Job Search Books + Guides

• Covers key concerns like what to major in, which extra-curriculars and other experiences look good, how to apply, how to design and tailor your resume, how to prepare for and excel in the interview, and much more
• Author was on Google’s hiring committee; interned at Microsoft and Apple; has received job offers from more than 10 tech firms; and runs CareerCup.com, a site devoted to tech jobs

Get the only comprehensive guide to working at some of America’s most dynamic, innovative, and well-paying tech companies with The Google Resume.

Q&A with Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell

Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell

What should you major in?
Ideally, one should major in a field that's directly applicable to your desired profession: marketing for a marketer, accounting for an accountant, computer science for a software engineer, etc. However, many jobs don't correspond to an exact major. In these cases, a curriculum that is rigorous and demonstrates strong quantitative and analytical skills will prove useful. Economics, statistics, and physics are three great choices.

What can you do outside of work to make yourself stand out?
One of the strongest things a candidate can do is something that shows initiative or leadership. Imagine a candidate who tutors under-privileged children on the side. That's a wonderful thing to do. But, the candidate who launched their own tutoring program and built up a team of twenty fellow tutors will have a much stronger application. Your efforts need not be "feel goody," though. Entrepreneurial endeavors are greatly respected, and can earn you a bit of cash too.

How do you perform well at work -- and have it show in your next application?
The key here is to think about your application well before you're writing it, as your entire job will be boiled down to just a few bullet points. Seek out projects that will lend themselves to short, concrete, understandable bullet points. Projects with an external impact are often ideal. Remember that while revamping some internal system may have an enormous impact on your company, the impact is usually unclear to those outside the company.

How should you design your resume?
Make it short and sweet. Remember that people don't really "read" resumes - they glance. Your resume should be bulleted (no bulky paragraphs) with specific, tangible accomplishments. And stick to one page, or two pages if absolutely necessary and only if you have more than ten years of experience.

How much technical expertise do you need?
Outside of engineering, truly technical (i.e., coding) experience isn't necessary, though it's certainly nice to have and can set you apart. What's more important is to be able to demonstrate knowledge of and passion for technology. You should understand how the big and the small companies are shaping the tech field, and how trends like cloud computing, security, and mobile technologies are affect businesses and consumers.

How should you prep for the interview?
Interview preparation should include a mix of company research, skill-based preparation and resume preparation. The latter is especially important, and often overlooked. You need to prepare for specific questions on every "project" on your resume. One way to ensure that you have good coverage of the key questions is by diagramming your Interview Preparation Grid, as discussed in the The Google Resume. Thorough preparation will give you a big leg up on other candidates!

Classifieds are OUT.
It’s time to LINK IN!

Finding the job of your dreams the old way just doesn’t happen anymore. If you want great pay, great benefits, and great satisfaction in your career, you must begin social networking.

How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Other Social Networks helps you take full advantage of the bounty of opportunities to be found on the most popular sites. Online job-search experts Brad and Debra Schepp take you step-by-step through the process of joining networks, creating effective online profiles, and successfully . . .

• Marketing yourself
• Building a network of business contacts
• Connecting with employers
• Getting recommendations
• Finding new leads

Mailing a résumé and hoping for the best simply puts your fate in the hands of others. To stay in the running, you have to take control by keeping your information fresh and current—in real time. Online social networking is the only way to go, and this forward-looking guide is the best way to get there.

Expert guidance on exploring and choosing a career in computers

Ideal if you are a college-bound student or are thinking about making a career change, Careers in Computers offers necessary information needed to explore the profession and then narrow it down to a job that suits you. It details the responsibilities, education and training required, and employment outlooks for dozens of satisfying careers in the computer field.

• ISBN13: 9781593577919
• Notes: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Answers the question, "What can I do with a major in . . . ?"

Students can explore their career options within their field of study using the Great Jobs series as their guide. From assessing individual talents and skills to taking the necessary steps to land a job, every aspect of identifying and getting started in a career choice is covered. Readers learn to explore their options, target an ideal career, present a major as an asset to a job, perfect a job search, and follow through and get results.

• ISBN13: 9781593578114
• Notes: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

This book features an extensive collection of sample resumes and cover letters for computer, Web, and IT professionals. These samples show readers at all levels from entry-level to executive how to create exceptional tools for navigating the job market. In addition, the authors provide sound resume and cover letter writing advice, including a new chapter on how to create and use an electronic resume.

Power up your resume!

You've worked hard for your computing degree; now it's time to take that education and put it to work. Get an edge on the other job applicants with Resumes for Computer Careers. This helpful resource is packed with expert advice on creating concise, stylish resumes that will instantly get you noticed. With this go-to guide you'll:

• Get access to nearly 100 sample resumes and cover letters
• Organize and draft your resume with the aid of helpful worksheets
• Discover the common elements in the most popular resume formats
• Learn to use vivid, active verbs in your resume
• Find out how to format and submit resumes electronically

In today's job market, an effective, eye-catching resume is essential for success. With the help of Resumes for Computer Careers you'll make a strong first impression and take a confident step toward landing the job of your dreams.