Synopses & Reviews
A witty, friendly, unexpected job hunter's bible that finally answers the real questions. Yes, if you're wedded to your nose ring, wear it to the interview. No, you shouldn't be e-mailing out hundreds of résumés. Writing with enormous authority and a compelling, lively voice, Ellen Reeves brings together her lifetime of experience of hiring, counseling, and résumé-doctoring into an essential guide for young job seekers.
Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? takes readers step-by-step through a process that was always tough, but is today especially challenging. Begin the search with a professional mind-set--get organized, and set yourself up with business cards, a respectable e-mail address, and a working cell phone. The importance of networking and the rule of three--try to make three e-mails or phone calls a day, but never more than that. The "elevator speech"--hone your pitch to the length of an elevator ride and be prepared to use it at the most unexpected times. The art of writing cringe-free cover letters and killer résumés--from timelines, hooks, and grammatical do's and don'ts to why you should never use the phrase "References available upon request," never include your GPA, and never, ever make a typo. How to dress for an interview, including why to put on your business clothes when interviewing at home, over the phone. Things to be honest about: citizenship and past salary range. And things not to say: "I want this job because I need health insurance."
Then once you're in, how to negotiate salary, what to expect in a review, and basic first job common sense: take initiative, be humble and helpful, never use your boss as a confidant, and always say "I'll find out" instead of "I don't know." Now you're on your way.
Review
"Ellen Reeves has entered the depths of young job-seekers' minds, answering the questions most are afraid to put into words. If people are smart enough to listen to her, I may have fewer bloopers to add to my collection from interviews-gone-bad!"--Karen Danziger, Managing Partner, The Howard-Sloan-Koller Group
Review
"Simply excellent...This clear and accurate book covers all the bases. Its essential message--'Be Yourself'--is refreshing and true." --Malcolm MacKay, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates
Review
“This short, witty paperback, a favorite of both Linda Spencer, career counselor at Harvard Extension School, and Maria Stein, career services director at Northeastern University, is an easy read. Stein says, ‘This is a book Millenials can relate to.”
- The Boston Globe
Review
“Reevess book answers every question imaginable during a job hunt.” —Chicago Sun-Times
Review
“Reeves, through her book, may become the best friend a college student (and hiring managers) could have. The first task on a job seekers to-do list should be to read this book.” —Asheville Citizen-Times
Review
“Reevess book offers a plethora of job-seeking advice, from time-management tips to presentation skills.”
- The Greenville News
Review
“Whether you already think youve got the goods or are frantically attempting to join the five-year plan at school, Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? has something in its pages to make you breathe easier as you enter that dreaded real world.”
- Campus Circle magazine
Review
“Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? is designed to answer any and all real-life questions of the newly employable.”
- Bookpage
Synopsis
Writing with enormous authority and a compelling, lively voice, Reeves brings together her lifetime of experience of hiring, counseling, and resume-doctoring into an essential guide for young job seekers.
Synopsis
This fresh, authoritative guide isn't just for nose-ring wearers. It's for anyone who's ready to get serious about the job search, in any economy. Start by approaching your search with a professional mind-set--from printing business cards (before you're in business) to dressing the part (even for that phone interview) --and follow through strategically: writing a killer cover letter and résumé, nailing the interview, negotiating salary, getting your career off on the right foot, and establishing lifelong skills for presenting yourself on and off paper.
About the Author
Ellen Gordon Reeves is a workplace and career expert who has lent her expertise to a variety of media outlets, including CNN's
Your Money,
US News and World Report, EXTRA,
The CBS Early Show, ABC
Money Matters, Fox
News Edge,
MoneyWatch.com, NPR's
Morning Edition, and
The Atlantic. Trained in comedy writing and improvisation by Second City, Reeves is a frequent public speaker, consulting to individuals and institutions. She is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Arts in Writing and Teaching Writing from Northeastern University. Reeves is also a resident job-hunting expert at the Columbia Publishing Course with Columbia University in New York.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Welcome to Job, Inc.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Chapter 2: Working Your Network
Finding and Making the Most of Your Connections
Chapter 3: The Story in Your Résumé
The Piece of Paper that Says It All
Chapter 4: The Must-Read Cover Letter
Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Chapter 5: Rallying Your References
Setting Up Your Fan Club
Chapter 6: Getting Through the Interview
Preparation is Everything
Chapter 7: Weighing the Offer
What to Say Before "I'll Take It!"
Chapter 8: You've Got the Job
Now What Are You Going to Do?
Chapter 9: The Art of Moving On
(Whether It's Your Choice or Theirs)
Good Luck!
Index