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Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed
A newly updated edition of the comprehen-sive guide to job interviews that has over a half million copies in print, SWEATY PALMS teaches readers everything they need to know in order to land the job of their dreams.
Whether a first-time job seeker searching for that elusive entry-level position or a seasoned employee fac-ing tougher and tougher competition in a difficult economy, SWEATY PALMS takes readers through each step of the interviewing process, from preparation to dress to negotiating an offer. Including hundreds of interview questions and sample answers, SWEATY PALMS prepares job seekers for even the wiliest inter-viewer. H. Anthony Medley, who has interviewed countless job seekers over the years, offers readers an honest view from ¿the other side of the desk.¿ He draws on a wide variety of sources, from celebrities dis-cussing how they got their jobs, to employers revealing what they look for in an ideal candidate.This new edi-tion of SWEATY PALMS, which has been a vital tool in the job-interview market for decades, reflects cut-ting-edge changes to interviewing, including the pros and cons of e-mail resumes, thank-you notes, proper dress in the corporate-casual age, and the unique chal-lenges of landing a job in the 21st century.
Whether a first-time job seeker searching for that elusive entry-level position or a seasoned employee fac-ing tougher and tougher competition in a difficult economy, SWEATY PALMS takes readers through each step of the interviewing process, from preparation to dress to negotiating an offer. Including hundreds of interview questions and sample answers, SWEATY PALMS prepares job seekers for even the wiliest inter-viewer. H. Anthony Medley, who has interviewed countless job seekers over the years, offers readers an honest view from ¿the other side of the desk.¿ He draws on a wide variety of sources, from celebrities dis-cussing how they got their jobs, to employers revealing what they look for in an ideal candidate.This new edi-tion of SWEATY PALMS, which has been a vital tool in the job-interview market for decades, reflects cut-ting-edge changes to interviewing, including the pros and cons of e-mail resumes, thank-you notes, proper dress in the corporate-casual age, and the unique chal-lenges of landing a job in the 21st century.
444 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2009
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.
'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.
May 26, 2020
Good for some one looking for work
November 10, 2021
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 ✨
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 ✨
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February 11, 2014This 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.
September 15, 2012
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.
July 11, 2007
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.
November 13, 2012
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.
February 17, 2009
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.
September 27, 2012
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.
March 2, 2009
Good; a lot of clever interview tips and tricks in here.
April 25, 2009
Great advice! If you have no idea what to do in an interview, read this book!
September 9, 2009
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.
July 5, 2012
One of the best on this subject. Great to re-read or just flip open before an interview.
October 30, 2013
worn paperback; stickers and stamps; some fraying at one corner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2015
The Book is Good 90% prepares one for interviews
February 17, 2016
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.
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May 28, 2018the best book for the applicant who wanna search the appropriate job
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews