Sharkproof: Get the Job You Want, Keep the Job You Love...in Today's Frenzied Job Market

by Harvey MacKay

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt comes an essential job-hunting book. Harvey Mackay shows listeners how to get hired with techniques that can be applied to everyone's job search, regardless of their expectations or previous experiences. Mackay gives practical advice and explicit instructions on the best ways to find and approach a potential employer. By drawing on decades of experience running his own business and by showing the perspective of the employer, Mackay is able to give listeners the skills needed to assess what the company is looking for in a prospective employee and how to match those expectations. Mackay combines specific advice with just the right touch of humor and inspiration to motivate people and show them how to really make things happen.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

339 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[CTEP]

I saw an interview recently with Harvey Mackay, a Minneapolis writer whose latest book promises "job search secrets no one else will tell you." The WorkForce Center's library has an older book by Mackay, called Sharkproof: Get the Job You Want, Keep the Job You Love... in Today's Frenzied Job Market. He seemed like an intelligent guy in the interview, so I decided to check Sharkproof out.

While some aspects of the book are dated (it's from 1994), I was surprised by how good it was. It's essentially three hundred pages of job search advice, most of which is helpful, but more importantly, the book is very engaging. It's filled with advice illustrated by anecdotes, and it seemed more readable to me than What Color Is My Parachute. It's divided into short, efficient chapters, and Mackay avoids using really big words, so it could be a good book for people who don't typically read much. His advice doesn't reinvent the wheel, but Mackay seems to know what he's talking about and it can't hurt for job seekers to hear about the importance of networking, or going the extra mile for an interview, or writing a solid resume one more time. There's also more offbeat advice: I actually found myself agreeing with the book when it suggested that exercising is one of the most important things an unemployed person can do.

Sharkproof isn't a literary masterpiece, but it is the sort of book that could help someone come up with creative job search ideas, or give them encouragment during a difficult period of joblessness. Mackay's target audience is probably more white collar than most of the clients I work with, but I think most of his tips could help anyone. The book has nothing about the internet, but this might have a benefit, as it could encourage people to think about other methods of searching for work. If anyone asks for reading material in the WorkForce Center, I'll probably suggest they check out Sharkproof.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of what I consider necessary reading to be an effective business person in the world today. Some of the other titles are "How to Win Friends and Influence People"; "The Magic of Thinking Big"; and "Blink".

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have EVER read. I own several copies, which I loan to friends, especially when they are contemplating a major career change or simply changing jobs. It always stimulates thought and seeds new ideas. This book will help you get your edge back.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. Hart to believe a President of an envelope company in Minnesota could write so well and be so engaging. Fantastic book for colleg students, job seekers and business people.

[Leah]

Focus on my career in unique and persistent ways.

[Lori Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A should-read book on job hunting and resumes in managing your career.