getAbstract Summary: Get the key points from this book in less than 10 minutes.

Authors who write career-advice books have a problem, because every person's situation is different. Many such books stick to general, tried-and-true pointers, but Robin Ryan takes a different angle: advising job seekers to turn themselves into brands. Her idea is that since people excel at doing the things they like best, you should identify your preferences and promote your strengths. In addition to discussions of everything from personal grooming to finding a mentor, Ryan includes checklists and self-assessment questionnaires that some readers may find helpful. She omits some issues, such as the problems of older job seekers, or those confronted with nepotism and other career blockades, so getAbstract recommends her manual most strongly to young people looking for their first jobs. However, don't ignore it if you're a midcareer manager who is stagnating in your current position.

Book Publisher:

Copyright © Robin Ryan, 2005

Used by arrangement with The Penguin Press, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.