Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods for a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20 years ago, there are still some basic principles that remain timeless. Many books and resources agree on the proper attire, methods of answering questions, and other things critical for a successful job interview.

But one book, while written in the 1990s, still provides exceptional insights into overcoming barriers to employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L. Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications, Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN: 0-957057-0-6.

Job Clubs Help
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through the stages of unemployment. As more job clubs are formed across the nation, job seekers have the opportunity of getting expert help with job search skills and practice their networking techniques on a regular basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a job seeker looking for help with your next job, this book would be a good resource to use.

This book is written for the benefit of a job coach or career mentor, and how they can help candidates advance through a job search using suggested scenarios.

On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly find information pertinent to their unique situation, and how to conquer barriers to employment based on their individual circumstances.

Two Sides of a Problem
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcoming barriers to employment. A key element of this, after identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate's perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's perception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of what makes this book such a great resource.

Half of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers, arranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which cannot be solved are those which you do not take the time to address, or those which the candidate is unwilling to address."

Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
In more than 150 pages of the book, this section identifies barriers to employment, the employer's concern as well as the candidate's concern with that barrier, suggests proactive methods to address the barrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar topics to learn from. There are also mini case studies of candidates' experiences in overcoming these barriers.

Through the use of examples, every type of situation from A to Z is discussed - candidates who are homeless, gang members, convicted felons, overqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and more. It also addresses physical barriers, such as hygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.

The book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the barriers while developing resumes and other marketing documents, filling out application forms, and while preparing for a job interview.

While this book may be dated, according to the publication date, the information inside is not dated, and is pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation, even today.

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From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.

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Job Interview Tips - 3 Important Things To Always Remember

A job interview can be a daunting experience. One of the big challenges is to come across as being confident even though you are very nervous. For most of us there is a lot on the line when we go for that job interview and if its that dream job then its really important that you put your best foot forward and show them what you are made off. Interviews need not be such a nerve wrecking experience. By following some basic tips you can be calm, confident and completely in control. Lets quickly look at 3 important things that you need to keep in mind at all times.

1. Punctuality
Needless to say, when you are late for your interview you might as well not go. Punctuality is something that is valued by all employers simply because it speaks volumes about your ability to organize your time. Always be prepared for the worse. Plan for that traffic jam and if you use public transport, make sure you plan for the worse. Always arrive 10 minutes early and never arrive 1 hour early.

2. Body Language
As I already mentioned, coming across as a confident person is incredibly important. Your body language will however be an easy way to tell if you are not confident. Try and look people in the eye when you talk to them. Don't twitch with your hands and move slowly and deliberately. Try and relax as nervousness is a trait of someone who is not very confident.

3. Talking About Yourself
Its amazing how most people tend to sell themselves short. We all have this fear of coming across as arrogant and often we sell ourselves short during a job interview. Its important that you speak confidently about your qualifications, your experience and your skills. The important distinction is to not talk up your personality traits too much as that can come across as being arrogant. Talk up your skills, experience and qualifications as much as you can.

They say that people form impressions of each other within the first 5 seconds when they meet. Needless to say that first impressions count - and they count a lot in a job interview. Make sure you present well and do whatever it takes to make that first five seconds count. It can make or break your interview and maybe even your job opportunity and your career.

Do you know what the frequently asked interview questions are? See my blog for some great interview techniques and tips to help you out...

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