5 necessary skills to keep your career on track / Richard S. Pearson.
Material type:
TextPublication details: Denver, Colo. : Outskirts Press, Inc., c2011.Edition: New 2nd edDescription: xiv, 210 p. : ill. ; 22 cmISBN: - 9781432741372 (pbk.)
- 1432741373 (pbk.)
- HF5381 .P324 2009
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Includes bibliographical references (207-210).
The future of jobs -- The ability to recognize : what's going on around you? -- Being proactive -- Networking effectively -- Dealing with bad managers -- Find and foster mentor relationships -- The 5 skills in practice : maintaining your self-worth and taking charge of your career -- Where will the new jobs come from? -- How to speed the new job process along : a 90 plan -- Women overtake men as the dominant gender of the workforce -- Keeping the job you have - much easier than finding a new one -- I hat my job (but doing nothing about it) - only you can take charge of your career -- Writing an effective resume -- Cover letters with impact -- Choose your career advisor wisely : some "so-called" experts just in it for the money - no real-world experience -- Stressed out workers in stagnant careers - cause or effect? -- Interviewing from a position of strength -- Negotiate for the best job offer -- Make your move - get a new job or promotion now -- Career success : doing what you love to do.
Patron comment on 2014-04-15
With the growing prominence of managerial “self-help” books and movements, “5 Necessary Skills to Keeping Your Career On Track,” by Richard S. Pearson was perhaps a few years before its time. Also known as “5 Necessary Skills To Maintain Employment in Tumultuous Times,” the book emphasizes self-awareness, an understanding of one’s external environment, and several “hard” skills in the creation and maintenance of a successful career. Pearson perhaps sets himself apart by staging his book as a remedy for unemployment in today’s unfavorable job markets, rather than just another career guide. He lays out each skill in its own chapter, and then provides background and support for each. For example, he places emphasis on knowing what’s around you, particularly in your field – will the job you seek be unnecessary in 5 years? Will you be replaced by computers? An underlying theme which stood out to me is Pearson’s attempt to dispel the ideas of ego and narcissism so touted by today’s CEOs, in favor of humor, humility, and interpersonal skills. He goes as far as providing instructions on how to act at parties and networking events. Pearson also provides resources on resume and cover letter critiquing, which I feel like detracts from his earlier musings. He does, however, hit the nail on the head in terms of mentorship—also very prominent right now, I feel as though mentorship truly does open many doors to job-seekers. As a student, this book proves to be an excellent resource for soon-to-be or recent graduates, especially those seeking employment in relatively narrow fields.