-- BOOK REVIEW -- Vital Friends, The People You Can't Afford to Live Without by Tom Rath Based on a special research study on the homeless in 1991, Tom Rath was intrigued with how dependent we are on other people. Most of the research and studies have been on the individual, work teams and social networks. But little, until now, looks at the single relationship between two people. "During our teenage years, we spend nearly one-third of our time with friends. For the rest of our lives, the average time spent with friends is less than 10%." Rath delves into the Gallup Q12 research findings in which people said they would rather have a best friend at work than a 10% pay raise. This book includes a pass code to an online survey to help the reader determine which of eight vital roles the people in their lives play. Through this understanding we can adjust our expectations of the important people in our lives and how to build and extend these connections. We usually give different things than we receive. Some may balk, as I did, at cataloging my friends, yet the flip side is that I can see how I can strengthen those relationships and be a better friend to them. I finished the book thinking about the haunting question he begins it with, "Who expects you to be somebody?" Available through amazon.com Reviewed by Anne Hull, Hull Strategies, LLC, March 2007 -- BOOK REVIEW -- Get Hired! How to Land the Ideal Federal Job and Negotiate a Top Salary by Lily Whiteman This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to get into the federal government for the first time or, for those already in the federal government, to get promoted within the federal system. Providing the federal job seeker with invaluable information and resources, this book has it all -- from creating a federal resume, writing KSAs and ECQs, interviewing, and negotiating a salary -- to job leads and special hiring programs. As a Career Coach for the federal government, Ms. Whiteman has captured critical information and made it available using a fresh writing style that entertains and educates. Her examples of resumes and KSAs are state-of-the-art, and her clients and readers are reaping the results. Presenting information that shows job seekers how federal applications are screened, how the automated systems work and what hiring managers are looking for, this resource provides 'insider information' that will ensure results to those who take the time to follow her recommendations. Whether you are trying to enter the government for the first time or seeking promotion into the SES ranks, this book will provide everything you need to know to get a high score on your application, ace the interview, and successfully negotiate a federal salary. If you buy only one book to help you get a federal job, make it this one! Available from amazon.com, $19.95 (paperback). - Reviewed by Cory Edwards -- BOOK REVIEW -- Military to Federal Career Guide: Ten Steps to Transforming Your Military Experience into a Competitive Federal Resume by Kathryn Kraemer Troutman If you are looking for a job in the Federal government, this is a "must have" resource. Even though the book is geared to military transitions, the information is vital to any job seeker interested in a federal or contractor position. The book is easy to read with many examples provided. It even comes with a CD that has 26 sample resumes in various formats such as electronic, Resumix, USAjobs, AvueCentral, CPOL, DONHR, as well as KSAs, core competencies, a federal agency list, job titles, and more. As the book title suggests, it contains 10 steps or chapters that take the reader from beginning to end of the job search, i.e. networking to interviewing. The problem with Government jobs is the long lead time from application to hire, usually 2 to 4 months; the Office of Personnel Management has recently published a statement requesting HR offices to limit the process to 45 days. Patience is needed when applying for Federal jobs. An interesting note for Veterans with 10-point preference is that they can submit an application for a closed vacancy, and the agency must accept it according to law (5 USC 3305). Of course, this does not guarantee a job, it just means one may apply late, and the application is treated as if sent in on time, with no penalty. For career professionals who work with clients seeking Federal employment, this book is an invaluable resource. Cover price is $38.95 it can be purchased from amazon.com at a 34% discount. It comes with a 5 star customer rating, too. http://www.resume-place.com - Reviewed by Darlene Carver, Merlin & Associates -- BOOK REVIEW -- High-Level Resumes: High-Powered Tactics For High-Earning Professionals by Marshall A. Brown and Annabelle Reitman High-Level Resumes is the resource every manager, professional and executive needs. Competition for higher-level positions in companies and organizations throughout the world continues to increase. The more you earn and the more experienced you are, the more you need the help of High-Level Resumes to stand out from the crowd of your peers. High-Level Resumes provides practical guidelines and a step-by-step process for telling your unique work story effectively and efficiently, such as: Bringing your resume to the attention of hiring authorities. Showcasing your relevant in-depth and extensive work background. Demonstrating you have the right qualities for the job. Illustrating how you can benefit the organization. Increasing your chances to make the first cut. The longer you've worked and the higher you've climbed, the more difficult it is to summarize your varied experiences and highlight specific skills pertinent to a single job. High-Level Resumes will show you how to select the skills, strengths, and competencies that will make you tower over your competitors. http://www.mbrownassociates.com/book.htm