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25 Things to Say to the Interviewer, to Get the Job You Want [Library Binding]
“If you’re looking for a job that lets you do what you’re good at, pays you what you’re worth, read this book.
“And if you want to make your dreams come true, read it over and over again.
“It takes a lifetime to learn these life lessons. But you don’t have that kind of time.
“And no one is going to teach them to you. There just aren’t that man6 good bosses around. Most of them are selfish, busy, or under the gun.
“Here’s a one-of-a-kind book that’ll teach you how to get past interviewers.
“But, that’s the half of it. It’ll also teach you the life lessons you need to succeed in business, in your career, in your life.
“When you finish reading this book, you’ll know what it takes most successful people, at least, half a lifetime to learn. Lucky you found it.”—from the book
Audiobook
First published May 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 8, 2018
I didn't especially enjoy this audio book. What I was looking for was 25 answers to tough interview questions to help me prepare for that time when I'm ready to be a productive member of society again.
Early on in the book, the author says that the way to "get past the gatekeepers and land your dream job" is by telling the interviewer what they want to hear. OK, that makes sense. No interviewer wants to know that you hated your previous boss, how important it is that you get 5 weeks of vacation, or how deep in debt you are.
This book offers some common-sense tips, like how it is never appropriate to get to work late, how you shouldn't walk over others to get ahead, and always be willing to go "above and beyond". It is useful to those who are starting out in the corporate world, or aspiring to become a manager, and need tips on how to be successful. It is of no help to those like me who have worked more than half their lives and are not looking to achieve great things.
Early on in the book, the author says that the way to "get past the gatekeepers and land your dream job" is by telling the interviewer what they want to hear. OK, that makes sense. No interviewer wants to know that you hated your previous boss, how important it is that you get 5 weeks of vacation, or how deep in debt you are.
This book offers some common-sense tips, like how it is never appropriate to get to work late, how you shouldn't walk over others to get ahead, and always be willing to go "above and beyond". It is useful to those who are starting out in the corporate world, or aspiring to become a manager, and need tips on how to be successful. It is of no help to those like me who have worked more than half their lives and are not looking to achieve great things.
June 28, 2012
The tone of this 'book' is very low-brow, insensitive, cliche and wince inducing. Dare I say obnoxious?
It may be perfect preparation for some 'corporate cultures' but I am unfamiliar with them. It does not apply to creative, philosophical, intellectual, medical, legal, governmental, educational, hospitality, social services, or feminine spheres of endeavor, in my experience.
It was nearly unbearable to listen to, but I stayed with it in the hopes that I would learn at least one valuable thing; I didn't. It was just a sloppy and poor regurgitation of actual motivational talks, by someone who has neither insight nor writing skills.
It may be perfect preparation for some 'corporate cultures' but I am unfamiliar with them. It does not apply to creative, philosophical, intellectual, medical, legal, governmental, educational, hospitality, social services, or feminine spheres of endeavor, in my experience.
It was nearly unbearable to listen to, but I stayed with it in the hopes that I would learn at least one valuable thing; I didn't. It was just a sloppy and poor regurgitation of actual motivational talks, by someone who has neither insight nor writing skills.
January 21, 2009
If I had read the existing Goodreads reviews of this book, I wouldn't have bothered with it. The author assumes that (a) everyone wants a white-collar managerial job and (b) all interviewers and bosses are male. Join the 21st century already, Dexter.
February 2, 2020
Perhaps useful for high school or recent college graduates.
March 2, 2017
Very specific lines to deliver in an interview that might work well in a particular type of business, but these certainly wouldn't work for everyone or fit well in every business culture.
February 26, 2015
I read this book for 3 reasons: first, I wanted a short non fiction book to read for a challenge; second, I'm in the job market so I figure I could learn something and third, I have a crush on Lloyd James's voice (the narrator) so I can listen to him read a laundry list. The latter was the only reason why I finished this book (I should have paid attention to the ratings.)
Although some of the advice in this book is sound, most of them are things not at all appropriate to say in an interview unless you want the interviewer to think you're an obsessive maniac. Things like "I deliver on my promises" or "I fit in, anywhere" or "I speak the truth" are character traits that people discover once they get to know you but that seem completely suspect if you sprout them as gospel to a stranger.
Also, the book gives contradictory advice. It tells you to be authentic but not to be funny...to say things to get the job whether they are true or not (see "I speak the truth".)
Lloyd James was very good as usual. He sounded "eager, hardworking and ambitious" (the traits people listening to this book are supposed to have.) And his voice! At some point, I tried to speed up the narration but I couldn't do it. I found myself wanting to listen to every word.
If you are really are looking for interview advice, skip this book. I'm sure there are better books out there.
Although some of the advice in this book is sound, most of them are things not at all appropriate to say in an interview unless you want the interviewer to think you're an obsessive maniac. Things like "I deliver on my promises" or "I fit in, anywhere" or "I speak the truth" are character traits that people discover once they get to know you but that seem completely suspect if you sprout them as gospel to a stranger.
Also, the book gives contradictory advice. It tells you to be authentic but not to be funny...to say things to get the job whether they are true or not (see "I speak the truth".)
Lloyd James was very good as usual. He sounded "eager, hardworking and ambitious" (the traits people listening to this book are supposed to have.) And his voice! At some point, I tried to speed up the narration but I couldn't do it. I found myself wanting to listen to every word.
If you are really are looking for interview advice, skip this book. I'm sure there are better books out there.
August 7, 2016
I checked out this book from my public library's eBook collection because I have an upcoming job interview and wanted a quick refresher.
This book doesn't so much as give you the examples of the best answers for commonly asked interview questions as it supplies overly long bragging monologues that make you sound like some kind of workaholic maniac. For example "the only way I will not get my work done is if I am in the hospital on life-support, otherwise NOTHING will stop me from working. I can't think of any job interview I've had where it was a better idea to give a 5 minute insane speech rather than answering the question asked succinctly. There's no advice on how to work these 25 statements that your interviewer wants to hear into your interview that is remotely organic.
Call me overly politically correct, but I thought it was insulting that the boss and the interviewer are always referred to as male. "Tell your boss you will not waste HIS time because HE is always busy."
This book doesn't so much as give you the examples of the best answers for commonly asked interview questions as it supplies overly long bragging monologues that make you sound like some kind of workaholic maniac. For example "the only way I will not get my work done is if I am in the hospital on life-support, otherwise NOTHING will stop me from working. I can't think of any job interview I've had where it was a better idea to give a 5 minute insane speech rather than answering the question asked succinctly. There's no advice on how to work these 25 statements that your interviewer wants to hear into your interview that is remotely organic.
Call me overly politically correct, but I thought it was insulting that the boss and the interviewer are always referred to as male. "Tell your boss you will not waste HIS time because HE is always busy."
November 12, 2019
I read this because I'm currently job hunting and was hoping for broad advice when it comes to interviewing. I only finished this book because I'm collecting reads for a library reading challenge, and didn’t want to waste the pages I’d already invested...but it was painful. This book felt terribly outdated, ego-centric, and so male-focused that it bordered on misogynistic. Not only that, but the advice often focused on repeating or rewording already-tired cliches again and again, which made it feel like list after list of meaningless advice, aimed at young white males exclusively looking for work in traditional financial industries. Almost none of the book applied to government, non-profit, creative, teaching, healthcare, or service industries. So, if you’re a 23 year-old white, male, recent college grad seeking work in business management, marketing, or finance and all the interviewers happen to be older white men in those same industries, by all means, read this book.
January 21, 2020
Now that I've had the interview it wasn't really all that helpful but I can seen how it would be for some people.
1/21/2020 - I read this book every time I have an interview. You would think I would have this all memorized by now! When I have panel interviews I find it helps to say some of the 25 to make my answers seem more thought out and longer, especially with regards to behavioral questions to explain why I did certain things.
1/21/2020 - I read this book every time I have an interview. You would think I would have this all memorized by now! When I have panel interviews I find it helps to say some of the 25 to make my answers seem more thought out and longer, especially with regards to behavioral questions to explain why I did certain things.
May 4, 2015
This book is NOT about interview Q&A but rather about general business practices and practical advice. Though the scenarios are *very* specific to white collar administration and geared heavily toward men, the advice is worth a quick review. I've listened to the audiobook several times, and though the tone can be a bit patronizing, it doesn't hurt to listen if you would like to refocus your work goals.
January 23, 2021
Disappointing. I don't think these are really things you can work into the conversation at your interview without sounding like an *ss. Maybe it would work in business fields, but not in my creative field.
July 3, 2013
It talk about ideas based on x-theory. Nothing new. Also title and content don't match. I was expecting tips on interview but it mainly talks about how I should work in any job... It's just a waste.
January 11, 2018
This book was ok, since it is a short book, I listened to it 8 times. It helped put me in the right mindset to use other sources to get my interview rehersed.
25 Things to say:
1)Don't guess or assume anything
2)Be ready for problems, set backup plans, ensure good communications, regular updates
3)Take Responsibility, dont blame others, but also take responsibility for fixing it
4)Produce more than is expected of you, but dont show up coworkers or boss
5)Compete fair and square, golden rule
6)Have serious goals, Work Hard
7)Short and decisive correspondence (biz memoranda 1-2 pages, biz letters 4-5 paragraphs)
8)Always be on time
9)Get to know people in your business (inside or outside the company)
10)Read literature on your business and market place
11)Fit in, anywhere
12)Understand boss speak, ie “when you get a chance will do this or that,” he is really saying do it now. First accept him as your superior, listen learn do it now and fast
13)I’m looking for a career, not a job hopper. I like working for a company that I can showcase what I know and what I can do. I am also looking for a decent salary so I know your company values my hard work.
14)Have a sense of humor, be serious but enjoyable to work with.
15)Take a stand only on big issues, pivotal ones, the ones that can make or break a projects so I compromise on small ones to make it hard for people to say no to me. Its not useful to win every one of them. Resentments pile up.
16)Don’t dismiss or underestimate anyone. Everyone has a gift, don’t undermine their opinions, definitely don’t underestimate competitors or advisories
17)Get to know what everyone is doing in the company, especially the movers and shakers. What’s the big picture of the company? What biz we are in? What services we render? Who are our customers and suppliers? Goals? Where is our company going? How soon will we get there?
18)Don’t waste time settling scores, keep composure when I lose. Prepare thoroughly for the next time, don’t lose back to back.
19)Deliver on your promises
20)Don’t whine or complain, you have work to do, makes you look small. You need to dazzle your boss with confidence and optimism. If they say if something is bothering you I want to hear about it; THEY DONT
21)Have a good sense/fell of the field and time properly. Time your needs and request to optimize your boss’s feelings and requests. He pays you.
22)Keep your mouth shut, don’t be a news monger. Information is like water, it finds its way to all the wrong places. I want people to know that they can trust me with info especially the valuable kind. Info is power and tool of power. Don’t spill your guts to anyone.
23)Speak the truth, best way to stay creditable, is to just tell the truth. When your creditable, believable, and trustworthy you have authority and power derives from authority.
24)Turn out good work, Innovate, without being a perfectionist. Get it done right the first time.
25)Get along with coworkers and make yourself get along with your boss.
26)I listen. Some people only hear, but I listen. Listen to your boss and coworkers say and what they don’t say. Clear and precious speech. Knowledge and responded too lubricates life. Never say I misunderstood or I thought you said such and such. He will think you weren’t listening or weren’t smart enough. Don’t give them any ammunition.
25 Things to say:
1)Don't guess or assume anything
2)Be ready for problems, set backup plans, ensure good communications, regular updates
3)Take Responsibility, dont blame others, but also take responsibility for fixing it
4)Produce more than is expected of you, but dont show up coworkers or boss
5)Compete fair and square, golden rule
6)Have serious goals, Work Hard
7)Short and decisive correspondence (biz memoranda 1-2 pages, biz letters 4-5 paragraphs)
8)Always be on time
9)Get to know people in your business (inside or outside the company)
10)Read literature on your business and market place
11)Fit in, anywhere
12)Understand boss speak, ie “when you get a chance will do this or that,” he is really saying do it now. First accept him as your superior, listen learn do it now and fast
13)I’m looking for a career, not a job hopper. I like working for a company that I can showcase what I know and what I can do. I am also looking for a decent salary so I know your company values my hard work.
14)Have a sense of humor, be serious but enjoyable to work with.
15)Take a stand only on big issues, pivotal ones, the ones that can make or break a projects so I compromise on small ones to make it hard for people to say no to me. Its not useful to win every one of them. Resentments pile up.
16)Don’t dismiss or underestimate anyone. Everyone has a gift, don’t undermine their opinions, definitely don’t underestimate competitors or advisories
17)Get to know what everyone is doing in the company, especially the movers and shakers. What’s the big picture of the company? What biz we are in? What services we render? Who are our customers and suppliers? Goals? Where is our company going? How soon will we get there?
18)Don’t waste time settling scores, keep composure when I lose. Prepare thoroughly for the next time, don’t lose back to back.
19)Deliver on your promises
20)Don’t whine or complain, you have work to do, makes you look small. You need to dazzle your boss with confidence and optimism. If they say if something is bothering you I want to hear about it; THEY DONT
21)Have a good sense/fell of the field and time properly. Time your needs and request to optimize your boss’s feelings and requests. He pays you.
22)Keep your mouth shut, don’t be a news monger. Information is like water, it finds its way to all the wrong places. I want people to know that they can trust me with info especially the valuable kind. Info is power and tool of power. Don’t spill your guts to anyone.
23)Speak the truth, best way to stay creditable, is to just tell the truth. When your creditable, believable, and trustworthy you have authority and power derives from authority.
24)Turn out good work, Innovate, without being a perfectionist. Get it done right the first time.
25)Get along with coworkers and make yourself get along with your boss.
26)I listen. Some people only hear, but I listen. Listen to your boss and coworkers say and what they don’t say. Clear and precious speech. Knowledge and responded too lubricates life. Never say I misunderstood or I thought you said such and such. He will think you weren’t listening or weren’t smart enough. Don’t give them any ammunition.
September 21, 2025
Better for the experienced job seeker (I personally think the sweet spot is 8-15 years of experience). You need to understand how to pick and choose from the suggestions provided based on your personality. If you read and apply this without enough work experience, then you're going to run the risk of sounding inauthentic or you'll over promise in your interview. This book would most benefit career changers or someone going for their first big promotion. You may also find this helpful if you struggle articulating your value or generating answers to interview questions.
Overall, this is solid reference manual for job interviews. Quick read/listen - check your library for a copy and take your own notes. I wouldn't pay more than a few dollars for a physical copy because you'll know what you can utilize and can toss the other suggestions.
Overall, this is solid reference manual for job interviews. Quick read/listen - check your library for a copy and take your own notes. I wouldn't pay more than a few dollars for a physical copy because you'll know what you can utilize and can toss the other suggestions.
January 25, 2019
Meh. Nothing necessarily wrong with the advice given since it probably IS what you should say to the interviewer, I'm just a little cynical about people saying "I will work evenings and weekends and pull all-nighters for the benefit of the company and the joy of the job." Yeah, most people are not that in love with their work and if someone said that to me I would find it insincere. But the recording is only like 45 minutes so it might be good to listen to on the way to an interview to get you into the right headspace.
June 27, 2019
If you’re trying to acquiesce to the dying patriarchal regime of the Great Generation then, this book is for you! Although for the most part, the advice given is solid, it’s twisted in such a way to make you into a disingenuous yes man. That’s not who I want working for me and it’s sure as hell not who I want leading me. If you have your eyes set on a leadership position, you’re going to have to quickly move beyond the limiting assumptions presented here, or get a time machine to travel back to 1960 where this advice really worked. But maybe lying still gets you hired some places. +shrug+
January 29, 2022
You would have thought this was written in 1960 with the tone. It’s all male focused—the interviewer (male) and your boss (male). It’s all “he.” I regularly interview people and this is the most ridiculous old-school corporate, inauthentic, canned advice. Just tell them you will work 13 hours a day and won’t take a sick day unless on a ventilator. The whole thing is overkill and out of date. It doesn’t apply to real life and the diversity of jobs, bosses, and applicants. Anyone using these tips would be the most obnoxious job candidate.
July 22, 2019
Possibly relevant 10 years ago, it is still very much stuck in the old industrial paradigms. Clearly, no update has been made for millennial managers or people who want work life balance. Some tips are actually decent and even good. But so much is old fashioned and outdated. Also, subtly assumes you are a man, probably white going for a business job. Not cool. This is a trip back in a time capsule. I couldn't even finish it.
January 3, 2020
I took a chance on this book and it was pretty bad. Instead of including helpful responses to interview questions, or suggestions for how to discuss your experience in light of the job you want, the book includes a series of canned sentences. The sentences are so tortured, no one would use them in real life, and if you wanted to use them, you'd have to memorize them because they aren't written in a natural way.
Skip this one. The content isn't valuable.
Skip this one. The content isn't valuable.
February 16, 2019
I thought this book was decent but nothing was revolutionary. It's essentially the same message - customer is always right, never pass the blame, be confident and try to show all that you can do for the company you are trying to work for. Glad I read it because it wasn't too much effort but I don't know that it's better than other books on similar topics.
February 17, 2019
Very condescending and much of the information seems outdated in a modern world. I'm starting my journey into the business world, but trying to put myself in the shoes of an interviewer, I don't think I'd hire someone this agresssive! The suggestions are incredibly generic as well and not meant for someone who is going for something blue-collar or not management.
October 29, 2020
I don't give that many 1 or 2 star ratings, but this one barely earned 2 stars. There was nothing in this read (listen) that I didn't already know, and much that I disagree with. It seemed like repeating assertions might just convince the reader (listener) that they are true! I suggest looking for another way to improve your interview skills.
August 4, 2021
This felt more like affirmations than a typical interview prep book. Helpful for what skills and habits one should develop. They weren't really answers you can just give in an interview. More of skills you should be highlighting if you have them. The audiobook was read in a calming voice and it did reassure me of the skills I have. Not the best interview prep book.
May 3, 2022
It's the corporate hyper-conservative self-help spiritual prequel to Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life! Maybe this helps some people as a super generalized shot of confidence before an interview, but like many other reviews have noted, the book doesn't give answers to typical interview questions so much as go on puffed up monologues.
August 31, 2018
I’ve had this book on my to read list for a while so when I was waiting on another book to come off hold from the library I decided to download this.
It
Was
Horrible
I learned nothing of value, the author is extremely pessimistic and has a very bad view of the world.
It
Was
Horrible
I learned nothing of value, the author is extremely pessimistic and has a very bad view of the world.
January 31, 2020
Like most “self-help” books, it is better to read these than to listen to them on audio. I didn’t really like this one as much as other similar books. It doesn’t seem like it’s for everyone and doesn’t seem like these are the right things to say all the time.
December 20, 2021
-very narrow perspective, felt painfully old-fashioned and American-centric
-unhealthily promoting workaholism / hustle culture with some of the tips
-sample answers sound inorganic and desperate
-cliche outdated advice
-unhealthily promoting workaholism / hustle culture with some of the tips
-sample answers sound inorganic and desperate
-cliche outdated advice
April 7, 2024
It had maybe a couple of good points, but largely wasn't useful for the type of interview I have in civil service. It also defaults the gender of the boss or hiring manager to a man, which gets a little old.
Read
September 24, 2024I’m currently applying for internships and found this helpful from a beginners perspective however some points definitely felt tailored to the author’s experience and strengths rather than giving out advice.
May 12, 2025
Good review of some personal mantras and mindsets to have when entering an interview setting. It's a short read and a good little book to pick up when you want to get focused and think about how you and your stories come across to an interviewer or just someone you want to connect with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews