“The First 60 Seconds” is subtitled “Win the Job Interview Before It Begins” but it could be subtitled, “How To Get a Job Even if You Don’t Have the Sense That God Gave to Most People” or even, “How To Get a Job Even if Your Mother Never Taught You Nothing”
Much of the advice on offer is just common sense or good manners. That said, this is an excellent resource if you’re the intended audience. You know who you are.
The author repeatedly stresses that there will be many qualified candidates for any job that you apply for, and it is to your benefit to differentiate yourself from the other applicants.
One way to accomplish this goal is to demonstrate superior communication skills. Your resume should be tailored specifically to match up with to exact wording of the job description. Prior to an interview, you should enlist someone to conduct a mock interview, so that you are comfortable answering questions about your credentials. You should practice speaking audibly, making eye contact, sitting up straight, smiling genuinely, and giving a firm, two second handshake. Stick to relevant topics, don’t broach politics, religion or sex. Don’t lie. Don’t bad-mouth past employers.
Your grooming and presentation at the interview can communicate how serious you are about getting the job, according to the author. He gives very specific directives: Black shoes, belt and purse. Wear dark colors. Make sure your sleeves are of an appropriate length. Iron and lint brush your outfit. There should be no stains on your suit coat. And also – this is a direct quote – “The interview is no place for a backpack.” And furthermore –“Do not use neckwear to make a statement of any kind”.
Another way to stand out from the herd is by expressing your personality. The author suggests sending a Personality Profile along with your resume and cover letter. This Profile should include information about your “passions”, hobbies, and personal life. This, to me, seems like over-sharing. Does your potential boss care about your flugelhorn playing? Your unicycling? And there’s a reason you don’t traditionally tell potential employers about your small children or your religious affiliation - it’s fodder for discrimination.
Bottom line: This book tells you all the things that you would already know about professional conduct if you weren’t raised by wolves. Wolf-offspring, rejoice. ( )