I would be the last one to suggest you leave your interview preparation to the last minute. So, I hesitated when I saw the title of this book and its subhead: “Prepare tonight and get the job tomorrow.” Hmm…Maybe not a good idea to suggest this tact to job seekers? In fact, the authors note that, ideally, you will spend a week or two preparing for an interview.
However, I like the gist of the book – you don’t need to memorize pat answers to questions in order to get the job. This is something I absolutely agree with, so I thought it would be worth reviewing Michael Farr and Dick Gaither’s Next-Day Job Interview for my readers.
I was not disappointed! Even reading the introduction can help job seekers dramatically improve their readiness for an interview. Questions such as: “Can you talk the talk of the industry, using buzzwords, jargon and acronyms that are common to the industry?” and “Can you identify three prominent employment-related successes or achievements you’ve had and talk about your role in them?” These are two of the key, important elements of interviewing that I teach my clients.
The book continues by describing various interview formats. It’s important to be prepared to handle all different circumstances and types of questions, so this section is a great help.
Self-analysis (knowing what you have to offer – and how it relates to your targeted job) is another crucial aspect of interviewing well, and the book helps walk the reader through identifying his or her skills, as well as outlines important skills that most employers seek, such as the ability to learn, communication and writing skills and others.
This in-depth book also offers four different approaches to the all important question, “Tell me about yourself?” (Skills based, personal history, defined focus and “returning the question.” The descriptions include impressive suggestions and tips to think about how to respond to this “make or break” question.
Next-Day Job Interview is a very thorough, well designed book to assist the job seeker in mastering the all important interview stage. However, I really think the title is a bit of a misnomer, as I have yet to meet job seeker who can really take full advantage of this terrific information in less than several weeks without a coach.
So, my advice? Get this book NOW – before you are preparing for a specific interview – use the tips and tricks and you will be way ahead of the game when you get the call for an interview “tomorrow.”
Win a copy of this book! Just comment on one of my blogs regarding the review. Enter at all of my posts for a better chance at the random drawing:
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Sometimes, it pays to hire a coach to help you prepare for an interview! Need some help getting your job search jump started? Not sure you can put all of the great tools at your disposal to good use? Need a great resume? Learn how I can help you propel your job hunt forward.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the review! There are oodles and oodles of job interview books out there, so we appreciate you culling them down for us. This one appears very resourceful.
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Thanks Miriam!
As an HR professional in transition and in many job networking support groups, it is always helpful to present new and effective tools for the many folks we volunteer to serve at these meetings. I will be sharing this review with the members of all groups. If I win a copy, all the better!
Best to you,
Marilyn Mullen
Love the review. I work with students on resumes and interviews and this sounds like this is a tool they would use!
This sounds like a great read for any recent graduate, like myself trying to find a job, and needing to really ace every interview!
As an HR professional, I love reading these books to help prepare for my end of the interview. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks for the review! This book looks like a great investment. As a current job seeker, I struggle with the idea of memorizing stock answers to typical interview questions (especially the dreaded “tell me about yourself” question) – it just seems insincere to me. However, it seems like this book offers some great guidance on HOW to go about addressing the question, not WHAT to say. I’m looking forward to picking up this book!
@lacretia
Good Review! I’m a recent college grad, so I love reading books to look for as many tips as possible to get that first job (or an internship or two).
@Marilyn Mullen -
You won! I’ll be in touch to get your mailing address!
Best,
Miriam
I have looked at many sites and not previously come across a site such as yours which tells everyone all they need to know.I have added you to my bookmarks. Can anyone suggest other related topics that I can search for to get more information?