Careers Books

This book is full of great information on how to make it in the industry. It is by no means extensive on any one subject, but it gives you a wonderfully helpful overview of what steps you need to take to make it in Hollywood. If anyone asked me what they needed to know about the business, I would tell them they needed to read this book. This is one of the aspiring actors most helpful tools. This and "The Camera Smart Actor" are the two most useful books I've read so far about acting (this being all you need to know about the industry, the "Camera Smart Actor" being all you need to know about a set and the technical aspect of shooting). Acting technique is one thing, but knowing the practical stuff is a horse of a different color, and equally valuable if you hope to become a working actor. I am planning to move to LA next year and I feel like this book has given me an invaluable inside scoop. Not only does Rif Haffar lay it all out for you in a step by step process, but the plan he bases it all on his own experience of trying to make it as an actor.

Anyone who thinks they can go to Hollywood and based on looks or talent alone start making big bucks will have their illusions shattered. Haffar shows that with perseverance after a year he was a SAG member and making enough to live on - but barely (a little under 10,000 - and much of that went to SAG membership, an agent, and headshots). He also shatters the image that many have of Hollywood being a glamorous, mean place. He illustrates that most people in the business are down to earth and how much of a team effort this work is. Overall this is a fabulous book, written simply and with a sense of humor. I would recommend it to anyone!

Roadmap To Stardom: How To Break Into Acting In Hollywood by Rif K. Haffer is an informative introduction to the professional world of Hollywood filmmaking and how to secure work as an actor. Deftly compiling a comprehensive and "user-friendly" body of practical advice and "insider information" on becoming an actor for any project from small independent productions to big budget studio projects, Roadmap To Stardom offers aspiring actors sound and essential information on such aspects of the industry as TV, film, features, shorts, commercials, industrial films, union, and non-union productions following. Based upon the authors personal experience and seasoned expertise, Roadmap To Stardom is very highly recommended reading for anyone aspiring to a career as a screen actor and searching for practical and "user friendly" guide to getting started in their chosen career.

If you want to arm yourself before plunging into the works here in Los Angeles, you should read this book. No, actually you must. The author details the Hollywood system and gives a touching account of his experience getting gigs in commercials, TV, and film. I had the pleasure of reading the writer's first book and went to this one to see how his humor could entertain me more. It delivers. My friends trying to make it in the business are getting a literary stocking stuffer.

Rif Haffar dives into the acting world with gusto and reveal secrets that every Hollywood hopeful should know. His humorous and unpretentious writing style makes the reader feel at ease as he takes you on a tour of the strange land of auditions, managers, unions and 'La-La-Land' in general. He not only succeeds in his acting goals, but he proves that as a writer, he's a star!

This book is a must for anyone looking to "make it" in the Hollywood industry as a performer.It gives a very thorough inside look at what goes on behind the scenes and helpful information for what is needed when starting out. The fact that the author is writing this as he is trying to start out himself allows you to feel as if you are experiencing it along side him. "Roadmap to Stardom" helps to give a real perspective on what can be expected and I highly recommend it for anyone that is serious about coming to Hollywood.

I think that this a really nice introduction to a career in graphic design field. Mostly it seems to be directed at someone who is in the middle of the road, so to speak, but I think that newbies will also find some nice tips on how to avoid headaches and pitfalls of this specific business.

This is a good guide for those designers who are thinking about going freelance. The book summarizes basics of the business, financial topics and absolutely necessary ethics. ALL freelance web designers without a formal business education should read and learn these fundamentals for being a professional.

I've never bothered to give a review before, but this book is so helpful I had to put it down for a moment and give my two cents. I've been in the industry for four years and am in the process of going freelance. This book gives excellent advice for drumming up business. Not vague at all.

It would also be extremely helpful for people looking for their first job after design school.

Well, here I was, too distracted to write a proper raving review because I was busy absorbing in all of the wonderful, easy to follow and sometimes downright humorous advice from a long awaited book that is refreshingly geared towards design professionals of any level. Novices will definitely appreciate the start-up tips from the perspectives of a virtual plethora of experienced design communicators from all over. More experienced designers will find helpful suggestions on effectively managing and growing their career. And of course, what good resource is complete without detailing some very useful advice about avoiding pitfalls and other related issues along the way.

With an abundance of references and resources that include contracts, networking, self promotion and more importantly, a guide on how to realistically rate your services, The Savvy Designer's Guide To Success delivers on an even more important level; raising one's awareness on the often underrated value of the Creative Communications Designer.

I was browsing the graphic design section of Barnes & Noble the other day looking for a different book on the same topic. I couldn't find the title that I was looking for, so I picked this one up, grabbed a cup of coffee, and started leafing through it. I read a few bits of the beginning chapter, where Fisher details the advantages and disadvantages of different traditional and not-so-traditional educational paths for would-be designers. As a freshman at a liberal arts college majoring in graphic design, I was immediately intrigued. I temporarily forgot about the book I had been looking for and bought this one instead. As a testament to how great this book is- I finished it in just 2 days. In fact this is one of the few books where I can honestly say I "couldn't put it down." Fisher writes in an informal, easy to read style. His approach to giving advice is very open-minded but very no-nonsense and practical at the same time. Most importantly, this book covers it all: everything from the initial education of the designer, to starting out in the industry, to self-promotion, legal issues, and dealing with one's mistakes and screw ups. Throughout the book Fisher draws on the experience of nearly 100 designers and deign firm owners and the pages of this book are dripping with references to other books, magazines, and great online resources for designers and other creative professionals. This book gave me some great insights on getting started as a graphic designer and has me even more excited about my career. Five stars, without question!

I admit when I bought the book I read it quickly cover to cover. I couldn't resist the overview, but I quickly saw that real benefit would only come through practicing in depth with each page. Ezra's words gently encourage us to go to our own edge...to hear his wisdom and use it as inspiration toward our own proving ground.

Ezra Bayda's latest book even tells you how to use it! He says, "Don't consume this book." I, therefore, did not read it straight through and, instead, gave it preferred space on the passenger seat of my car for those moments when I need a little encouragement. His writing is very accessible and goes right to the heart. Treat this book like a special friend.

Got this for a friend who has breast cancer. Great words and thoughts.

This is my third book by Ezra Bayda and in many ways it is my favorite. Thomas Moore sums it up best in the introduction when he said, "I like Ezra Bayda because I don't think he assumes he gets it all right." And this is why I liked this book, it does not provide answers it only provides questions for reflection. For some reason I like the format and I also like the way the book feels in my hand. It just begs to be carried around with you and read throughout the day. But unlike many books, I do not feel the need to read it from cover to cover, rather I use it judiciously throughout the day. I let the day determine what page I will read. If it is 9:34 in the morning I turn to page 93 and read the passage if the temperature is 74° I turn to page 74. I found this to be a great tool to return my awareness to what is real.

I am amazed of how deep can Ezra Bayda communicate his insights with such concise words. He helps unveil the false beliefs we all carry upon our shoulders and inside our soul. Every line read is like acknowledging the truth we have always felt was there but resisted to be put in words.
As I slowly read each page, I looked around me just to be sure no one else, besides the author, knew what I have been feeling all along in my life. So, you will not only read a book, you will read yourself as if your inner self was an open book waiting for you to dive into it.
Thank you Ezra, this book is not staying on my shelf but instead, will be carried inside of me forever.

Transitions. We've all experienced them. It seems that just when everything is going well and life is good that chaos breaks loose. The company you've diligently worked for downsizes and you are out of a job. Your spouse tells you that your marriage is done. Health issues remind you of your mortality.

The Secret of Transitions is part memoir and part self help book. The author shares his own transition experiences as he left a job because he felt bored and then realized that this was merely an excuse. It was at this point that he had to become very honest with himself and figure out what he really wanted to do with his life.

The author's story is subdivided into a number of chapters. Each chapter looks at one particular step within the transition process. The author's experiences serve as both an example and inspiration for the reader. I like this format because the author's words seem more like mentoring than traditional self-help.

The Secret of Transitions: How to Move Effortlessly to Higher Levels of Success

Jim Manton's, The Secret of Transitions is an exceptional work of motivational inspiration, heart-felt pain and joy, success, failure, determination, communication and the reality of hope and how one's thinking can take them down any road.

A car in the hands of a drunk can lead to destruction, pain and loss. The same car in the hands of a skilled and dedicated professional can lead to victory, success and fulfillment.

Sit shot-gun with this curious, powerful and energetic author as he transitions from a young man in the turbulent `60s Vietnam era, back home in the US during the Reagan years of tech-corp explosions and on to higher-learning and a quest for self-purpose and mastery that makes him the incredible life coach he is today.

As a young professional Jim Manton's The Secret of Transitions was a must read for me. I can relate to the author. Whatever "transitions" you may face in life Jim Manton's story will offer you powerful, real-life experiences, pains and triumphs you can draw from to help you transition from one level of success or fulfillment to the next.

This book helps to awaken the senses to the fact that the world around us can be as beautiful and accepting as we choose to perceive it. Jim states, "And as I awaken, I am finding a very friendly universe." Thank you Jim for your intimately honest and forthright expression of the journey of life and how we all can be completely present to the wonder and magic of our existence. This is a must read for ALL.

In Chapter Six of The Secret of Transitions, author Jim Manton reveals a powerful and intimate moment from his own life. He was a soldier in Viet Nam, and his squad was taking heavy fire from the "enemy." In the midst of the noise of guns and injured soldiers screaming, he found himself suddenly looking into the eyes of a North Vietnamese soldier. In spite of the intense programming to "kill the enemy," he had an epiphany, he saw the man as a friend and was unable to raise his rifle and shoot him. It was a transition that called forth a different way of looking at himself and the reality of his life. Jim Manton made a powerful spiritual transition in that one moment. Now, years later, he has given us this concisely-written book to help us create our own transitions. Highly recommended.

The back cover of "The Secret of Transitions" reads "A Life-Changing Book!" However - I found it to be "A Reality-Changing Book." I first read Jim's book while going through 3 major transitions...Moving 1600 miles away, reinventing my business (and myself) and choosing to follow my passion of music and singing professionally. Reading this book transformed my fears into excitement and opened up a whole new way of thinking that made my transitions flow effortlessly!

If you have already experienced some degree of success in your career, business and relationships, but your heart is telling you there's more - The Secret of Transitions will guide you on many levels and take you beyond your imagination...beyond your fears! It's a book/experience that makes sense to your mind, speaks to your heart and dances with your soul and life's purpose. Are you ready?

i thought selling above the crowd is an excellent book. the reason i like this book is because it provide you a daily focus year round. it is bold and to the point . it is not something you read once or twice and put up on a shelf somewhere., it is a daily trainer.

This book in my opinion is a very effective tool for the professional salesperson of today. The ideas in the book, when followed are a sure fire way to succeed in the ever changing highly competitive sales industry of today. Anyone interested in advancing their career or the career of other fellow sales professionals will see this book needs to be in their library for personal growth. I have and will continue to spread this book around in my circle of influence, to further the career's of my peer's.

After reading Dave Andersons' Column in "Dealer" magazine, I ordered 25 copies of his book, one for each salesperson. We listen to his tapes in weekly salesmeetings. Finally, I invited him to speak to our staff about Leadership. His books have changed our entire outlook. We are now a dealership with a vision. I just asked him to return for another 3 day session. He definitely gets us going!

Great insight on selling written in a non-traditional format. 365 Daily affirmations with an action plan that helps any sales staff. Looking for next book by Dave.

As one of the United Kingdoms most controversial speakers on profit improvement in the Motor Industry, and author of Customer Care In the Motor Industry I thought I had everything covered. But Dave Andersons Book has inspired me to change direction, in my own personal approach to my business and I have to admit that I have pinched a lot of his ideas,to use in my own workshops with clients. A compelling read especially if used with his tapes.

This book is an excellent resource for students as well as others who want to know the ins and outs of the federal hiring process. From networking to resume writing, this comprehensive guide tells you all the steps you will need to know in order to obtain a federal job. If you want to gain valuable knowledge about government programs and become more effective in your job search, this book is for you! Learn from the real experts, Kathy and Emily Troutman!

Let's face it, the federal hiring process can be quite complicated and arduous. Even if you are highly qualified, obtaining a federal job can be extremely difficult if you are unfamiliar with the requirements of the government. As a graduate student of public administration, I was confident that I had suitable knowledge and skills to land a federal position, yet I was intimidated by the federal hiring process. I believe that The Student's Federal Career Guide was instrumental in guiding me through the process. By following the book's suggestions and tailoring my resume to the samples provided in the book, I landed a position with the agency of my choice.
The book is well organized as the chapters cover all the steps from how to locate opportunities to preparing for the interview. Much of the book is devoted purely to students who are seeking current or future employment with the federal government. There are a myriad of suggested resources for exploring student opportunities such as internships and part-time employment. The Student's Federal Career Guide will provide you with invaluable information on obtaining a position with the federal government.

Enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM offering case studies and samples, The Student's Federal Career Guide: 10 Steps To Find And Win Top Government Jobs and Internships shows students just how to utilize networking to discover the availability of federal jobs, how to identify and locate the relevant federal agency; what internships; federal pay scales; researching federal job listings on-line; writing a federal job oriented resume; writing cover letters showcasing knowledge, skills and abilities; the federal job application process; tracking and following-up job applications and interviews; and conducting oneself in the interview process. Of special note is the accompanying website at www.TenStepsForStudents.org offering samples, internships links, job prospect information, and tips from actual government agency recruiters. Specifically designed for college students and recent graduates entering the job market, The Student's Federal Career Guide is also very highly recommended for men and women of any age seeking a public service career with the federal government.

- Betsy L. Hogan

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I cant stop reading it, there is so much good information. It gave me alot more incite on the direction I need to go in with my resume. Also, the sections on contacting HR and interviewing definitely will help in the job search. The Government is the nations largest employer, with this book you will get a great understanding of what you need to do to get hired. The writters of the book have years of experience, they know the process from start to finsih!! This is money well spent or should I say a great investment in yourself!!!

The authors website has great information too!!!!
www.resume-place.com

Enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM offering case studies and samples, The Student's Federal Career Guide: 10 Steps To Find And Win Top Government Jobs and Internships shows students just how to utilize networking to discover the availability of federal jobs, how to identify and locate the relevant federal agency; what internships; federal pay scales; researching federal job listings on-line; writing a federal job oriented resume; writing cover letters showcasing knowledge, skills and abilities; the federal job application process; tracking and following-up job applications and interviews; and conducting oneself in the interview process. Of special note is the accompanying website at www.TenStepsForStudents.org offering samples, internships links, job prospect information, and tips from actual government agency recruiters. Specifically designed for college students and recent graduates entering the job market, The Student's Federal Career Guide is also very highly recommended for men and women of any age seeking a public service career with the federal government.

For all women who have any doubts on how to succeed in the workplace and find satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment in their career and jobs. Full of wonderful practical strategies and exercises in easy to follow and read formats.
Also for any woman who needs to rethink and/or recommit to a chosen career pathway.

The Successful Woman's Guide to Working Smart demonstrates over and over the types of challenges and opportunities a working woman or, for that matter man, meets in ordinary business life. Caitlin Williams uses examples from real people that acknowledge time pressures and conflicting priorities. Her questions for reflection are simple, yet profound, and can bring to light personal obstacles that are holding us back.

This book is deceptively easy to read and can be read in small bites. Yet, each page has some nugget of wisdom that can be put to use. Ms. Williams takes into consideration that many women were not raised to advocate for themselves. She teaches us how to overcome shyness about promoting ourselves and gives practical suggestions for taking actions that aren't aggressive, but help us feel more participative in our workplaces.

Some of the strengths Ms. Williams writes about are already developed in many women. In this book, we can learn how to build on those strengths even more and feel and act more confident in the future. Probably the quality I like best about this book is it's premise that women are good professional people that don't need to be 'fixed.' I especially recommend this book for women beginning their worklife, whether young or after another life stage. It can give you a good jump start.

This book about working smart is an inspiring book from start to finish. Wherever you are in your career, you will find this book empowering. This book causes you exam where you are in life and where you are headed. The suggestions and strategies are not only thought provoking, but life changing. The exercises will cause you to look inside yourself and draw from one's inner strength. The use of personal accounts makes the book more genuine. This book is a necessity for all women.

Caitlin Williams provides inspiration and practical tips for succeeding in an evolving work world. Equipped with real-life stories, the "Successful Woman's Guide to Working Smart," sheds light upon the challenges that women face on a daily basis in the workplace. The personal assessments create a workshop feel, while helping you to recognize your strengths and identify areas that need work. This book is essential in today's world where women are constantly striving to achieve a sense of balance without making sacrifices within their careers.

In Successful Woman's Guide To Working Smart: 10 Strengths That Matter Most, Caitlin Williams draws upon contemporary research, keen insights into current workplace realities, as well as the professional and personal spheres of the modern woman's life to establish that while women already have what is necessary to succeed in today's business climate, their are challenges and opportunities that demand new skills and a new mindset. Williams presents four principle themes: Inner Resilience (core strengths enabling a woman to perceive herself as confident, self-reliant, and capable of shaping her life in the way she deserves); Career Enhancement (career-building strengths enabling a woman to increase skills and a sense of competence, explore a full range of emerging opportunities, and flourish in professional life); Quality Of Life (nurturing strengths enabling a woman to take better care of herself and thrive in all aspects of her life); and The Big Picture (capstone strengths enabling a woman to contribute significantly to a corporate bottom line and position herself for leadership opportunities and future success). Successful Woman's Guide To Working Smart is invaluable reading for any woman contemplating entering the work force, as well as those women already on the job and seeking to maximize both their opportunities, achievements, and satisfactions in the workplace.

Super Job Search was recommended to me by a mentor and lived up to all expectations he gave me regarding the resume, interviewing, and networking phases of a job search. The book has been very helpful in guiding me to do the things I need to in a job search, as well as informing me about things I should not do.

The book really helped me a lot. It made looking for work less frightening.

First I read the book cover to cover and then I read it through again and did most of the work sheets and did everything that was recommended, and my job search really picked up right then. I got more comfortable and sucessful at networking with people and i was getting more interest through my networking, and my new job is better then the one i got layed off from (i was Administrative Director, Cardiology and now I'm Director of Cardiovascular). If you are like most people and you need to disipline your self to do these things, then this book would be perfect. Good luck everyone! :)

Studner's book is an extensive valuable resources for outplacement. It is easily readable for all levels of employees. There are excellent examples of the perfect resume, which I have used for my own resume. This is simply the 'best of the best.'

Joan Juarez
Employee Relations & Training Manager
Little Company of Mary Health Services

Super Job Search is more than the definitive guide to successful job hunting, it is *the* career guidance roadmap for professionals and novices alike. When asked for job search advice, reading Super Job Search is on top of my list or priority actions for candidates. Over the last 20 years, Peter has emerged as one of the foremost authorities on applying practical, concrete and proven steps to finding a job. Anyone who is lucky enough to receive Peter's personal attention and counsel is priviledged indeed but reading and exercising the principles in his book comes in a very close second!

This book is an excellent resource. It is well organized and to the point. Most guides just say, "Go to the company website and research the company before your interview." This book tells you what areas to find on the site, what information you should look for, and how to use that information. Salmon also tells you the specific questions you should be asking your contacts at the companies you are interested in. Other books just say, "Talk to people you know at the company to find out more about it." There is no fluff here.

I also really liked the very detailed descriptions of how to plan phone calls to contacts and referrals. Talking to someone on the phone and remembering what I wanted to accomplish and not getting flustered is such a challenge for me. This book helped a lot.

The only thing I didn't like was the first section or so where it felt more like a sales pitch for his "method" than a book. I was afraid he was just going to try to sell his lecture series. However, after the first few pages, the book got down to business. It was excellent and well written from then on.

We all hear about how networking is the most important way to get a job, but this book tells actually tells you how to do it! Just what I needed, and I plan to use it from now on.

Michael has written a book that can help everyone. You don't have to be in business to get something out of this book. This book gives you, questionnaires, checklists and exercises that will help everyone. Really easy to read, and a lot of fun too.
I recommend this book- it will help you. Rick Frishman Pres. Planned TV Arts www.plannedtvarts.com Co author NETWORKING MAGIC and GUERRILLA PUBLICITY www.rickfrishman.com

It changed my view of NETWORKING. I regret that I have not read this book before, while I was working, when I started looking for a change.
And I am applying this ot may daily activities, even outside job searching.
Easy read, easy material. Also, interesting tips to explore yourself about your interests.

Jointly with Winning Job Interviews and Everything Job Interview (read my review there) make a 3 pieces of work that every job seeker must read.

This is an excellent book. Author Michael Salmon wastes no words, but provides a series of tips, questionnaires, checklists and exercises that will help everyone, even the most introverted, build a network productively and use it effectively. There is no fluff here, and minimal self-promotion. The book is mostly meat. The author is extraordinarily well organized and to the point. His advice on how to categorize relatives, friends and acquaintances may seem cold, but it is indispensable. Similarly, he recommends becoming a resource to others so that they may someday become a resource to you - a utilitarian and self-serving approach to human relations, but if you have no other reason to help people, this is not a bad one. One quibble: the book is repetitious and illustrates the hard truth with soft little imaginary anecdotes. That's more a fault of the genre than of the author. If you are in job search mode, We highly recommends this book to you. As the folks back home might say, write when you get work.

This is an important book for you to read if your gender, ethnicity, or lifestyle makes you an outsider in your workplace. Debra Meyerson gives examples of how employees have successfully taken small steps to change their companies so they are accepted and their voices are heard.

This was a great read. This book really helped me make sense of some of my struggles at work. Events that used to fill me with anger and frustration don't anymore. I can now look at my work situation in a new light, and react to events in a completely new way. Knowing I'm not the only one who feels like I don't "fit in" has been a real help. In fact, it's been interesting seeing how I and other tempered radicals DO make a difference in our company.

I strongly recommend this book!

Meyerson's wonderful book has many virtues, it is well-written, it is well-researched, and it has diverse and lively examples. Best of all, it shows that leadership is not something that is reserved for the most senior managers in an organization, but rather something that can be done by anyone. Another great virtue is that it shows how to make a difference in a company without selling out or faking it. It should be required reading for everyone before they enter the workforce. Companies would make more money, treat their people better, and be filled with more joy and less fear if leaders at all levels followed her wise advice, and adopted the spirited, but constructive, attituide that exudes from this fine book.

First, let me start by saying that I liked this book and have been recommending it to others. As a "tempered radical" I wish that I had read this book early in my career. I had the wrong impression that hard work and results were enough as long as there were no bodies along the way. Young, naïve, and idealistic. Consequently, I am recommending this book to people starting their careers so that they get the reality of work as well as to others who just do not get that their approach is a major irritant to the powers that be.

I also liked this book because the author used her premise to package her ideas so that her tempered radicalism around race, gender, and other legally protected groups could be better heard by others. I came from academia too (and even received my PhD from Michigan where she had an early appointment in her career) but left that environment because of the oppression of free thinking and any kind of difference. This background added to my wish that this book had been around 10 years ago. I might have better succeeded in that environment if I had had this framework from which to work.

Although I like this book, I did not give the book 4 or 5 stars because the best of her book and the most important aspect of her premise was saved until last - the downside of the "tempered" approach. I do believe that revolutionary results can be achieved by evolutionary steps - small steps can achieve great things as they add up without the major heartburn or resistance that a revolution can cause. However, maybe evolution is not the best means to the ends and that cannot be decided until one decides whom they are and what they are about and decide whether tempered or full scale radicalism is what they want to do. This is a choice and is worthy of exposing at the beginning of the book. So although I may have succeeded in academia if I had had her premise from which to work, I would not have been happy because I would not have been true to me and the essence of who I was or am.

Evolution vs. revolution. To choose one must first know what one is willing to give up.

Many of us work in places where we have a vision for how things could be better -- how we could work differently, treat people more respectfully, act on our values. If only, we think -- we could do something different--then we would really feel good about ourselves and proud about the places we work. This book inspires you to lead that change, to act on your vision. In these times when the impulse is to hunker down and just do our jobs, Meyerson gives us role models of people who have been everyday heroes, leading change that made their organizations better for everybody.