The Definitive Job Book

With my second book review in as many week's I could become the new Richard & Judy.  However, as with the last book, I have rather let myself down by not actually reading the whole book.

However, that's not going to stop me blogging about it.

This week's book is The Definitive Job Book (Rules from the Recruitment Insiders) by Anne Watson.  Anne is a lovely person and has written two other books called The Book of Happiness and The Book of Luck.  She'll be pleased to know I've actually read both of these and thought they were great.

Her latest book is for jobseekers and whilst there must be hundreds of books about interview techniques, writing a CV, psychometric testing, etc, there are very few which cover the full job-searching, application, interview and negotiation process.   Anne's got a real handle on the recruitment process (with 25 years recruitment industry experience) but what's also great, is that she's stuffed the book full of tips from other industry experts. Tim Elkington is one of these experts and one of his contributions reads:

Just because Starbucks is a coffee chain, it does not mean that all they are looking for is baristas.  They will need accountancy, operations, marketing, sales, legal, property and administration people just like anyone else.  Check out those opportunities within brands that you know and think you may like.

Even with the small amount of the book I've managed so far I am impressed and I'm sure that once I finally find the time to read the book I will be even more so.  But don't just take my word for it have a look on Amazon.  There are 9 reviews so far and all give the book five stars.

Obviously if you are a recruiter who is looking for a new job you might find the book useful (although you probably ought to know a fair bit about the process!).  However, the real reason I'm mentioning the book is because I think it would be great for you to recommend it to candidates who are struggling with the process.  Some quality recruiters may have a "candidate toolkit" into which this would fit (I'll write more about this another time), however, even if you don't stretch to that you can provide candidates with a reading list.  I'd suggest this is one book you should certainly add to it.

Due to the generosity of Anne and her publisher we have six copies of the book to give away.  If you'd like a copy simply leave a comment here with your email address and I'll contact you to sort out delivery.  Sadly, I can only post to UK postal addresses (well, it is a book for the UK market).

Comments

[James]

One of my colleagues has The Book of Happiness on her desk and loves it, so I'm sure this too is a great read. Would love a copy if they're still going, if only so when it arrives I can open it in front of everyone and give my boss the wrong idea just in time for my next appraisal!

Let me know when your 'to-read' pile is at a manageable level and I'll send you a couple that I reckon you'll love too.

James

[Anne Watson]

Hi Louise
Thanks for the kind words! I think that recruiters might find this book will save them hours of time with people who ask them for help with their CV and who need support to make the next career move. Just recommend the book and save yourself hours of time! All feedback is most gratefully received by me, by the way.
Anne

[Lesley]

Hi Louise,

I'd love a copy of the book if there's any left so that I can pass it around our consultants to read & recommend. Am also v. interested in reading more about the candidate toolkit when you write about it at a later stage.

[Jason B]

This is my tenth year in recruitment and I am still learning lessons from those around me. One of those lessons is that despite this being a cynical and 'salesy' industry, there are exceptional recruiters who do it because they love it and they show their passion by sharing their knowledge. If there is a copy left, please add me to the list. Thanks