Purple Squirrel: Stand Out, Land Interviews and Master the Modern Job Market

by Michael B. Junge

Have you ever wondered why some people update their online resume and magically have the phone ringing with interview requests? Or how some people consistently convert interviews into job offers while others always seem to finish in second place?Would you be in interested in discovering how a handful of insider strategies can completely transform your job search and professional trajectory?If you're one of the millions of people struggling to land a great job, much less a high-paying and fulfilling career, then you’ve come to the right place.Managers, critics, and industry experts agree - Purple Squirrel is “the best job seeker and career book in decades,” "the right book at the right time," and "a powerful, practical, and entertaining read." In this highly accessible field guide, ex-Google MVP and Top Performer Michael B. Junge will walk you step by step through a powerful process that will not only help you understand how to stand out and land interviews, but to build a career and master the modern job market.Grab your copy today, and get ready for the ride of your professional life!

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Reference

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2012

Reviews

[MisterFweem · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few caveats here: I'm a Wally personality. You know Wally, from Scott Adams' Dilbert comic strip. He believes, among other things, that God created the world because he hates people and that coffee tastes better if you stir it with your finger. He prefers inertia to action. And thought I do a hell of a lot more work than Wally does because I actually enjoy what I do and want to keep on getting paid to do it, I've got to admit that when it comes to job-seeking and career advice, I'm more likely to turn to the likes of Wally, Dr. Peter Hull, and Stanley Bing than earnest go-getters like Michael Junge.

There will be many who like this book. That's fine. I'm not one of them.

I guess I'm more of a fatalist/realist who sees more truth in the works of Barbara Ehrenreich when it comes to finding jobs in modern America. I went through a stage of underemployment starting on April Fools Day 2005 (it lasted for just over a year) so I'm not just whistling Dixie when it comes to this review. Junge is very keen on helping you find a job with a Fortune 500 company and offers some sound career advice, but I've got to admit the advice he offers isn't all that extraordinary -- I've read similarly powerful stuff in ehow articles. So I'm glad I got this book for free.

The book lacks a certain professionality, which surprised me, considering how much Junge insists we put our best foot forward. There are myriad copy editing mistakes that a geek like me notices instantly. And there's a certain lack of humanity throughout the book. Junge doesn't even explain the title -- which despite its clear meaning in the recruiting world, tells the average reader nothing because we're not able to marvel at the jargon. A Purple Squirrel, for the uninitiated, is a job description written so narrowly it's difficult to find the right candidate to fit it. Junge never explains the term and only uses it once, in the conclusion. Where he could have use the term to add some personality to the book as a whole, he leaves it as an opportunity wasted.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until now, I haven't delved much into literature and common practices for landing interviews and preparing yourself as a stand-out candidate. Although Michael B. Junge's advice primarily fits a business model, I found what I believe are appropriate tips and advice for pursuing positions in education and I imagine numerous other professions. Since I am unfamiliar with other similar types of literature, I cannot compare the uniqueness of his advice and insight, but am personally satisfied by his presentation and information and have been much more motivated to put together resumes, cover letters, portfolios and lists of potential employers than I would have been otherwise - so in that sense, a definite win!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am retired and love being retired. I do not want to go back to work. So why would I choose to read a book such as this one? Well, I like psychology and want to know what makes people tick. The author did an excellent job of telling his readers step by step how to write a resume, network to learn about job openings and to get recommendations, how to do your best in an interview, how to give notice at your old job, and how to transition to the new job. There were a few errors overlooked by the editor, but the content of the book was so good that I could not reduce my rating because of a few minor errors.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned some great tips from this book, and so far in my job search they have paid off! (No offer yet, but I am interviewing multiple places!)

[A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Book

[Mary Merrifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very informative. Offers practical and updated information on the job markets today.

Purple Squirrel: Stand Out, Land Interviews, and Master the Modern Job Market Michael B Junge