Perfect Phrases for the Perfect 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: Perfect Phrases for the Perfect Interview

Subtitle:

Author: Carole Martin

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Nationality: American

Year: 2005

RRP: $19.95

Flavour: Provides key words and phrases to use to sell yourself during a job interview. The book is structured around skills and qualities, with typical interview questions posed and examples of responses given. A reference resource and short at 175 pages.

Verdict: Buy.

Martin suggests candidates make 8 word mistakes at job interviews: using language that is too informal; words that are too vague; misuse of pronouns; using company-specific words; assuming everyone knows the acronym you use; describing skills by using weak words; using too few words; and talking too much without getting to the point.

Chapters cover those introductory questions that are about who you are and what you do; specific skills sets and qualities; and tricky questions such as dealing with conflict, taking risks and handling crises.

This book makes a useful resource for interview preparation. The reader can select those skills and qualities relevant to a job, consider the options given and recast them to suit their own experience.

While the book is geared to the private sector the material can be readily adapted for other sectors.

The book does not have an index nor a bibliography.

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.