Cracking the New Job Market

September 1, 2011

In the new, competitive job market, many books on job hunting have recommended demonstrating one's value, exploiting social media connections, and crafting careful interview strategies to gain employment. Holland, an HR and career management consultant, covers all of these in a clear, positive style and adds advice not often seen, on such topics as how parents can get their children started effectively and how to manage finances during unemployment. The chapter on resume creation details a strategy for close reading of want ads and provides before and after examples, plus sample cover letters. In the chapter on negotiating benefits, Holland walks the reader through prioritizing wants and needs. The traditional face-to-face interview is amply covered, as are mealtime interviews, group competitions, telephone and video interviews, and hostile questions. VERDICT Three of the seven rules included here are about demonstrating or creating value--not exactly new ideas--but the content of this book deserves a second look. Recommended for public and academic career services collections.--Heidi Senior, Univ. of Portland, OR

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.