you'll end-up with a fantastic resume. ... Read more

Book Description

Baseball’s winter meetings have never before been captured from the inside—set against the backdrop of big league owners, executives, and players, surrounded by money and beat writers—with everyone pushing to get a little attention, wealth, or talent. Rumors fly, journalists jabber, cam-eras flash, as everyone tries to figure out what’s going on inside the halls of the Opryland Hotel.

Written by an insider who started on the outside, Getting in the Game takes the reader inside the scramble to get a job in the baseball industry by fol-lowing the stories of three job seekers hoping to break into the game as announcers, front office staff, or anything they can get. Lewin also probes the motivations and perspectives of three baseball executives looking to hire new employees, as they sort through the piles of résumés, tapes, and CDs to get down to their short lists of prospective candidates.

Told in a real-time diary format, Lewin occasionally breaks from the action to explain some of the back stories everyone on the inside already knows: How did minor league baseball go from minor league to big business? What’s going on in the various seminars? Lewin also interviews a few baseball lifers, pays a visit to the Winter Meetings Trade Show (where teams pick their tchotchkes for their summer giveaways), and tells you about the secret lives of mascots. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Entertaining look at getting into minor league baseball
Josh Lewin is the regular play-by-play broadcaster for the Texas Rangers. This past fall, he put out a book called "Getting in the Game: Inside Baseball's Winter Meetings". This is the story of both the outside and inside of some folks trying to break into baseball to follow a dream. It deals with how some kids (and not kids) try to get broadcasting, mascot jobs, or just about anything with a minor league team.

That sound boring? It's not. The book has a nice sense of humour about it, and there's some wonderfully funny stories about what goes on at these things (I loved the potato story a lot, as well as numerous others). Josh Lewin has a very entertaining way of broadcasting baseball games, and he seems to have tied up several stories regarding how to break in, how those who hire do the hiring, and the tribulations of some job seekers rushing all over themselves to get low paying or even no paying jobs, just to say they have a job in baseball.

If there's one criticism of the book, it's that I found it hard to follow sometimes where things were going. This isn't a fiction, so things aren't going to always be neatly in a row - but I got confused sometimes as to who was who in terms of the job seekers. But that's a minor quibble, it might just be me not paying attention well enough.

A nice bonus to me was some talk with Dave Raymond, the man who originated the Philly Phanatic character. As I'm from Philadelphia, and grew up with the Phanatic, it was nice to hear some stuff from Mr. Raymond. It's not like he's the main crux of the book (far from it), but it was nice to see him pop up here.

If you like to follow the inner workings of baseball, you're sure to love this book. If you're the kind of casual baseball fan who has trouble watching the game on TV, or when they're at the park gets more worked up going for beer and hot dogs, this might not be for you, then.

Hilarious look at minor league baseball
Josh Lewin is a well-recognized broadcaster who obviously started from the bottom up. His insights, good humor and cheers for those going throught what he has experienced are exemplary. He loves our national pastime and this infused spirit is obvious throughout. It's a side of baseball about which I knew little and informs a good deal of what is happening at the major league level. A bravura performance!

A truly fun read!!!
I'm not a rabid baseball fan, but I REALLY enjoyed this book! I loved the behind-the-scenes peek into the winter meetings that the author provided. The writing was vivid, the humor delightful, and the personal stories compelling and poignant. I don't usually laugh out loud when I'm reading, but I couldn't stop myself.... I hope we'll see more from Josh Lewin! He really knows the game!

An Interesting Read on Minor League Baseball
Getting in the Game is an interesting read for those who are fans of minor league baseball. It gives a insider's view of how minor league baseball has become so enormously popular as a low-budget, family-oriented entertainment venue. There are interviews with general managers, mascots and announcers with a humorous look at the extremes a team will go to attract fans. Woven through the book is the stories of a few young people trying to beat the odds and land an entry-level job at the employment fair of the 2002 Winter Baseball Meetings. Josh has narrated their entire weekend of networking, "resume-dropping" and interview anxiety with humor and insight. The reader feels as though they are a mouse watching and listening to all the interesting things going on at the Opryland Hotel during the Winter Meetings.

couldn't put it down!
I've known the author for years, but had no idea he could write. Broadcast baseball and hockey and basketball, yes, but I had no idea he could write like this. This book was absolutely fall-down hilarious and even non-baseball fans would have to agree. You find yourself really rooting for the main characters, and feeling for them in the moments when things don't go well for them. As for baseball fans, I count myself as being one, and thought I knew a good deal about the game's inner workings, but I found myself saying 'I never knew that' on just about every interesting page. I'm so glad Josh decided to write a book- I hope he writes many more. ... Read more

Book Description

When first published over 30 years ago, The Evaluation Interview gained immediate recognition as one of the best books on the subject of interviewing. Since then it has become widely acknowledged as the essential reference for organizations and personnel interviewers. The American Society for Personnel Administration even named the second edition the ``outstanding human resource management book'' of 1978. Now updated and revised, The Evaluation Interview is more useful than ever. With the increasing globalization of business, cut-throat competitiveness, and corporate downsizing, it is imperative that organizations hire more versatile people and retrain and develop employees already on board. This indispensable guide shows companies how to do just that, focusing on the many applications of Richard Fear's proven step-by-step method for assessing an applicant's work history, education, social adjustment, and motivation. New to the fourth edition are sections applying interview techniques for team-building, for strategic visioning, and for appraisal information feedback--a powerful tool for improving motivation and employer relations. What's more, it includes a new interview guide for college recruiters and forms and guidelines for recording and evaluating the results. The Evaluation Interview, Fourth Edition, is certain to continue setting the standards for how American businesses can hire and keep the best employees. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Quaint, but well worth reading
This is an updated version of an old book about interviewing techniques. It is reasonably up-to-date, but it takes a rather quaint view of the hiring process. It assumes that a typical company has a large and politically powerful human-resources department which has been given vast amounts of time, staff, and resources to engage in a fastidiously objective hiring process. It also assumes that a company's management actually knows what the firm's future personnel needs are. Most unrealistically of all, it assumes that HR and line managers actually communicate with one another. Even in 1968 when Chiron & Fears wrote the first edition of this book, this was a pollyannaish viewpoint. In 2003, their assumptions add up to a ludicrous fantasy.

The heart of the book is a detailed explanation of a methodology for conducting structured hiring interviews. It also covers yearly perfomance reviews and related topics. The authors frankly describe how to create an illusory rapport with the interviewee while homing in on the character flaws which might make him or her unfit to hold the job he or she is interviewing for. The flaws the authors think you should be particularly worried about are laziness and stupidity.

It is a useful book for anyone who has to do hiring interviews, even when the company is trying to cut corners in the hiring process. It is even more useful for the interviewee, because after the reading the book, you have a better idea what the person on the other side of the desk is looking for. (By the way, the authors tell interviewers to AVOID sitting on the far side of a desk.)

It is worth buying the book just for the discussion of the dreaded "strengths and weaknesses" question. You should admit to a weakness while proving you don't really have that weakness. A good weakness to admit to seems to be "I don't work hard enough"--- assuming you can convince the interviewer that you are in fact a workaholic.

I have taken a sarcastic view of this book's content, but it is well worth reading and contains many excellent suggestions. Although I personally don't agree with many aspects of Chiron and Fears' methodology, I do think the business world would be a more humane place if more companies used a similar methodology (or just about ANY methodology) to evaluate job applicants.

I gave the book a 5th star for actually being readable and entertaining (unlike most management books.)

a perfect evaluation of an applicant can be quite tricky...
This books leads you through the application process from the employer viewpoint. It shows you where to, what to consider and how to circumvent traps.

It doesn't provide you with worksheet-like lists where you can make crosses to evaluate the candidate. ... Read more

Book Description

Interviewing is one of the most effective ways to identify and attract employees who will be successful enough to stay. But few managers are adept at the skill. This book helps eliminate expensive errors of judgment by presenting readers with a set of behaviorally based interviewing strategies. Written by the faculty of the prestigious University of Michigan Executive Education Center--and based on one of their most popular courses--its seven-step "Strategic Interviewing Approach" helps interviewers define the competencies candidates need to possess and make hiring decisions based on accurate predictions of the candidates' performance.

... Read more

Reviews (3)

Dr Camp is an Interviewing Genius
I read with great interest Dr Camp's insightful (yet practical) strategies for effective interviewing. After reading this book, I applied the principles discussed in the book for my law firm -with tremendous success I might add. Those attorneys hired with Dr. Camp's techniques are among the best and most productive attorneys in our firm. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone in the position of hiring high level employees. It is the "bible" for interviewers. I can't wait for Dr Camp's next edition.

How to complicate something simple
I read the complete book hoping to get to the section that would make it worth while. Never got there.The authors manage to make an interesting subject boooooring, and their language becomes at times needlessly complicated. Example: why not call competencies by another name instead of confusing it with competenccy requirements, and having to overexplain the differences between the two?
Like most books, it provides issues to be learned, and I learned; but there are many other attractive, interesting, and more informatiave options.

A Great Guide to Hiring
Excellent!! A very well written and well thought out approach to hiring not just people but great people. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you want the key to the best jobs with the best employers? It's time to play offense instead of defense. Competency-Based Resumes shows today's job candidates a new, more targeted way to write resumes to get them back on the same playing field with the best employers and improve their odds of winning the job they want.The system an employer uses when filling jobs has changed significantly in the past few years, and it is still evolving. Rather than simply looking at an applicant's past jobs, companies are instead looking at candidate's experiences in certain key areas-including measurable work habits and the personal skills, known as competencies, used to achieve objectives at work. Competency-Based Resumes offers you a new and effective way to create resumes that emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you have and employers need. Many sophisticated U.S. and international organizations are using competency-based systems to recruit, interview, select, and promote. Corporations such as American Express, Coca-Cola, Sears, and MetLife are all looking for specific competencies. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The only effective guide if you want to advance your career
Finally a tool that actually focuses on preparing you to sell yourself. After just a few quick reference points I was able to update my current resume and clearly explain my Skills, Competencies and Career Summary. This book gave several great examples to help me add material that quantified my expertise and accomplishments. I was amazed how user friendly and carefully laid out this book was for developing new strategies in the job market.
Want to make an positive impression and get noticed? Get this book!

Career Development
As a current Career Development instructor for a propriety school, I have been searching for a book that better describes the changing environment in the job hunting process of today. Competency Based Resumes gives a thorough overview of the current corporate hiring process and teaches the reader how competency based resumes are the best way to get the interview. I have used several books on how to write resumes in my Career Development classes but have recently started ordering this book for my students. This is the most up to date comprehensive text on writing resumes for the current economy. 5 Stars!

Finally, a book that really helped me write a good resume!
I love this book because it gives before-and-after samples of real resumes. This book doesn't just talk about how to write a successful resume.It shows how by giving specific examples.

There are resumes for many types of jobs.It's easy to copy the parts that apply to my experience and there are many unique ideas.Writing a resume based on competencies - what I'm good at - makes sense.I'm in the over-50 group where competition for jobs is intense.When changing jobs over the years, I talked in interviews about things I've done well but didn't describe them in my resume.Recently, I wasn't getting interviewed.But after switching to a competency-based resume, I am now.

I was offered a high level government job using this technique.I didn't accept it because it wasn't what I wanted.Writing down what I've accomplished gave me the confidence to continue to look for a job that will be more fulfilling and give me more opportunities to help people.

This is a truly helpful book, written by people who obviously have extensive experience in helping people find jobs.I want to thank them for helping me.

Practical insights & results for every job hunter -- amazing
It's about time someone wrote a book packed with great ideas and a usable process to help those of us seeking new positions.If you use this book faithfully to tweak and retool your resume, you will be almost assured of more call-backs and interviews while jobseeking in the corporate world.I found the book full of advice to help me fine-tune my own story and zero in on what would be of the greatest interest to my prospective employer.It helped me get a fresh perspective on my accomplishments and where I want to be in my next position.I highly recommend this book for people who are serious about their careers. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Well Done!
This is a great book about not just helping people find a job, but helping them find themselves and fulfillment in their career. For the job seeker this book is also a great tool for understanding both yourself and the career counsel you may seek.

Learn the "True" Role of the Career Counselor
As a rookie in the field of Career Development I was in for some major surprises. As many Americans in today's society, I thought that the most frequently utilized tools of any professional career counselor would be assessment tests and occupational forecasts. Instead, I learned that these tools should be be used sparingly and with caution. Although still frequently used, the the highly skilled and professional career counselor makes it his/her mission to help the client use introspection, and ultimately, assume the responsibility for her/her own career development. I learned a lot about the field of career counseling, material which can not only be used when working with clients but also material that will be beneficial to my own career development. My two least favorite aspects of the book were the last chapter which dealt with "Hanging it up as a Career Counselor". Not that this Chapter shouldn't have been included, but I felt as that it was a downer of an ending. Also, it was recommended that the Counselor be ready to bring God and sprituality into the counseling session(s) if the client seems ready to do so. Maybe it is because I am new, but I find religion and spirituality to be so personal and unique to the individual, that I would be uncomfortable doing this. Religious values and beliefs are so varied that I think one would have to be highly knowledgeable about both world religions and the world of work.

Food for thought!
When I purchased this book, I found myself inspired, refreshed and enlightened by the contents. After doing career counseling for over 20 years, I am delighted to be caught up anew in the possibilities. I called up four colleagues and started a book discussion group. We are working our way through the ideas herein, beginning with the authors' distinctions between information, knowledge, and wisdom. Brilliant, and very helpful! I recommend this to career practitioners who wish to sharpen their skills and focus. Bravo!

Theory and practice in one
This book is a gift to anyone who is interested or involved in career counseling. It holds a wealth of clear, helpful and practical information that has been gathered and tested by two writers who have become leaders in their field, and who have in this book shared their wealth of experience. It provides a superb history of the ideas and events in the history of career counselling from 1909 to the present that will be valuable to both the student and the practitioner. It successfully integrates the academic, the spiritual and the intensely practical aspects of career counseling, and shows its relationship to life planning. The basis of this counseling approach is empowering individuals, so that clients 'take charge of their career development, make their own decisions and act on those decisions'. The writers take a firm stance on career assessment tools. There is sound advice on managing groups and group processes as well as an initial framework for running career counseling in a group. There is also practical advice on how to unblock clients, how to deal with the impossible client and how to counsel someone when you only have one hour. This book supports the proactive job search approach, self-employment, entrepreneurship and selling yourself. This is no standard textbook on counseling - it is a focused, practical and helpful guide that stays with its own topic and provides real tools and helpful advice, based on sound research and practice. I believe this book goes far in providing the career counselor with the tools they need to succeed, and, and in a wonderfully readable form.

A great overview for career counselors
This book gives sound advice and an overall view of how career counseling works. Some good ideas for counselors and job seekers alike.

Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D., author of "The Accelerated Job Search" docwifford@msn.com ... Read more

Book Description

If your dreams of career success include jobs in Prague or Munich, if you want to learn Mandarin while living in China, or if your travel plans always require a passport, then THE GLOBAL CITIZEN is for you. Written by Monster.com's former international career mentor, Elizabeth Kruempelmann, THE GLOBAL CITIZEN is an international life and career planner that walks you through the ins and outs of working, studying, volunteering, or living in a foreign country. Thought-provoking assessments will get you started on your global path, the interactive planner will keep you on track, and extensive resources will widen your possibilities. With tips for researching and funding your adventure, secrets to adjusting to life abroad, and hints for making the most of your experiences when (or if!) you return, THE GLOBAL CITIZEN presents a new approach to life planning no citizen of the world should be without. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The most fascinating book in the field!
You can't help but get excited about the possibilities of an international lifestyle abroad with The Global Citizen as your guide. From engaging stories (from people who have actual done what you're dreaming of doing!), essential to-do's, and practical how-to's to heaps of international programs and resources, the voice of experience truly speaks throughout the pages. Now you just have to read through, take action (with help from Elizabeth!), and create your new way of life! A must for anyone who wants to live and work overseas.

the ONLY career guide for adventure seekers
The "Global Citizen" is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to travel or work abroad. Most importantly for me, this book has a wealth of information on careers abroad that I had not thought of before. Most career guides are so narrow in scope that I rarely find much use in them because they are so "8-5" in nature.
The other cool thing about this book is that it's full of websites with info. on every aspect of living, working, or volunteering abroad.
I love the personal stories in the section "A Global Citizen's Perspective" because, as a traveler, you can really connect to the experience of the author and other people who have done what you want to do.
If you are looking for a a life changing adventure, then travel abroad. If you want to stay abroad, then get this book!!

Inspirational Book!
This book is wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone! The author writes on a personal level like she is talking to you and it is also written from a emotional level so it is easy to understand. This book gets you excited about all the possibilities and the author explains any fears you may have and how you can get over them and overall she gets the word across to never give up! She also gives e-mail adresses from other people who have experience travel. This is a great book, everyone can benefit from this.

Excellent Book!
The Global Citizen is an excellent book for anyone thinking of doing anything abroad! It covers a wide range of topics, from studying to volunteering abroad. The author provides practical information on how to identify your goal, approach it and then directs the reader on where to find more information on each individual topic. This book is very stimulating and most certainly motivating! A great buy!

Valuable Information.
The Global Citizen provides valuable information not only to someone starting a world adventure but also to the experienced traveler. As I am passionate for living the international life I will keep this book as my personal guide and I will certainly take advantage of all the useful addresses in there. Great resource, Elizabeth! ... Read more

Download Description

The groups hardest hit by the most recent wave of downsizings have been upper and middle management. People with 10 or more years on the job, much or all of it spent at one company, are particularly unprepared for the rigors of today's job market. The Executive Job Search shows these professionals how to take charge of their searches and land the jobs of their dreams. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Executive Job Search Handbook by Orrin Wood
Having experienced firsthand the sage advice of Orrin Wood in my own transition from corporate America to business entrepreneur, I applaud the publication of his second book. Recognizing how the landscape for the executive job hunt has changed, Mr. Wood provides important insights into the varied campaigns the successful candidate should undertake in this search. From thinking out of the box in developing your network of contacts, to understanding the power and the limitations of the internet, to setting critical hurdles for yourself - this book will challenge you to discipline and challenge yourself in this journey. This is the seasoned professional's "no holes barred" handbook for negotiating the landscape for the "next chapter". There are immediate and life lessons to be learned from this important book.

Principal, Quality Systems Management, Tewksbury MA
With over 40 years backgroud in the high tech field, I have experienced "job transitioning" several times; often as a painful journey. Orwin Wood, in his latest book, pulls together everything which took me 4 decades to accumulate.
I especially enjoyed reading the chapter on networking and the specific tips on being alert to hidden job possibiities. Had this particular guidance been available to me in years past, my own job searches would have been much less difficult.

Executive Job Search is an outstanding manual/guide for most levels of job hunters, even those not actively seeking new employment. I have recommended the book to friends and clients.

I used first hand the strategy defined in this book.
I used first hand the strategy defined in this book. Guess what? It works.

After losing my job at Agilent Technologies in Andover, MA in 2001, I spent 10 months in the Boston area looking for another job. There was none until I met Orrin and followed step by step what he prescribes in this book. I found my dream job 5 months later in the Washington,DC area.

The Executive Job Search by Orrin Wood
This book is the most comprehensive guide through the intricacies of the job search process that I have ever found. It methodically walks the reader through the complete executive job search process. Actually, to say it is comprehensive is an understatement. Orrin Wood starts at the very beginning prior to departing from one's current position, he proceeds to literally dissect the whole search process itself, finishing with the eventual adjustment period in the new job and beyond. It is rich with examples and step-by-step instructions on how to develop the necessary material for a successful job search. Then, to ensure successful use of the material just generated, Orrin Wood carefully alerts the reader to the many subtle pitfalls at various points in the search process, and the do's & don'ts to avoid them. In addition, applicable outside resources have been inserted throughout the book, making it an ideal primary guide during the job search. This book is a "must-read" for any executive who is realistic about the uncertainties in today's marketplace!

Orrin Wood's "Executive Job Search"
I have been through job transition three times. Orrin Wood's Executive Job Search is by far the most complete, easy to read, practical, hands-on job change book I have read.
The section, Checklist for Evaluating your Campaign, was especially helpful to maintain my momentum and feel I was making progress. I had plenty of opportunity to practice the section, Dealing with Rejection, and several times received valuable information and referrals after being told "NO."
ex CFO for three high tech companies ... Read more

Book Description

For every college graduate—the savvy, witty, comprehensive survival guide to getting on your feet in the Real World.

There you are with a fresh diploma in hand...and the feeling that some of the basics were on a midterm exam you must have missed. Job hunting? Health insurance? Tax forms? Car loans? Never mind just making ends meet.

You can relax—with this guide in hand, you'll have all the answers and insider tips you need to get your post-college life on track. From writing an impressive résumé and landing the right first job (and knowing how long to stay), to managing on a budget, to starting your own business, Stacy Kravetz is the been-around-the-block friend you can count on for sage advice in meeting every Real World challenge. She'll tell you how to find America's most livable cities, advise you on car insurance, help you defuse parental anxieties about your job search, and much more.

You've got an education—Welcome to the Real World will help you get a life. ... Read more

Book Description

From identifying sources of information about positions for academic job seekers of all disciplines, to advising on the preparation of effective CV's and portfolios, through guidance on the process of interview to final negotiation of terms, Formo and Reed provide a savvy guide to the application process.

Informed by the authors' experience, the narratives of current and recent job seekers, and the rhetorical analysis of the processes of application, interview and negotiation, this book offers invaluable advice and insights to anyone contemplating an academic career in today's precarious job market. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very Useful Coaching
Maybe this book is not for everyone, but I truly found large portions of it helpful when I was on the market last year. Women and men-of-color may find it more useful than white men. I especially recommend the chapters on the interview itself. I took this book along in my suitcase, would re-read the interview chapters, and then leave the hotel room, ready to communicate my main message. Only for the socially challenged? Gee I don't think so. One of the important messages of this book is presenting one's authentic self in a stylized way which makes interviewers perceive you as real but fits within the structure of a formal interview. The discussion of the type of school you would prefer and how to fit was useful as well. I requested that our local public library buy this, they bought 2 copies which are usually checked out.

helpful advice from people who have been there
I think the other reviews are much too hard on this book - I found it an extremely helpful resource. Certainly it duplicates a certain amount of information found in other academic job search guides (why is this surprising? 90% of any job search books on the market probably share about 90% of the same advice), but what is valuable about this book is the perspective that its authors bring to the topic. Formo and Reed have been on the market recently, and understand the experience very personally. For me, this made the book more useful than what I would consider the closest runner-up, the also excellent _The Academic Job Search Handbook_ by Heiberger and Vick (their advice is great and they are very sympathetic, but their distance from the personal experience of the job search occasionally made me resentful of how easily they talked about this difficult process). What I found particularly helpful about the Formo and Reed book was how they were able to discuss and provide examples of how necessary it is to get a real sense of oneself across in job applications. Using the Heiberger/Vick book, I produced applications that looked just like anyone else's; using the Formo and Reed book, I was able to come up with applications that looked like me. Finally, if, as one reader comments, these books are filled with information that any advanced grad student would know already, I advise her/him to check out any number of graduate programs that do nothing to prepare their graduates for the professional process of job applications, and in which students honestly in fact *don't* know much of what this book explains (it amazed me too, but I've been at conferences with such people...).

When common sense and simple courtesy fail...
The authors seem to assume that by the time most graduate students complete and defend their dissertations they are bereft of the simplest social graces. Doctorally prepared adults who can't keep themselves from being obstreperous with prospective colleagues, chairpersons and deans need therapy and not "strategic rhetorics." This is a poorly written and highly dispiriting book. You'd do well to stay away from it.

Mediocre
Although this book offers some useful information for those seeking employment in academia, it offers too little and very little that is original. The authors have constructed a conceptual framework for job-seekers that is long-winded and self-evident. Drawing the distinction between a "dialectic" and a "dialogic" atmosphere--one of argument and one of mutual discussion, respectively--they suggest to follow the latter. In short, they warn us not to argue with potential employers during the interview. The book does offer several sample vitae and letters of application, for employment at various types of colleges (research university, teaching college, community college). This is the most concrete and useful part of the book, although it doesn't offer many insights that a new Ph.D. wouldn't already have. ... Read more