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60 Seconds and You're Hired!
Fully revised and updated for the 2016 job hunt—the must-have guide to acing the interview and landing the dream job, from “America’s top career expert” (The Los Angeles Times)
60 Seconds & You're Hired! has already helped thousands of job seekers get their dream jobs by excelling in crucial interviews. America's top job search expert Robin Ryan draws on her 20 years as a career counselor, 30 years of direct hiring, and extensive contact with hundreds of recruiters, decisions makers, and HR professionals to teach you proven strategies to help you take charge of the interview process and get the job you want. Brief, compact, and packed with insightful direction to give you the cutting edge to slip past the competition, 60 Seconds & You're Hired! is here to help you succeed! This newly revised edition features:
• Unique techniques like "The 60 Second Sell" and "The 5-Point Agenda"
• Over 125 answers to tough, tricky interview questions employers often ask
• How to handle structured or behavioral interview questions
• Questions you should always ask, and questions you should never ask
• How to deal effectively with any salary questions to preserve your negotiating power
• 20 interview pitfalls to avoid
• Proven negotiation techniques that secure higher salaries - and much more!
“Robin Ryan has the inside track on how to get hired.” —ABC News
60 Seconds & You're Hired! has already helped thousands of job seekers get their dream jobs by excelling in crucial interviews. America's top job search expert Robin Ryan draws on her 20 years as a career counselor, 30 years of direct hiring, and extensive contact with hundreds of recruiters, decisions makers, and HR professionals to teach you proven strategies to help you take charge of the interview process and get the job you want. Brief, compact, and packed with insightful direction to give you the cutting edge to slip past the competition, 60 Seconds & You're Hired! is here to help you succeed! This newly revised edition features:
• Unique techniques like "The 60 Second Sell" and "The 5-Point Agenda"
• Over 125 answers to tough, tricky interview questions employers often ask
• How to handle structured or behavioral interview questions
• Questions you should always ask, and questions you should never ask
• How to deal effectively with any salary questions to preserve your negotiating power
• 20 interview pitfalls to avoid
• Proven negotiation techniques that secure higher salaries - and much more!
“Robin Ryan has the inside track on how to get hired.” —ABC News
224 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1994
452 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 12, 2020
النصائح الأساسية لمقابلة وظيفة العمل نصائح مبتكرة وتشير إلى الآليات والطرق الغير مباشرة التي قد تستعمل في المقابلات والتي يصعب تخمين الهدف من هذه الأسئلة عند تلقيها للوهلة الأولى
February 24, 2011
I got this book because it promised interview techinques, which it delivered... to a point.
I found a similar problem with this as with many other resume-writing and prepare-to-get-a-job type resources in that they seem to assume I've got a lot more work experience than I have. No, I've never been CEO of a multinational corporation nor have I increased their bottom line by 60%. It wasn't ridiculous though, because they at least offered different examples.
This isn't the sort of book you can easily read from cover to cover. The middle section has sample interview questions, and there are too many of them. They become repetitious. It would have been better had the author lumped all the same type questions in the same group, because many of the answer suggestions were "just like you'd answer that other question."
Also, the book hammers home the point of the "sixty second sell" and "five point promise" but I had a very hard time finding where this information was outlined. It was presented as if it were obvious and well-understood, but I didn't find a satisfactory description of what this meant, or what the difference was between them.
If you're only looking for one book on how to do a good job interview, this isn't the one. If you have a stack of them and are willing to flip through and look for information, this is an okay resource.
I found a similar problem with this as with many other resume-writing and prepare-to-get-a-job type resources in that they seem to assume I've got a lot more work experience than I have. No, I've never been CEO of a multinational corporation nor have I increased their bottom line by 60%. It wasn't ridiculous though, because they at least offered different examples.
This isn't the sort of book you can easily read from cover to cover. The middle section has sample interview questions, and there are too many of them. They become repetitious. It would have been better had the author lumped all the same type questions in the same group, because many of the answer suggestions were "just like you'd answer that other question."
Also, the book hammers home the point of the "sixty second sell" and "five point promise" but I had a very hard time finding where this information was outlined. It was presented as if it were obvious and well-understood, but I didn't find a satisfactory description of what this meant, or what the difference was between them.
If you're only looking for one book on how to do a good job interview, this isn't the one. If you have a stack of them and are willing to flip through and look for information, this is an okay resource.
November 10, 2017
I'm still to prove this book IRL situations but it was good and informative
June 23, 2022
As someone who’s looking more at retiring than getting a new job, why was I even reading 60 Seconds and You’re Hired? True, I used to volunteer as a job coach, tweaking resumes, offering tips, and giving mock interviews. The “60 Second ME,” on which Ryan bases the book was one of my best tools. Then, just after I finished the book, a close friend shared that he needed to change jobs for better income. So, I just sent him the 60 Seconds paperback. No wonder I was compelled to read it!
I like that the plan is simple: craft a 60-second ME, ascertain your 5 most relevant (and I would add enjoyable-to-use) skills, and analyze and prepare versions of these for each interview. The author neglects to add that the 60-second ME can be used with friends and acquaintances, while waiting in line, while shopping the produce section, etc. Not all jobs come from a resume and formal interview.
There’s also information on salary negotiation, multiple interviews, and extensive Q&A. The format is logical, concise, and seems like it would set the jobseeker at ease. I’d say it’s best for those who have been out of the job market for awhile, or those seeking their first or second job.
Need a job? Check it out. It’s short! I downloaded my copy from the public library for free with Libby.
I like that the plan is simple: craft a 60-second ME, ascertain your 5 most relevant (and I would add enjoyable-to-use) skills, and analyze and prepare versions of these for each interview. The author neglects to add that the 60-second ME can be used with friends and acquaintances, while waiting in line, while shopping the produce section, etc. Not all jobs come from a resume and formal interview.
There’s also information on salary negotiation, multiple interviews, and extensive Q&A. The format is logical, concise, and seems like it would set the jobseeker at ease. I’d say it’s best for those who have been out of the job market for awhile, or those seeking their first or second job.
Need a job? Check it out. It’s short! I downloaded my copy from the public library for free with Libby.
July 11, 2019
Okay so I’m a little biased in giving this four stars because after submitting my resume to two places, I was asked for interviews within three days where I proceeded to get job offers. Okay so the interview question are spot on because I was asked the same ones mentioned and thankfully I prepared my answers ahead of time as suggested by the author. I’m usually a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal and though it works most times, I didn’t want to screw this up. There is something I disagree with which I find is more field related. You cannot be an effective teacher if you leave your emotions at the door and this works the same in an interview when talking about past classroom experiences. Anyhoo, this book is definitely worth a shot if you’re in the market for a new job.
December 15, 2020
For the past decade, 60 Seconds & You're Hired! has helped thousands of job seekers get the perfect job by excelling at the crucial job interview. Now, in this new edition, America's top career coach Robin Ryan offers proven strategies to help readers take charge of the interview process and get the job they want. Brief, compact, and packed with useful tips, 60 Seconds & You're Hired! features:
• Unique techniques like "The 60 Second Sell" and "The 5-Point Agenda"
• More than 100 answers to tough interview questions
• Questions you should always ask
• 20 interview pitfalls to avoid
• Negotiation techniques that secure higher salaries
• And much more
• Unique techniques like "The 60 Second Sell" and "The 5-Point Agenda"
• More than 100 answers to tough interview questions
• Questions you should always ask
• 20 interview pitfalls to avoid
• Negotiation techniques that secure higher salaries
• And much more
January 31, 2026
Read for class. So repetitive that if you do what she says as she says it, people will think you're too insane and robotic to hire.
August 27, 2018
This is a very well organized and informative book. Basically, the book puts the reader in the mind of a Hiring Manager. The book has a great number of interview questions that you will most likely be asked in an interview and the author perfectly explains why the hiring manager or interviewer is asking this type of question. The author also has tips for the job seeker so that the job seeker may get ahead of the competition. The reason I rated it 4 stars was for two reasons.
1) I felt that the book was tailored mostly for professionals. There are tips for recent graduates, but the recent graduate job seeker will be kind of stuck when it comes to following the tips (especially if the recent graduate has no work experience).
2) I disagree with some ways the questions were answered. This is more of a personal opinion so it probably won't matter to others.
Overall, this is a very good, well-written, organized, and informative book. If you are unsure whether or not you want to buy it, don't be. Go ahead and purchase it, there is a TON of valuable information. The book is definitely a keeper and what I like to call a "go back to" type of book.
For those seeking jobs: May you get what you are searching for. :-)
1) I felt that the book was tailored mostly for professionals. There are tips for recent graduates, but the recent graduate job seeker will be kind of stuck when it comes to following the tips (especially if the recent graduate has no work experience).
2) I disagree with some ways the questions were answered. This is more of a personal opinion so it probably won't matter to others.
Overall, this is a very good, well-written, organized, and informative book. If you are unsure whether or not you want to buy it, don't be. Go ahead and purchase it, there is a TON of valuable information. The book is definitely a keeper and what I like to call a "go back to" type of book.
For those seeking jobs: May you get what you are searching for. :-)
March 6, 2011
"Believing in yourself is the starting point. Effectively communicating your abilities to others is the necessity."
When going through the long and arduous process of applying for jobs and participating in the interview process, it is necessary to have a seamless game-plan. The authur, Robin Ryan, shows how effective a prospective employee can convey/"sell" who they are to any employer in 60-seconds. I have learned to use Ryan's 5-Point agenda method to prepare for interviews. In choosing your 5 most marketable points (specific to the job you're applying for, of course), you are able to repeatedly state your strengths in every answer within the interview process.
This resource also includes strategies to answer the most difficult/tricky interview questions in 60-seconds, incorporates examples of the 60-second sell/5-point agenda specific to certain careers, introduces questions you should always ask during and at conclusion of an interview, pitfalls to avoid during the process, and preparation for 15 different types of interviews.
This is a quick read and a great tool to brush up on your skills before any and every interview.
When going through the long and arduous process of applying for jobs and participating in the interview process, it is necessary to have a seamless game-plan. The authur, Robin Ryan, shows how effective a prospective employee can convey/"sell" who they are to any employer in 60-seconds. I have learned to use Ryan's 5-Point agenda method to prepare for interviews. In choosing your 5 most marketable points (specific to the job you're applying for, of course), you are able to repeatedly state your strengths in every answer within the interview process.
This resource also includes strategies to answer the most difficult/tricky interview questions in 60-seconds, incorporates examples of the 60-second sell/5-point agenda specific to certain careers, introduces questions you should always ask during and at conclusion of an interview, pitfalls to avoid during the process, and preparation for 15 different types of interviews.
This is a quick read and a great tool to brush up on your skills before any and every interview.
May 21, 2017
I read this book thanks to Blinkist.
It wasn't particularly interesting.
The key message in this book:
Interviews are an art, and anyone can land the job they want by following some helpful pointers. To impress your interviewer, answer her questions in 60 seconds or less while tying your responses to your main strengths, experience, and the skills relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Actionable advice:
Send a handwritten thank-you note to follow up after your interview.
Sending a handwritten note after an interview will automatically set you apart from the crowd as few people will take the time to make such a gesture. Be sure that you write this thank-you letter on professional stationery, including a short message thanking the employer for their time and reiterating your interest. Just be sure to mail it within 24 hours of your interview.
It wasn't particularly interesting.
The key message in this book:
Interviews are an art, and anyone can land the job they want by following some helpful pointers. To impress your interviewer, answer her questions in 60 seconds or less while tying your responses to your main strengths, experience, and the skills relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Actionable advice:
Send a handwritten thank-you note to follow up after your interview.
Sending a handwritten note after an interview will automatically set you apart from the crowd as few people will take the time to make such a gesture. Be sure that you write this thank-you letter on professional stationery, including a short message thanking the employer for their time and reiterating your interest. Just be sure to mail it within 24 hours of your interview.
November 21, 2017
Very American in focus, and I did feel sorry for any Americans looking for a job, it seems a very competitive market, where employees get little holiday, and are expected to work evenings, and to put sick children in childcare.
Using these methods in full would mean coming across as a bit weird to a British boss I think, but the concept of short snappy prepared answers is a good one, just not original to this book.
Using these methods in full would mean coming across as a bit weird to a British boss I think, but the concept of short snappy prepared answers is a good one, just not original to this book.
March 28, 2025
60 Seconds and You're Hired! is a short guide on how to prepare and interview well in a variety of different interview situations. Different parts of the interview are broken down: how to dress appropriately, prepare for interview questions, and research the company beforehand.
This book is insanely helpful for anyone looking to prepare for a big job interview and was recommended to me by a few people. Probably the most useful part of the book was the author writing down 100+ common interview questions and describing ways to broach certain sensitive topics. Hiring someone for a job is a risky business, and employers are loath to hire the wrong candidate. Interestingly, I think employers know that conflicts and challenges arise with the past work experiences of any potential employee, but they want to know that you can handle different situations with extreme tact and conscientiousness.
The book emphasizes interview preparedness through self-reflection: do you want this job? how much are you willing to be paid? are you prepared for the responsibilities? A lot of preparing for the job is trying to understand really how good of a fit this job and this work place is for you as the prospective employee. Only when you have the answers to this job yourself can you look the employer straight in the eye with confidence in your voice and answer the questions truthfully. Lying to get the job doesn't seem to work out for either the employer or the employee, because no matter how you slice it, someone will be unhappy with the situation.
Overall, highly recommend for new students and those trying to up their interview game.
This book is insanely helpful for anyone looking to prepare for a big job interview and was recommended to me by a few people. Probably the most useful part of the book was the author writing down 100+ common interview questions and describing ways to broach certain sensitive topics. Hiring someone for a job is a risky business, and employers are loath to hire the wrong candidate. Interestingly, I think employers know that conflicts and challenges arise with the past work experiences of any potential employee, but they want to know that you can handle different situations with extreme tact and conscientiousness.
The book emphasizes interview preparedness through self-reflection: do you want this job? how much are you willing to be paid? are you prepared for the responsibilities? A lot of preparing for the job is trying to understand really how good of a fit this job and this work place is for you as the prospective employee. Only when you have the answers to this job yourself can you look the employer straight in the eye with confidence in your voice and answer the questions truthfully. Lying to get the job doesn't seem to work out for either the employer or the employee, because no matter how you slice it, someone will be unhappy with the situation.
Overall, highly recommend for new students and those trying to up their interview game.
February 18, 2023
My personal career includes moments of transition from position to position and one company to another. The preparation for speaking my value with interviewers became a clear opportunity for improving my performance. Seeking specific steps for improving my performance, I turned to the “completely revised and updated” Robin Ryan book '60 Seconds & You're Hired!' for that boost.
The book presents specific and helpful examples of approaches to bring to answering questions concisely, with thoughtful preparation, and through scenarios that simply help in knowing some common thoughts for what the interviewer likely is seeking with regards to thought processes underpinning questions. The process of preparing specific examples that help you put your best foot forward are fantastically helpful. The added benefit for prefacing conversations with concepts that the author calls the “5 Point Agenda” and the “60 Second Sell” gets to the point of framing your candidacy based on your strengths.
I’ve had the opportunity to employ techniques in this book to assistance that has helped my confidence entering employment interviews. I’ve improved my performance with questions that most likely have disqualified me from candidacy in the past. Overall, the feeling that I have moved into the driver’s seat from the passenger’s seat has made the investment in this book, along with continued investment as I head towards landing my next career opportunity, allows me to recommend this book. I give '60 Seconds & You’re Hired!' by Robin Ryan 4.5-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.
The book presents specific and helpful examples of approaches to bring to answering questions concisely, with thoughtful preparation, and through scenarios that simply help in knowing some common thoughts for what the interviewer likely is seeking with regards to thought processes underpinning questions. The process of preparing specific examples that help you put your best foot forward are fantastically helpful. The added benefit for prefacing conversations with concepts that the author calls the “5 Point Agenda” and the “60 Second Sell” gets to the point of framing your candidacy based on your strengths.
I’ve had the opportunity to employ techniques in this book to assistance that has helped my confidence entering employment interviews. I’ve improved my performance with questions that most likely have disqualified me from candidacy in the past. Overall, the feeling that I have moved into the driver’s seat from the passenger’s seat has made the investment in this book, along with continued investment as I head towards landing my next career opportunity, allows me to recommend this book. I give '60 Seconds & You’re Hired!' by Robin Ryan 4.5-stars on a scale of 1-to-5.
April 6, 2022
The job market is increasingly competitive, and keeping the attention of a recruiter for longer than a few seconds is often a challenge even for those with the fanciest résumé-formatting skills.
Well-intentioned tips on how to nail your dream job are endless, covering everything from the perfect time to send in your application to the pitch of your voice when speaking to the interview panel. But with so much to think about, it’s easy to lose sight of the real essentials.
That’s where these blinks come in. They break down the interview process and remind us of the handful of critical elements that will ensure a successful application.
Interviews are an art, and anyone can land the job they want by following some helpful pointers. To impress your interviewer, answer her questions in 60 seconds or less while tying your responses to your main strengths, experience, and skills relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
Well-intentioned tips on how to nail your dream job are endless, covering everything from the perfect time to send in your application to the pitch of your voice when speaking to the interview panel. But with so much to think about, it’s easy to lose sight of the real essentials.
That’s where these blinks come in. They break down the interview process and remind us of the handful of critical elements that will ensure a successful application.
Interviews are an art, and anyone can land the job they want by following some helpful pointers. To impress your interviewer, answer her questions in 60 seconds or less while tying your responses to your main strengths, experience, and skills relevant to the position for which you’re applying.
April 18, 2022
This was recommended to me by a recruiter friend. The overall concept is good -- which is to basically have a 60 second "elevator pitch" to sell yourself to potential employers. But, even though my versions was "updated" for the 2016 job market, the author still poo-poos emailed thank yous and recommends researching your industry and salary expectations AT THE LIBRARY. Especially now in 2022 - post Covid shutdown and remote work era - the insistance that things like salary negotiations be done in person seems particularly ancient.
All that to say, it is still a useful book. It teaches you how to distill your qualifiactions down to the essences to as not to bore interviewers. And it has a great list of questions that you can ask employers. Unfortunately, my library copy was due before I could finish the book. Overall, recommended.
All that to say, it is still a useful book. It teaches you how to distill your qualifiactions down to the essences to as not to bore interviewers. And it has a great list of questions that you can ask employers. Unfortunately, my library copy was due before I could finish the book. Overall, recommended.
May 1, 2023
Remember you are deciding if you want to spend the most valuable time your LIFE TIME with those people doing those tasks for the bread you want to eat, the car you want to drive, the house you desire to live meaning the partner you want to attract.
You want to decide if your time is worth even the time of the interview because how many have already decided before they meet you only based on your resume’
If you are in need of personal discussion about your career, your choices or help with your resume I can help you towards a good direction.
You want to decide if your time is worth even the time of the interview because how many have already decided before they meet you only based on your resume’
If you are in need of personal discussion about your career, your choices or help with your resume I can help you towards a good direction.
September 4, 2023
I LOVED this book! I found this book very helpful in preparing me for a convention of talking to recruiters. The best part of this book is explaining how to set up your 3 minute sell! I used this method to construct a selling tactic of myself to the different recruiters that I was going to meet, which ended up leading me to multiple interviews. I highly recommend this book if you are preparing for an interview/meet and greet situation or just want to learn how to get better in selling yourself.
February 13, 2018
This book is extremely helpful for anyone searching for a job. It is a quick and easy read and has great tips and tricks to stand out in an interview. The practice questions are an extremely valuable tool and help in preparing for an interview. The book helps you feel prepared and not as nervous. Definitely recommended.
July 7, 2020
This book was highly recommended to me by multiple people. They said they read it every time they have an interview or more importantly negotiate for pay. I have been interviewing and am starting to use some of the tips. It covers many areas of the job hunting process. It focuses mostly on the interview process and the need to have your message very clear.
April 14, 2022
This book was recommended by someone that said It was game changing for her achieving an upper management position. Perhaps this made me expect more. It’s not bad information, but it’s rather basic strategies. I would recommend it for someone new to the work force or perhaps someone that has been out of the work force for a while. For most others I’d say it’s a review at best.
May 10, 2022
I think this book is great, the whole 60 second answer to interview questions I think works for most questions. The five point agenda to answer and summarize most “why should I hire you questions” type questions I think really helps and it keeps the interviewee from rambling about himself or going into other areas.
June 9, 2022
Practical book
One of the best books for giving you tips for interviews. I have used the questions to interview candidates and also shared the tips from the book with friends who were going for interviews. The feedback I got they were confident during the interviews and got shortlisted.
One of the best books for giving you tips for interviews. I have used the questions to interview candidates and also shared the tips from the book with friends who were going for interviews. The feedback I got they were confident during the interviews and got shortlisted.
Read
December 4, 2022I quite liked this book. The main principle of having a repeated and brief pitch is a good philosophy. I had trouble being concise in interviews and this was helpful for me.
Some responses have aged as social forces shift for the better, but the general list of questions/answers provides a ton of variety that factors in what the interviewer is listening for.
Some responses have aged as social forces shift for the better, but the general list of questions/answers provides a ton of variety that factors in what the interviewer is listening for.
May 26, 2023
I found it outdated and mostly irrelevant. The book was also geared towards finance/data/HR departments that I found difficult to relate to, having none of these kinds of examples given that would be relevant to my career.
I guess if you are a male in the 1980s, this book would be super relevant and helpful.
I guess if you are a male in the 1980s, this book would be super relevant and helpful.
December 14, 2018
Audiobook. Dated content, but good insight into how to prepare for and execute a great interview and land a job. Would recommend for ideas, but wouldn't follow everything 100%. Varies by industry and needs to be updated with modern trends.
April 8, 2020
Very insightful for me as a recruiter and writer of endorsement letters. 5 talking points in one minute. Handwritten thank you note sent within 24 hours. And the moment they ask about the money, it's a question of if they're interested in the money or the actual work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
Not best suited for executives
I felt the information here was more for people who had very little work experience and didn’t know the basics. If you are an executive and want to get a c-suite position this book won’t help you.
I felt the information here was more for people who had very little work experience and didn’t know the basics. If you are an executive and want to get a c-suite position this book won’t help you.
August 20, 2023
clear and concise
Clear and actionable advice. She outlines straight forward and easy to implement advice for your next interview and negotiations. Her section on negotiation is especially useful and her list of questions to ask.
Clear and actionable advice. She outlines straight forward and easy to implement advice for your next interview and negotiations. Her section on negotiation is especially useful and her list of questions to ask.
January 22, 2024
Overall, this book gives good advice. This was recommended to me for my residency interviews. The main point of the book is conveyed in the first half so, I almost didn’t finish it! I did skim the parts that weren’t relevant to my interviews.
March 25, 2024
It was certainly thought provoking in terms of making me question myself on how I do want to present myself under a professional setting. If anything prepares you for the inevitable questions you will be asked. May have to reread again to fully grasp the different concepts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews