Citation
(2006), "Right Career Moves Handbook", Education + Training, Vol. 48 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2006.00448dae.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Right Career Moves Handbook
Sophie Allen,Kogan Page,ISBN 0 7494 4003 1,
One wonders in this age of “on-line” recruitment if there is still place for something as “old hat” as a book on career management. There is and Allen has pulled together a useful resource for anyone who is prepared to take the process seriously, whether it be their first foray into the labour market or their fifteenth. I dipped in and out of the book over a period of a few weeks and kept finding little nuggets of value. For example, there is a very interesting section that tries to paint a picture of recent labour market and employment trends. This draws on the experience of those working in different sectors whether as recruitment “experts” or in human resource roles within organizations.
The basics are covered well also. A particularly strong chapter addresses the curriculum vitae (CVs). This identifies three types of CVs: chronological, combination (combining work history/experience with skills) and functional, or skills based, CVs. I have always been of the view that the chronological model is the benchmark to follow but there was enough here to make me re-think if an alternative might be more suitable in certain circumstances. Allen also addresses online CVs which would seem to remove some the artistry in developing and designing ones own. This is a pity in my view, but it may help those who otherwise struggle to organise and order their biography.
Elsewhere in the book there is advice on “finding a job you love”, “creating a job seeker plan”, “making the right first impression”, “making the grade at psychometric tests” and “how to interview well”. There is also a useful Appendix which lists a wide range of internet based resources including online tests and tips, a range of search engines, sources for industry specific news and recruitment consultancies listed by industry sector and job seeker type.