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The Career Playbook: Essential Advice for Today's Aspiring Young Professional
Are you about to graduate and begin your job search?
Or are you a young professional looking for that perfect position that will catapult your career?
The career marketplace has never been more competitive, chaotic, and difficult to maneuver. On top of that, today’s graduates are looking not only for good jobs but for positions that will help them launch careers in which they can grow and flourish. But knowing what to look for and how to actually land a great job is notoriously hard when you're trying to get an interview, worrying about money, and trying position yourself for advancement.
Based on an in-depth survey of thousands of graduates and young professionals, and hundreds of interviews with leaders in business and the nonprofit sector – not to mention James Citrin’s decades of experience as a senior partner at the premier executive search firm Spencer Stuart -- The Career Playbook offers recent graduates and aspiring young professionals actionable advice for thriving in the workplace. From his practical tips on creating a winning LinkedIn profile and resume, generating valuable introductions, nailing interviews, and negotiating compensation, to strategic advice on the arc of your career, the importance of relationships, how to cultivate a mentor, and knowing when to change jobs or industries, Citrin provides an invaluable guide to the most urgent questions that are at the heart of every person’s career deliberations.
Packed with first person advice from graduates and young professionals themselves, as well as the perspective of seasoned executives on how to thrive in your career, The Career Playbook is an essential resource for landing and launching your optimal job.
Or are you a young professional looking for that perfect position that will catapult your career?
The career marketplace has never been more competitive, chaotic, and difficult to maneuver. On top of that, today’s graduates are looking not only for good jobs but for positions that will help them launch careers in which they can grow and flourish. But knowing what to look for and how to actually land a great job is notoriously hard when you're trying to get an interview, worrying about money, and trying position yourself for advancement.
Based on an in-depth survey of thousands of graduates and young professionals, and hundreds of interviews with leaders in business and the nonprofit sector – not to mention James Citrin’s decades of experience as a senior partner at the premier executive search firm Spencer Stuart -- The Career Playbook offers recent graduates and aspiring young professionals actionable advice for thriving in the workplace. From his practical tips on creating a winning LinkedIn profile and resume, generating valuable introductions, nailing interviews, and negotiating compensation, to strategic advice on the arc of your career, the importance of relationships, how to cultivate a mentor, and knowing when to change jobs or industries, Citrin provides an invaluable guide to the most urgent questions that are at the heart of every person’s career deliberations.
Packed with first person advice from graduates and young professionals themselves, as well as the perspective of seasoned executives on how to thrive in your career, The Career Playbook is an essential resource for landing and launching your optimal job.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
25 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 19, 2015
This book had a lot of good advice. However, I also felt that a lot of it was common sense, or maybe thats just common sense to a young person who has been job hunting for over a year. It was nothing I haven't heard before, and it is good advice, however until that one person/ organization decides to take a chance on you, you cannot move forward in making any of these things happen. It also showed me that you can be doing everything right, but still get stuck. The only thing I felt I "disagreed" with was the fact that young people prioritize money when looking for and accepting a job. This is true, however, I think its more for the reason that we are drowning in debt and we need to be able to and want to support ourselves and start paying off that debt. Sure, there are people who are after the money, but I think the majority are just trying to stand on their own two feet without having to ask for help. It could also be that I am just tired and discouraged from the job hunt that this book will be more valuable to me when I eventually get a job.
August 27, 2021
Part 1 presented an interesting framework of career phases; the rest of the book was unremarkable
June 9, 2015
* I received a free physical copy of this title via Blogging for Books and Crown Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start off by saying that I don’t usually read a ton of non-fiction, particularly self-help books, unless they really call to me or have reached critical acclaim. And The Career Playbook just reinforced why I don’t bother with them: they’re boring, and, particularly in this case, generic and uninspired.
Keep in mind that this review is coming from someone who is actively building her strengths so as to get that dream job, so this book is marketed specifically towards me and my demographic. It just fails.
Read the rest of my review on my book blog: The Literary Hedonist.
Let me start off by saying that I don’t usually read a ton of non-fiction, particularly self-help books, unless they really call to me or have reached critical acclaim. And The Career Playbook just reinforced why I don’t bother with them: they’re boring, and, particularly in this case, generic and uninspired.
Keep in mind that this review is coming from someone who is actively building her strengths so as to get that dream job, so this book is marketed specifically towards me and my demographic. It just fails.
Read the rest of my review on my book blog: The Literary Hedonist.
April 4, 2022
You’re just out of college and you’re ready to make a start in the world of work. Work is your oyster, and you dream of a job that aligns with your passions and career choices – and that starts you off at a healthy salary to boot. And yet, if this is your dream, you’re likely to be disappointed, at least at first.
Almost everyone is initially met with disappointment, including all those executive managers whose positions you want so badly.
In these blinks, you’ll learn why. You’ll learn that everyone’s career path differs, and how you can make the smartest (but maybe not the most immediately rewarding) career moves as a young professional wishing to get ahead in your work life.
You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
Almost everyone is initially met with disappointment, including all those executive managers whose positions you want so badly.
In these blinks, you’ll learn why. You’ll learn that everyone’s career path differs, and how you can make the smartest (but maybe not the most immediately rewarding) career moves as a young professional wishing to get ahead in your work life.
You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
March 14, 2019
It's one of those books that you feel like you should've read before. James Citrin has given real life examples and constantly compared the idealogies of young professionals and big shots. It couldn't be more forthcoming as it has real life experiences of people who've made it to the top of the ladder. It tells you the secrets to make way for yourself and how to effectively network and thrive at all career stages of your life. Can not recommend this enough to every student looking for a job.
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July 16, 2022You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
September 15, 2022
Geared more towards people in the later years of college than someone a few years in. Was helpful in remembering what's important as I continue my career and defining a career in stages. Definitely written from a certain corporate lens, lots of talk about work hard play hard and extra professionalism which don't apply in the same way to tech
February 28, 2024
I wish I had read this book upon college graduation (when it was gifted to me) rather than 4.5 years down the line!
Super useful insights for people early in their careers and beyond. I think chapters like negotiating, different stages in your career, etc. Are beneficial throughout your career and not just in early stages.
Super useful insights for people early in their careers and beyond. I think chapters like negotiating, different stages in your career, etc. Are beneficial throughout your career and not just in early stages.
May 29, 2025
I received a physical copy of this book from a mentor. As an early careerist, I do think a good portion of the book is common sense. However, it solidifies the reasons why I do things.
Highly recommend this to college and graduate students who are struggling to find direction.
4/5
Highly recommend this to college and graduate students who are struggling to find direction.
4/5
September 1, 2018
Freshly entered workplace, found the book extremely helpful, answered a lot of my questions. Would recommend to young people.
January 6, 2020
Wish I’d read this a lot sooner!
February 12, 2020
Good insights for those who start their professional journeys and a useful read for those who need to refresh themselves on the fundamentals of a successful career.
February 15, 2020
Great book for professionals at beginning of there careers. Thanks James M Citrin.
October 2, 2022
Some good advice for a young professional.
May 8, 2015
The Career Playbook by James M. Citrin.Crown Business (April 21, 2015). 258 pages. Nonfiction, Business, Career. I received this copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
Synopsis: This book gives essential advice for those who are entering the extremely competitive job market.
Review: This book is so valuable. The insight and advice offered are beautifully displayed for the prospective worker. Panic among college students is common and personally I held the constant fear that I was wasting my time and would not find a job I love. This book helps ease the anxiety and perfectly in line with my personal belief that more knowledge will give you confidence, this book explains what the job market is all about and gives the reader all the information they need to be prepared for the world.
I honestly can’t say I disliked anything about this book. It is worth more than a price tag and I would love to absorb every ounce of it as if I were studying for a final exam. I have already passed this book on to my significant other, even though he is already in the professional world there is plenty of advice to keep you growing.
It is written professionally and easy to understand and definitely worth a read, at least once. The book is small and this allows the reader to get into it and finish before they get overwhelmed or bored. I enjoyed reading The Career Playbook, even though one of the main things I learned in Psychology was, “never trust an unscientific source”, such as self-help or advice books. The results aren’t “proven” and therefore considered unreliable. With that being said, I do read advice books, especially about business or careers and this one is the first one I can say has a lot of valuable information. I think the background experience of the author allows him to offer his knowledge with a positive outcome.
I give this book 4.5 stars only because I thoroughly believe in peer-reviewed research, even concerning behavior. I still loved this book and all the information it so gloriously holds.
I recommend this book to EVERY college student at any level looking for any career. There really is something for everyone.
Read this on amandanicolebooks.WordPress.com
Synopsis: This book gives essential advice for those who are entering the extremely competitive job market.
Review: This book is so valuable. The insight and advice offered are beautifully displayed for the prospective worker. Panic among college students is common and personally I held the constant fear that I was wasting my time and would not find a job I love. This book helps ease the anxiety and perfectly in line with my personal belief that more knowledge will give you confidence, this book explains what the job market is all about and gives the reader all the information they need to be prepared for the world.
I honestly can’t say I disliked anything about this book. It is worth more than a price tag and I would love to absorb every ounce of it as if I were studying for a final exam. I have already passed this book on to my significant other, even though he is already in the professional world there is plenty of advice to keep you growing.
It is written professionally and easy to understand and definitely worth a read, at least once. The book is small and this allows the reader to get into it and finish before they get overwhelmed or bored. I enjoyed reading The Career Playbook, even though one of the main things I learned in Psychology was, “never trust an unscientific source”, such as self-help or advice books. The results aren’t “proven” and therefore considered unreliable. With that being said, I do read advice books, especially about business or careers and this one is the first one I can say has a lot of valuable information. I think the background experience of the author allows him to offer his knowledge with a positive outcome.
I give this book 4.5 stars only because I thoroughly believe in peer-reviewed research, even concerning behavior. I still loved this book and all the information it so gloriously holds.
I recommend this book to EVERY college student at any level looking for any career. There really is something for everyone.
Read this on amandanicolebooks.WordPress.com
July 6, 2015
Buy The Career Playbook for a recent graduate. Receiving realistic, useful, and practical advice from Mr. Citrin will help them prepare for the working world. The book also includes helpful tips on doing well after getting the job. Muy importante. Every millennial needs this book, especially if they majored in liberal arts or humanities.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Penguin Random House/Crown Publishing Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.
http://catoverlord.blogspot.com/2015/...
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FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Penguin Random House/Crown Publishing Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.
http://catoverlord.blogspot.com/2015/...
https://www.facebook.com/CatOverlord
https://twitter.com/thecatoverlord
November 2, 2015
James M. Citrin The Career Playbook 2/5
don't like the author's point of view. He's not playing to win but rather to just do 20% better than the average competition. People deserve better than that, I'd suggest reading a book about how to do 500% beter than the average competition.
You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
don't like the author's point of view. He's not playing to win but rather to just do 20% better than the average competition. People deserve better than that, I'd suggest reading a book about how to do 500% beter than the average competition.
You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
May 24, 2015
What I liked the most about this book were the strategies that the author talked about concerning jobs and just starting out. The advice given in this book was invaluable to me and I am sure it would also be to anyone who is just starting out working in their first job. I especially liked reading about the success of others in this book and how they made their way. Excellent advice for anyone who is starting out in the workforce!
July 3, 2015
Today's recommended read at http://www.wendygreenley.com/2015/07/.... Review excerpt: The subtitle of the book--Essential Advice for Today's Aspiring Young Professional--is a good description of the content. It's the information that I would want to give my job-seeking kids, but that kids probably don't want to hear from their parents. And because I believe parents shouldn't be involved in their kids' job search, this book is a super stand in.
September 15, 2015
Incredibly insights for young professionals like me who are trying to navigate the professional post-graduate world. Offering expert advice and real-life experience certainly helped me flag what I can improve on and how I can get to that next step in my career.
Be prepared to read the book with a notebook or an entire stack of post-its so that you are able to remember all the amazing information and advice that Citrin provides.
Be prepared to read the book with a notebook or an entire stack of post-its so that you are able to remember all the amazing information and advice that Citrin provides.
August 13, 2015
You don't have to be a graduate of some Ivy League school to build a solid career for yourself. If you follow your core principles by making sound decisions, working hard and building meaningful relationships, you'll find your way to success. So stay dedicated, present your skills and experience clearly and always be sure to make a good first impression – both in and out of interviews.
August 24, 2015
Seems solid. It wasn't really relevant to me since I have a few years under my belt. However, there was a jewel in the appendix: the idea to keep a daily log of what you do. Then at the end of the day, rate each task from 1-10. After a few months, look over your log to see what really makes you happy.
June 21, 2023
The Career Playbook: Essential Advice for Today's Aspiring Young Professional by James M. Citrin
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Sv ra trường 5 năm r đọc vẫn thấy hay, nhất là đợt này đang update lại CV để tìm việc Haha
14.03.2023
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Quyển này hợp với sv sắp/ mới ra trường.
Sv ra trường 5 năm r đọc vẫn thấy hay, nhất là đợt này đang update lại CV để tìm việc Haha
14.03.2023
N
đọc thêm review/ tóm tắt sách của mình tại: https://nhungghicheplinhtinhcuangoc.w...
April 8, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It does a good job of breaking down of how the workforce works today. It gives a better understanding of what to expect, what you should consider during the present and your future.
Definitely check out this book.
Definitely check out this book.
April 1, 2015
A broad look at topics which need to be considered by folks 'on the way up' - young professionals. The book's breadth is it's greatest strength, I think - the author reminds young pros to consider many topics, rather than just one. Features 30 generally-helpful b/w illustrations.
August 17, 2015
Great advice on starting and changing careers. Well written and easy to read.
October 7, 2015
Some good information, but I would recommend "Getting from College to Career" by Lindsay Pollack instead.
April 24, 2016
Great Book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews