careers

In the past, having a job interview has been a fear-inspiring event. Not only have I been unable to sleep the night before an interview, but the following evening has also caused me insomnia: how was I supposed to answer that question? what were they looking for? are my chances for getting a job ruined?
This book has given me a new edge. Not only was the witty writing enjoyable to read, but I no longer look at interviews (and interviewers!) as obstacles on the windy road to employment. Now I have an understanding of what is being expected of me and of how I can frame myself in the most positive light when asked unusual questions.
Additionally, the sections in this guide dealing with the job-seeking blues have been particularly timely. To get my current position, I had to interview and apply to well over sixteen companies. The tips in this guide about networking and following up were what finally landed me a position as a property manager in a firm that I really enjoy.
To the author: Thank You!

During the 1980s and 1990s, I read just about every job book published. Of all those books, What Color is Your Parachute? and Don't Send A Resume stand out in my memory. And now I can add a third.

When I first came across this book, I recognized Chandra Prasad's name because I had read her in the Wall Street Journal countless times.

This book was well-researched, and it helps the reader connect the dots. I've read books where the author admonishes the reader, "Make sure you research the company! Look them up in Value Line!" I've been on dozens of interviews and have found this advice completely worthless. You probably have, also. This made me think maybe I could write such drivel and sell a book.

Quite frankly, you won't impress an interviewer just because you can rattle off the names of the members of the Board of Directors or quote from the company's last annual report. If anything, you will just irritate this person--especially if you don't know other things that you should know.

Ms. Prasad took a different approach, telling us what kind of information to look for when researching a company. As I read this, I thought, "Yes! This is exactly what a job seeker needs to know!" And so it went throughout the book.

Ms. Prasad's practical advice takes you through the entire job search process, starting with a personal inventory--a step most people shortchange because they don't understand how to do it. And they pay for that shortcut with longer job searches and shorter stretches of employment. That consequence is true of each step in the job search process, actually. Which is why the approach of this book is so valuable to anybody who is in the job market. Most people let the job market beat them, but this book shows you how to beat the job market--just as its title implies. If you want to win this particular battle of wits, you need to be well-armed--and this book is a regular Howitzer.

If you hold a job, you are likely to be looking for one soon. If you are looking for a job, you will likely be looking again. If you are spending your time massaging your resume, you will be looking for a while. If you take the time to read and apply this book, you will shorten your job search and lengthen your subsequent employment.

just gave this book to my college graduate and it really helped him polish his skills and gain more confidence for the whole process