Customer Reviews

Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself

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Work 101 is a must read for everyone graduating college and planning to enter the workforce. It's all those things that the student's parents and teachers can't tell them. With much good natured humor, Ms Freedman tells it like it is without being preachy. She's on your side and really wants to help you be a success in the workplace. She covers such topics as appropriate dress and behavior, networking, communication skills and workplace etiquette A great gift for your college graduate All college placement offices should make
their students read this book.

Work 101 helped me to see how I could network more effectively and how I could use the opportunities I now have at work. For example, I never thought about how to use meetings to my advantage. I suppose I always assumed that just being good at my job is enough--but not how to let my supervisor know that. Work 101 has lots of useful suggestions for someone who's been in the workforce a while as well as for someone just getting started in a career. The writing style is engaging and entertaining.

In an easy-to-read format and with spunk and wit fully intact, Ms. Freedman addresses the "how to" of making a new work situation a successful one for both you and your employer. She offers answers to a lot of those questions professionals have that frequently go unanswered, such as what is "business casual" attire anyway and what is the best manner in which to handle a difficult colleague or boss. There is also a lot of wisdom to be found in those sections addressing appropriate uses of email, how to make good (and sustained) impressions on your boss and fellow employees, how to discuss salary increases, and leaving a job gracefully.

Having worked with both undergraduate business majors and long-time professionals, I think all of us can benefit from the information in "Work 101". These are not the lessons learned in college courses but life lessons many of us require, whether we're fresh out of college or have been climbing the corporate ladder for some time. Ms. Freedman acknowledges something that most of us prefer not to admit: that doing well in the workplace isn't just about how well you do your job but that success in the workplace is judged on dozens of other aspects as well, including the flip-flops you wore on casual Friday.

A must-read for anyone striving for a long and prosperous career.

In Work 101, Elizabeth Freedman offers truly practical advice that speaks to new graduates in a concise and humorous way. Way more than a guide to good resume writing or getting your foot in the door--it's a handbook that offers down to earth yet savvy advice to get ahead in the workplace. Should be required reading for college graduates just entering the work force. A perfect graduation gift!

I bought this book for my niece who is in her final year of college and has a job to go to when she graduates. Having been in the business world for a very long time and having interviewed many college students seeking employment, I know there are so many challenges and questions that someone new to the workforce faces. Everyone has the same goal in a new job; be successful while avoiding making unintentional and stupid mistakes that may create negative impressions. This book is a great guide as to what to expect in the working world and how to be successful. The book covers many topics that new professionals will find extremely valuable and will make them feel more comfortable walking into that new job. The book actually drew me in and I read many chapters. I found the advice to be very appropriate even for those in the workforce who are facing challenges getting ahead and those trying to differentiate themselves from their peers. I highly recommend this book.

Ms. Freedman has done a wonderful job demystifying the etiquette of the business world. It is a fun, fast read, full of useful information. I agree with other reviewers-a great gift for any college grad.

A friend gave me this book to read and since I have already been in the workforce for well over 10 years I thought to myself, how can this help me? Well I am glad I decided to read this book because it not only offers a step by step guide for those recent graduates, but more importantly it offered great advice and ideas to anyone in today's Corporate America. It put things in perspective for me like how little things you can do to promote yourself and how making your efforts visible can really go a long way. Now instead of me keeping my head down at work I make sure to hold meetings with my boss, create visibility to the executives on the projects I work on and it has helped me lead meetings with more success. As someone who goes to a lot of lunch meetings it was nice to have Elizabeth clarify some things that I always questioned. Who orders first? Do I get a beer with lunch? What should I wear? I not only have this book on my desk at work but I recommend it to all new hires I bring into my company. As someone recently engaged I am now just waiting for her next book: Marriage 101, learning women without getting slapped.

As a career counselor working with many seniors I was very interested in diving into this book after meeting Elizabeth Freedman at a workshop. I read Work 101 in just a weekend and couldn't have been more impressed. Elizabeth has a great way of organizing the book, easy to read, and kept my attention the whole way through-- very entertaining for a book on professionalism! PERFECT for anyone entering or new to the work place-- her writing style and examples are exactly what our students can relate to and learn from!!

I am in my mid-30's and have had a career for over 10 years now. I purchased Work 101 on a whim and I am so glad I did!! I read career-related books all the time but this is the most well-written, practical book I have ever read!!!! Bravo Ms. Freedman!!
T. Hunter, M.S., C.R.C

I am a new hire trainer and I found the information in Work 101 a great tool to share with my new team members. Many of our new people are recent graduates, so the advice Ms. Freedman gives is very helpful. Though, even for my more seasoned people, there are lessons to be learned!