Beyond Resumes for Dummies

The Nanuet Public Library has an entire section of career and job search books that cover resume writing, job searching, interviewing, and salary negotiation.  If you’re looking for help with traditional job search techniques, you will find it in this section.  However, the purpose of this list is to highlight strategies specific to today’s job market, including how to use social media networks, evade resume scanning software, and answer mind-boggling interview questions. 

What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles (2012, 2013 available soon)

Only 4 to 10% of job seekers will find jobs by responding to online ads, according to author Richard Bolles.  The best strategy is to use a variety of methods in your job hunt. Whether you need interviewing advice, don’t know where to look for jobs, or are pondering a career change, Bolles covers it all.  Updated every year, this book reflects current economic conditions, includes strategies that incorporate social media networks, and suggests websites that are still active.  If you haven't read it already, you should check it out now.

How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ by Brad and Debra Schepp (2012)

You’ve heard of candidates being rejected because a potential employer found scandalous Facebook photos.  Did you know that you can also use Facebook to get yourself hired?  This straightforward book explains how to use social media networks to create a positive digital footprint that reaches potential employers.  This is more appropriate for those new to online networking, but even pros might find useful advice.

The Power Formula for Linked-In Success: Kick-Start Your Business, Brand, and Job Search by Wayne Breitbarth (2011)

A new trend among job seekers is to stand out by creating an online brand.  Breitbarth explains how to use Linked-In to accomplish this.  Written for those unfamiliar with social media networks, this book is easy to follow and provides overlooked common sense tips that might help even Linked-In veterans.

The 2-Hour Job Search : Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster by Steve Dalton (2012)

Dalton's recommendations will take you considerably more than 2 hours, but if you’re willing to work, they might get you hired.  Unlike Breitbarth, Dalton writes for job seekers already comfortable with technology.  For example, he suggests you create an Excel spreadsheet prioritizing job leads.  Even if you don't know Excel, you will benefit from Dalton's advice on how to use social media networks, but he requires serious homework. 

Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google? by William Poundstone (2012)

“You’re in an 8-by-8 stone corridor.  The Prince of Darkness appears before you.  What do you do?”  - a Microsoft interview question.  I bet you’d never expect that question at an interview.  It’s hard enough coming up with an answer to “Tell me about yourself”! In today's competitive job market, ambiguous interview questions have become commonplace, particularly in the IT field.  Poundstone lists a variety of perplexing interview questions, along with creative (and sometimes disturbing) responses.

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This by Kate White (2012)

Former editor of Cosmopolitan Kate White offers career advice to women.  Learn how to introduce yourself to potential employers, dress to get noticed, and use social media networks to create a positive digital footprint.  She also provides dubious advice on managing your personal life, including finding a man…perhaps a topic for another blog.

Resume Writing Websites

Although we have many books on resume writing in our career section, I wanted to highlight a couple of pertinent websites.  Today's job market requires that you get past resume scanning software, which discards resumes that don’t meet criteria specified by HR departments.  Sometimes qualified candidates are overlooked because their resumes are missing vital keywords or are formatted in a way the scanning software can’t read.  You can take advantage of this trend by designing your resume to circumvent electronic gatekeeping devices.  Here are websites that will help you:

How to Game Resume Scanners (2012)

New York City public radio station WNYC recently broadcasted a segment on getting past resume scanners.  Listen to the podcast, read the article, and even view an example of a resume being edited.

Resume, Meet Technology: Making Your Resume Format Machine-Friendly (2012)

The Ladders, a popular website for job-seekers, offers thorough advice on re-formatting your resume to get past scanning software.

Other Websites

Visit our career information website for more conventional job search sites.

Nanuet Public Library Career Center