Acing the Interview

This review gives a verdict on the book based on three options:

• Bypass: Little of value. Give it a miss.
• Borrow: Some value but insufficient to warrant a purchase so borrow from a library.
• Buy: Valuable ideas and information, a worthwhile investment.

Title: Acing the Interview

Subtitle: How to ask and answer the questions that will get you the job

Author: Tony Beshara

Publisher: Amacon 2008

Nationality: American

RRP: Unknown

Flavour: A detailed account of how to perform well at job interviews in the US private sector where multiple interviews may be used.

The author focuses on four questions employers are interested in: Can you do the job? Do I/we like you? Are you a risk? Can we work out the money? Over 450 sample questions and answers are provided, many of which would apply to the Australian private and public sectors.

Beshara identifies some of the common mistakes candidates make at interviews such as not doing research, underselling themselves, nervousness, not being enthusiastic, not differentiating themselves, not being able to articulate their abilities, not thinking from an employer’s point of view.

Verdict: Useful book to borrow to find ideas on handling interviews. Judgement is needed about the relevance of the advice to the Australian context.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.