Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods forperception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation
a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of
years ago, there are still some basic principles thatwhat makes this book such a great resource.
remain timeless. Many books and resources agree onHalf of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers,
the proper attire, methods of answering questions, andarranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those
other things critical for a successful job interview.barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which
But one book, while written in the 1990s, still providescannot be solved are those which you do not take the
exceptional insights into overcoming barriers totime to address, or those which the candidate is
employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L.unwilling to address."
Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications,Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN:In more than 150 pages of the book, this section
0-957057-0-6.identifies barriers to employment, the employer's
Job Clubs Helpconcern as well as the candidate's concern with that
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through thebarrier, suggests proactive methods to address the
stages of unemployment. As more job clubs arebarrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar
formed across the nation, job seekers have thetopics to learn from. There are also mini case studies
opportunity of getting expert help with job search skillsof candidates' experiences in overcoming these
and practice their networking techniques on a regularbarriers.
basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a jobThrough the use of examples, every type of situation
seeker looking for help with your next job, this bookfrom A to Z is discussed - candidates who are
would be a good resource to use.homeless, gang members, convicted felons,
This book is written for the benefit of a job coach oroverqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and
career mentor, and how they can help candidatesmore. It also addresses physical barriers, such as
advance through a job search using suggestedhygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also
scenarios.covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.
On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly findThe book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the
information pertinent to their unique situation, and howbarriers while developing resumes and other marketing
to conquer barriers to employment based on theirdocuments, filling out application forms, and while
individual circumstances.preparing for a job interview.
Two Sides of a ProblemWhile this book may be dated, according to the
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcomingpublication date, the information inside is not dated, and
barriers to employment. A key element of this, afteris pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation,
identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate'seven today.
perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's