Debra L. Angel

Endorsed by Richard Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, 6 Reasons You’ll Get the Job explains what employers look for when they screen candidates to interview. The authors of the book have distilled the employer wish list into six categories: Presentation, Ability, Dependability, Motivation, Attitude and Network, or PADMAN, and describe how to address each of these categories either in an initial informal meeting with the employer, on the resume or in the formal interview.

The authors examine each category in depth covering topics such as professional presentation, how candidates show, or fail to demonstrate, reliability and motivation and how to use a personal network to find employment opportunities or secure an interview. The book is unique because it explains from the employer’s perspective how candidates’ qualities are measured and can supersede demonstrated ability (such as a degree or previous work experience) especially when other candidates possess the same abilities.

The authors focus on how candidates can explain their transferrable skills to potential employers, – by preparing relevant stories and providing demonstrable facts. They include anecdotes and examples to demonstrate effective employment of their techniques.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to overcoming a wide range of barriers to employment, such as pursuing a career transition when one has limited or no experience in the new occupation or easing employer concerns about accommodating a disability. Though some of barriers are protected by human rights legislation, the authors are frank in explaining that employers may not realize they are discriminating against a candidate. The book suggests how candidates can deal with these issues by turning them into strengths. If the reader is dealing with a lack of industry experience, a common concern amongst recent graduates, the authors explain how the candidate can memorably articulate their strengths to an employer. A memorable candidate, one that is thought of positively by the employer, will most often receive offer.

Filled with examples and techniques readers can easily use, 6 Reasons You’ll Get the Job is for work searchers who need to improve their application materials and their techniques for approaching employers. By taking the employer’s perspective, the book has a unique point of view and a matter-of-fact style.… (mer)