In this book, Nick explains why the traditional job hunt almost never works. Then he outlines an absolutely brilliant method of breaking away from the Human Resources machine and separating yourself from the herd of "cows" looking for jobs.
Best of all, almost nobody is going to do it! It is far too different and requires too much work for most people. Which means the few of us who follow his advice have that much more of an advantage.
Old way: Scan the help wanted ads, the internet job sites, register with a recruiting agency. Send out dozens, maybe hundreds, of resumes. All of which gets you into the Personnel Department, where people who do not understand the work you do scan through a checklist and try to find reasons to disqualify you. Even when you find a job that fits you perfectly, now you are one of perhaps a hundred would-be applicants.
Nick's way: Do some in-depth research to discover the companies you'd like to work for. (His advice: "Don't look for a job, look for a company.") Then ask yourself how you might become an "insider." Do you know anybody who works there? Can you find out who their customers are? Their vendors? He offers various ways of getting an inside track to speak directly to the person you would be working for -- not someone in Human Resources. Then when you meet, do the job right then and there! Show them how you work, how you think.
I read this book last week, and followed its suggestions: I did a good deal of research on target companies over the weekend, arranged a personal referral to the hiring manager (not the personnel department) of one of them, and have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday. Having done my homework, I already know what probelms the company is facing. When I get there, I'm going to steer the conversation toward that issue, and start working on that problem right then and there.
To this point, I am further along toward a job I really want with a company I REALLY want than I ever would have been the old way. All because of this book.
Most of the techniques in this book are unconventional. But as the author stresses, being different works in the ruthless hiring game. The author forces you to examine yourself, focus your search, and concentrate on only a few jobs and companies. His most compelling advice is to do the job in the interview itself. Most of us have never been taught the importance of this simple yet powerful technique. "Do the job in the interview." It is the mantra of this book.
It is rare for a headhunter to share the secrets of his success. But the author strongly believes in his philosophy, and graciously shares it with us. After reading this book, your perspective of the hiring process will be altered drastically. That alone might be the most salient feature of this tremendous work.
The subjects discussed in this book will make you a more attractive candidate, along with a better interviewer. You will learn how to target your job search, and to focus on what you do best: your work. Regardless of which side of the desk you find yourself, this book should be required reading. As an applicant, you will learn strategies to make you stand out from the crowd. As an employer, you will learn to make more informed hiring decisions, and to reduce the chance of a costly mistake. This book is a powerful tool.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.