Job Search Bloopers: Every Mistake You Can Make on the Road to Career Suicide...and How to Avoid Them [Paperback]

Laura DeCarlo and Susan Guarneri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2008

You've been told, "Learn from your mistakes."

But why? You don't have to waste your time or energy in missing out on the job of your dreams while learning as you go!

In Job Search Bloopers you'll peek into the lives of job seekers as they share their sometimes hilarious and all-too-often horrendous career blunders. With each story you'll also gain practical and easily applicable real-world advice on how to avoid making the same or similar bloopers while maximizing your success in attaining your next position.

This book will furnish you with the tools you need to succeed against:
* Job-Application Avalanches: Maximize this "simple" document and stop taking it for granted.
* Resume-Writing Roadblocks: Ensure your resume rises to the top of the stack.
* Cover-Letter Casualties: Make your cover letter your greatest application asset.
* Follow-Up-Letter Follies: Secure a second interview, even if you think you failed in the first one.
* Job Search Jinxes: Land your next job at least 50 percent faster.
* Networking Nightmares: Leverage your network to find the hidden job opportunities.
* Common Job Curses: Select the job that will be right for you and that leads to greater satisfaction and longevity.
* Interviewing Inadequacies: Master easy techniques to stand out in the interview.
* Slippery Salary Slopes: Increase or double your salary by asking one simple question.
* Job-Reference Rejects: Move your references from passive speaker to personal champion.

Whether you read cover-to-cover or pick out the topics relevant to your current needs, you're certain to eliminate the roadblocks standing between you and your new job with Job Search Bloopers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Laura DeCarlo, BA, MCD, CEIC, CERW, CCMC, is president of Career Directors International, the premier educational and credentialing organization for career professionals. She has 16 years of expertise in resume writing and career coaching as principal of A Competitive Edge Career Service, LLC. She has earned 12 certifications, published two interviewing books, and received numerous resume writing and job placement awards.

Susan Guarneri, the "Career Assessment Goddess," has assisted professionals, companies, colleges, non-profits, and government with career consulting for 22 years. With a master's degree in counseling from the Johns Hopkins University, she holds 12 certifications (career counseling/coaching, resume writing, and personal branding) and has been published in 40-plus books, top-ranked careers Websites, and blogs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Career Press (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601630166
• ISBN-13: 978-1601630162
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #910,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look past the cover! This has substance, August 18, 2008

By 

Gayle Howard "Master Resume Writer" (Chirnside Park, Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Job Search Bloopers: Every Mistake You Can Make on the Road to Career Suicide...and How to Avoid Them (Paperback)

The old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is definitely true in the case of "Job Search Bloopers" by Laura DeCarlo and Susan Guarneri. When I first viewed the book on the shelf, the cartoon cover and fun title led me to believe that I'd be reading fluffy, turn-the-page quickly anecdotes from a series of unfortunate job seekers--something like the "Darwin Awards" of the careers industry.

What I wasn't prepared for, was that this content-rich book was going to be a must read for all job seekers. Based on numerous true-to-life examples from professional resume writing members of Career Directors International, this book covers everything from cover letter casualties, resume writing roadblocks, interview inadequacies and more...in fact, every part of the job search experience where something can go wrong (and has) is covered.

Just pointing out mistakes made by job seekers is only part of the book and this is where the nuggets of gold can be found as the authors excel in creating new strategies so that job seekers can either overcome, or hopefully never have to face, these self-sabotaging stumbles.

The strategies are smart, intelligent and commonsense and you can either read from beginning-to-end or you can choose individual chapters to source information that suits your situation. If there is one thing I have learned in life, it is when one person has a disappointing experience, he or she is not the only one! You can learn from the mistakes of others in an entertaining way, while at the same time finding out what to do to resolve it, or do it better next time.

Truly a must-have in the library of job seekers globally.

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and fun read for job seekers!, August 15, 2008

By 

Tamara "Tamara" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Job Search Bloopers: Every Mistake You Can Make on the Road to Career Suicide...and How to Avoid Them (Paperback)

This book offers practical advice for the job seeker. Whether you are a recent grad or more seasoned professional, you'll find tips to improve your resume, your interviewing, and your follow-up after the interview. So many of my clients struggle with the follow-up process. Should I call...should I email...use a handwritten note or a formal letter? Read the book to find the answer. :)

What makes the book fun is the authors first share an amusing blooper tale. They follow with straight-forward strategies for success.

As a professional resume writer with 9 years of experience, I recommend this book to my clients. I preview lots of books for my clients and this one compelled me to write a recommendation.