I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ford Myers, a fellow career coach and author of the new book Get the Job You Want Even When No One’s Hiring. If you read this site regularly, you know that I don’t really make recommendations for books, products or services in the career space. Share options? Sure. But I think this will be the first time on this blog that I actually recommend something, and this book has my wholehearted recommendation. If you are a job seeker and want to learn the ins and outs of conducting a strategic job search in today’s environment, there is no better resource. It’s a true step-by-step guide and an invaluable part of your job search toolkit.
Ford was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions, so read on to learn more about the origins of the book, and his advice for job seekers.
Kristi Daeda: Your book, Get the Job You Want Even When No One’s Hiring, has a wealth of exercises, activities and examples for job seekers to create an effective job search strategy. How did you develop the materials in the book?
Ford Myers: I have been doing career coaching for many years – first working for several global career services organizations, and then as President of my own consulting firm. Throughout this period, I identified best practices and incorporated the most effective career development resources. I did extensive research, asked a lot of questions, attended all the conferences, read all the books, and joined all the associations in my field. I also developed a full system of my own materials and methodologies. After using all these tools in my career consulting firm, and refining them over the years, I was able to compile all this information and adapt it into my book, Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.
KD: What led you to the realization that there was a need for a job search guide that addresses the current economic conditions?
FM: Many people have asked me if I have a crystal ball. They want to know how I foresaw this job market crisis and the downturn in the economy. Well, I can’t see into the future any better than anyone else can – but I do have an advantage over most people in this regard. Every day, I advise working professionals from a wide range of industries. I listen, and I learn from them. This gives me a unique perspective. It allows me to get real time data about the job market and to keep my finger on the pulse of the business climate. This is how I determined years ago that there would be a pressing need for a job search book like mine. Since no other book addressed the current economic conditions, I decided to write one!
KD: The exercises included in the book are very simple to understand, but can be very profound for those that invest the time and energy in working through them. How do you find that people react to the content in the book?
FM: The most common words I hear in response to my book are “practical” and “refreshing.” Most people have seen many resume books, interview books and the like. But what they’e never seen is a comprehensive manual that integrates everything there is to know about job search and long-term career management. It’s very gratifying to receive so many e-mails and phone calls from readers who have found “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring” to be so helpful. One reader called the book “a real life saver.” Three weeks after reading my book and working through the program, she landed her ideal job!
KD: There are a lot of people struggling with job search — many who are disheartened or confused about the “right” way to look for work. What’s your advice for them?
FM: There is no one “right way” or “wrong way” to search for a job. But there certainly are “effective ways” and “ineffective ways!” As a professional Career Coach, I have a lot of empathy for those who are struggling in the job search. I’m only interested in what works. There is no need to reinvent the wheel or wander about in a state of confusion. Instead, my advice is simply to research and find a proven job-search system – and then follow it to the letter. In addition, I strongly suggest that people not conduct their job searches alone. In this challenging job market, everyone should seek help and support. Resources include career coaches, career seminars and workshops, college career service offices, job-search clubs, religious or municipal job-search programs, non-profit employment initiatives, and so on.
You can get a free sample chapter of the book and sign up for Ford’s career success e-zine here.
Related posts:
- Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 4
- Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 3
- Job Search Tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 2
- Informational Interview Etiquette: Make the Most of your Meeting
- Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager
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