Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed

by H. Anthony Medley

The first book ever written on the job interview for interviewees, and still the only book on the job interview written by an experienced attorney and businessman who has conducted thousands of screening and selection interviews. The book is filled with stories of interviews of prominent people in applying for jobs, like Jackie Robinson and Tex Thornton, the founder of Litton Industries, and many others. It also includes personal recollections by the author of interviews he has had. This book is filled with practical advice, not just advice that sounds good by people with no experience. It contains hard truths.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Reference, Self Help

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1984

Reviews

[Eh?Eh!]

I determined that my first post-college job should be away from the West Coast in Chicago and scrambled to get a leg up on the natives. A then-friend recommended a 'consultant,' someone who decided she could rip-off anxious job-seekers by being a style advisor. She got my check so it worked, but her advice belonged in the era of Mad Men. Some of the highlights:

'Wear a skirt. It doesn't matter what you wear after you get the job but wear a skirt for the interview. I know, I know, these days it's common for women to wear pants but you're more likely to get hired with a skirt.'

'Let me see you with your hair down. Definitely do the interview with your hair down. It softens the face. You can do what you like after you get the job but leave the hair down for the interview.'

'Go back outside and walk in...ok, let me show you how to enter the room. Hold your bag firmly and swing your other arm. You want to look dynamic for the interview.'

The whole 90 minutes of time I bought went like this. I can appreciate her focus - getthejobgetthejobgetthejob which was as advertised - and the importance of body language. What I didn't appreciate was how completely she bowed to the stupid idea that appearance is everything (although it is important, unfairly if maybe unconsciously weighted). How about ways to overcome stereotypes? How about not presenting a false first image? I think she didn't quite realize the difference between engineers and other professionals. Ever hear that one joke about the engineer and the bicycle? Two engineers were walking when one asked, "Where did you get that bike?" "Yesterday a beautiful woman rode up to me on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes, and said 'Take what you want.'" "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit." My interviews were with engineers who commented more on my GPA than anything else and hardly looked at me other than the initial eye contact.

She recommended I read this book before the scheduled appointment. I should've taken the book suggestion and said 'thanks, no need for a session with you!' It's mainly 'common' sense. Some parts, like the thank you notes, are not always true and have been contradicted by most interviewers I've known (workmates, not someone interviewing me). At the current rate of unemployment, it's good to have more knowledge and sometimes a little thing can give you just the edge necessary to beat out 200 other hopefuls. Reading this book may shoot some points into your mind that will stick and be useful in that crucial interview window when your mind feels blank and all you can think about are the past-due bills, groceries, kids, etc. Just take it, and any other advice you receive, with a shaker of salt.

[Claire]

I feel like this book could have been cut in half....very wordy with almost too many stories, not all that are even worth reading. I skipped over a ton of stuff. Two very questionable pieces of advice from the author: do NOT shake hands with the interviewer unless he/she attempts to shake your hand first, AND do NOT send a thank you note after the interview. Wow. What would Miss Manners say? Both of these go against all common courtesy. I personally have chosen not to follow this advice. I got way more out of the Winning Job Interviews book.

[Diane Bason]

Good for some one looking for work

[Pame]

Even tho the copy that I owned is outdated, it taught me a lot.

the book doesn’t tell you what to answer in the interviews but I explain how you should behave and what’s the main goal in these interviews.

The author has a lot of knowledge in the field, therefore, i believe it worth reading it ✨

[ury949]

This book doesn't tell you what to say at a job interview, and yet it was way more helpful than any other interview book I've read. The author knows what he is talking about - he has conducted many interviews of all types and knows what hiring authorities are looking for because he himself is one. I learned what really matters during the interview process. Some of the things he said surprised me - they didn't match up with other sources and tips. But I found myself trusting in his words, and ultimately took them to heart during my interviews. Recommended; valuable.

[Michelle]

Helpful tips to consider for job interviews. Talks about how to approach interviews instead of the usual Q and A format of interview-related books. Emphasizes that you want to connect with the interviewer and create a positive subjective feeling, and that the way you say something matters just as much as what you say.

[Rev. Linda]

Medley's book has excellent tips for job searchers,including a list of questions to ask prospective employers, how to deal with loaded questions, being candid in your answers, a list of commonly asked questions, and much more. He bases his ideas on having conducted many interviews through the years as an attorney, and offers some common sense ways to best represent yourself during an interview.

[Zen]

I think this book is a must-read for anyone expecting to interview for almost any job. The author speaks form his own experience as an interviewer - a refreshing viewpoint for a topic where most books all say the same thing. Engaging and (for me) eye-opening.

[Jackie Throngard]

This is a must read for anyone who is currently going through the interview process. It explains so many things and techniques that interviewers can use to really evaluate a candidate. It is an easy read with great stories so that you don't feel like you are reading a technical how-to book.

[SmarterLilac]

Good; a lot of clever interview tips and tricks in here.

[Emily]

Great advice! If you have no idea what to do in an interview, read this book!

[Kristine]

I will give this book 5 stars once I get a job. No, but seriously this opened my eyes to many mistakes I was making in interviews and not even realizing it.

[Jennifer]

One of the best on this subject. Great to re-read or just flip open before an interview.

[Elizabeth]

worn paperback; stickers and stamps; some fraying at one corner.

[Ofwono Ivan]

The Book is Good 90% prepares one for interviews

[Barry Davis]

An excellent yet entertaining and practical book on the most feared process in the job search. This is a must read for anyone preparing to interview for a position anywhere.

[Subria Mamis]

the best book for the applicant who wanna search the appropriate job