Finding Work You Love: 3 Steps to Getting the Perfect Job After College

by Kirk Snyder

A three-step career system to help you tap into your own unique value to find a deeply meaningful and engaging job, whether you're a college student, a recent graduate, or a new professional looking for a fresh start.

In Find the Work You Love, award-winning University of Southern California business school professor Kirk Snyder shares his proven methods for helping people find upwardly mobile work that matters and exceeds expectations in any chosen profession. Based on principles from the top-rated course he teaches to graduate and undergraduate students, Professor Snyder's Working You system is designed to help you identify the strengths you bring to today's new job market--and then match them with a job that rewards you for who you are in the world of work.

First you'll take a guided inventory of your professional value: who you are, what you can do, and how you're authentically motivated. Next you'll evaluate possible careers by how well the field, company, and role fits with your personal inventory. Along the way, case studies and exercises from real people who have successfully used this system will help you easily navigate the process. And finally, you'll learn how to turn the right fits from your customized job bank into offers--and a fulfilling and successful career you love.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Emma Chrusciel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is written for college students, I read it in the midst of my first postgrad job and got a TON out of it! Rather than providing vague pleasantries about following your career dreams, Snyder offers practical action items to guide the career search process. His approach to job hunting, which emphasizes a "right fit" between what YOU have to offer and what an organization values, wasn't one I had encountered extensively before, and I found it to be liberating. I'd recommend reading through this with a notebook in hand so you can complete his prompts and start taking steps toward your "right fit" job.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is nearing the end of his grad studies, this book caught my interest. Like he said in the book, I was one of many who found it difficult to find work shortly after receiving my first degree. But also the fact I was taking on jobs that were not totally to my liking made it feel more hopeless. Reading Snyder's work, I do have to say the advice he gives here is very helpful and clearly presented very well in describing each step in the process. It definitely isn't one of those books that is very pro-uplifting, but it does leave a taste of optimism because we all have potential and should be in jobs that fully supports our passions and skills.

Very easy to read while keeping in full details on how to do plan out a roadmap. Snyder's advice is working on YOU while finding jobs & companies that can support our talent while promoting a healthy work culture. He also provides examples and real stories from students he worked with and how, through their own trial & errors, managed to find positions that makes them happy and willing to go to work. Through explorations of ourselves and future planning on research and networking, it is possible to reach our dream job, if not, a job we are willing to wake up and go to with a smile. I will be taking advice on what to do to obtain my own perfect job and would recommend other college students like me to read this.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has been through the process of that first. post college, job search knows how stressful the process can be.  While it can be exciting to go out into the world hoping for the perfect (or good enough) position, it can also be stressful and try one's self-confidence.  Making time for reflection before the job search begins can be very helpful as the author of this book knows.


Kirk Snyder is a university professor who appears to have the credentials and experience to help those venturing out into the world.  He created a class at USC to address the issues that he writes about and shares what he has learned in this book which offers a systematic approach to finding a good job with a good fit.  The has three sections, one on defining one's value in the job market, the next on finding a fit and the final section of getting a perfect position. Throughout he writes in a relatable style that includes many vignettes. All in all, he helps students to reflect, plan and look for a job.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  This title could be a good gift (or gift (to one's self) or for those in college and beyond.

[Momo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kirk Snyder puts down three steps to get the job of your life after college.
A 200 pages book useful not only for those coming out from college but for everyone that needs to jump in the job market. For those that after years decided to shift in a new field, for those who lost their job, and for all those women that dedicated themselves to their families and now need to go back into the job market after years been out.
A help to discover ourselves both personally and professionally and what can we give to companies and what we want in return.
The three chapters take the reader in a journey where the unique value of the job market is defined and why we should believe in ourselves. Create our personal branding before going into the market.

I would have preferred some exercises, but appreciated the graphs and visual explanations,

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love self help books and anything that helps you organize your thoughts or reach your full potential.
But,
This feels like a text book to me
AND
I don't like text books as much.
I got the premise and some parts were really informative but I just couldn't connect with this one, and I tried y 'all.
Even when I grabbed on to the personal experiences which were discussed, I couldn't find my tribe.
I'm not saying this isn't for you, it's just not for me.

[Ancillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book straight after graduation . I thought this book was a must read for everyone as it highlighted important facts and provided guidance on getting the perfect job . It was scary to face the truth about job searching and finding a book that matches who you are. Recommend it , it does start a little overwhelming (hoped he would crack a joke or too)

[Erin | ifbookshelvescouldtalk · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for all college students! Actually it’s a perfect read for anyone trying to find a career that speaks to all your interests, needs and skill sets. Kirk Snyder, an award-winning University of Southern California’ business school professor, shares his proven systematic approach to finding work that matters and exceeds our expectations. Snyder gives us a 3 step approach to tap into our values to find a job that will be most rewarding to us.

I personally took the time to follow along with the book and answered the prompts and can say I have learned so much about myself from simply writing it down. It’s amazing the qualities, values and skills I have that I would not have realized, if I hadn’t picked this book up and followed the steps. I am excited to explore possible career opportunities that will better suit me and my goals.

This is a must read for all!

A very special thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

#FindingWorkYouLove #NetGalley

[Laura Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed at helping college students find work they love in three steps.
It's basic advice told in a friendly way. An easy read.
Would make a good gift for that college person in your life.
Thanks to NegGalley for the ARC!

[Carly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone in college or graduate school, or simply anyone looking into changing careers. Snyder gives very motivating and inspiring advice that is also practical and actionable.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super practical and encouraging. It’s nice to have a framework to work from with very detailed steps.