Q: Who will benefit from this book?
A: The book is designed to help college seniors right after graduation. But it can be equally helpful to anyone hoping to find a job, improve career performance, improve work-life balance, or simply lead a more productive life.
Q: Will I be able to identify the chapters most important to me?
A: Yes, the book is written in five distinct parts: Reflect on Your Life, Land a Job, Maximize
Your Productivity, Communicate Effectively, and Make Meaningful Connections. You can easily find the sections most relevant for you.
Q: How will this book help me get a job?
A: “ Part II: Land a Job” is dedicated to helping you find strong job opportunities. Although no book can guarantee a job, following the guidance in the book can lead you toward finding a position that’s fulfilling for you.
Q: I’ve decided to attend graduate school. Will this book still help me?
A: Definitely. Skills in networking, public speaking, leadership, time management, and communication--all covered in the book-- directly enhance success in graduate school life.
Q: Should I read this book before or after I finish college?
A: Either. Reading the book before you graduate will enable you to hit the ground running in pursuing your career, but the book contains tips that can benefit you years after graduation.
Q: I’m the parent of a recent college graduate. Will this book help me to help my child in pursuing future endeavors?
A: Parents certainly will find the book informative and will pick up tips to give their children on how to succeed after college.
Q: How relevant is the book for today’s graduates?
A: The ideas and guidelines in the book are timeless. In addition, the book contains firsthand accounts from recent college graduates and young professionals on their experiences, trials, and successes.
Q: After finding a job, will this book teach me how to keep it? Or, better yet, excel in it?
A: Absolutely. “Part IV: Communicate Effectively” addresses professional behavior and discusses communication, leadership, and performance standards that are important for success in the workplace.
Q: Is it critical that I find a job right after graduation?
A: No. There are no rules for when you have to apply for your first full-time job. Productive use of your time after college graduation can provide experiences that will enrich your job
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applications. Internships, volunteer work, and graduate school can be good alternatives to diving straight into a full-time job. Life experience and technical skills gained in these endeavors can be beneficial when you do enter a professional industry as a full-time employee. The book discusses alternatives to immediate, full-time employment and how to gain the most value from these experiences.
Q: I’m nervous about networking. Does the book provide tips on how to network successfully?
A: The book covers networking skills and preparation methods that can help allay nervousness about the networking process. Although networking may be a challenge, the relationships that result can be invaluable for professional advancement. Read more about networking in chapter
24, “Build Relationships through Networking.”
Q: What makes or breaks an interview?
A: Preparation is key. This means doing your research to know exactly the responsibilities of the job you are applying for, and how those responsibilities fit into the organization’s goals. In addition, make sure to dress appropriately for the work environment. Showing up underdressed or overdressed does not give a positive first impression.
Q: What is the most important thing to remember when trying to land a job?
A: Show your passion! Even if you are highly qualified, an interviewer probably isn’t going to give you the job if you seem disinterested or passive. Employers are far more likely to hire candidates who show that they are informed about the company and the position, who demonstrate their passion for the work, and who convey their excitement about supporting the mission and purpose of the organization.
Q: Help! I’m embarking on a job search and don’t know where to start!
A: The first thing to do is get organized. Develop a personal mission statement, articulating what matters most to you as you go forward in life. Devise a list of specific short-term and long-term job and career goals based on that mission statement. Now, write out your plan of attack to achieve these goals in your search for the right job— including whom you will contact, what websites you’ll visit, and all the networking events you’ll attend.
Q: What traits make an effective leader?
A: Effective leaders take action; they stay focused on their vision and goals; they are willing to say no; they are extraordinarily reliable, trustworthy, and hard-working; they plan ahead; they listen; and they are dedicated to self-improvement.
Now What Q&As
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