Write for a Reader

This is a virtual blog tour stop for Robert Patterson, Sr., courtesy of Pump Up Your Book Promotions.  Thank you to Mr. Patterson for sending me an autographed copy of this book!

Title:  Five Steps To C.A.L.M.

Author:  Robert Patterson, Sr.

Review Copy Provided by:  author

Summary of Book:  A father once told his young son, who was going out into the world on his own, “Son, whatever you want to become, be The Best.” This course teaches you how to be “The Best.”

It begins with instructions on how to put “The Best” of you on paper  Writing Your Resume. Then, later presenting “The Best” of you in person  Preparing for an Interview.

You’ll begin with the basic Resume Content, noting what should and should not be included in your Resume. After mastering the content, then begins the formatting of the Resume.
The next section of the book takes you into “Interviewing Techniques.” What other book walks you through an all-inclusive “Pre-Interview” session? Well, C.A.L.M. does, and once you have completed this lesson, you will indeed be CALM during your interview, no matter how many people may be on the panel of interviewers.

Included in the “Interviewing Techniques” section are Fashion Recommendations, which takes you step by step through the protocol for the business interview dress code, how both men and women should dress when going to an interview. Remember, your Resume may have “opened” the door, now your personal appearance may get a “foot” in that door. Here is where you put the lessons you have learned from C.A.L.M. into practice. Here’s where you sell The Product – Yourself! Don’t worry. C.A.L.M. has fully prepared you for any of the possible questions that you may be asked during the interview. You are ready for them, and you will remain CALM.

C.A.L.M. guides you step-by-step through the entire interview: from the Beginning of the Interview, during the Interview, and through the Closure of the Interview. After completing this course of study, you will glide through your interview with confidence and a sense of achievement. You will have left a favorable impression with the employer, and all because you put into practice your C.A.L.M. course of study.

While the employer is checking you out, C.A.L.M. also instructs you on how to compile a checklist of pertinent company information. Information that is important to you in helping you decide whether or not you would want to work for this firm or company.

The author has thought of everything in preparing you for the job search. He has included a web-site listing for those of you who want to do your job-hunting via the Internet.

C.A.L.M. answers all the questions you may have ever had in your previous job search. The “Who,” the “What,” the “Where,” and the “How.”

My Review:  This is not a book that I would typically read, but I chose it strictly based on the title.  Didn’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this.  Not that I am upset at all.  This is a great little “handbook.”  In our time of economic disparity, when many are losing their jobs due to cut backs and bankruptcies, this book could not be more timely.  It is an easy read loaded with helpful hints and tips to get your resume updated, get through an interview, and land the job.  The five chapters, or five steps, are:

• Career Crusade Getting Started
• Resume Writing Clinic
• Interviewing Techniques
• Salary Negotiation
• Federal Employment

I just love how this book is laid out.  It gives such great checklists as you proceed through the obtaining a job process.  for example, there are 2 that I love: Resume Checklist and Cover Letter Checklist.

Although I have a job, I do have my Masters and wish to advance my career, so I will definitely refer to this book as I do.  I feel it is a must-have for anyone who is looking for a job or career change.  The step by step resume writing is fabulous.  It will help make anyone’s resume impressive and memorable.  After your resume is written, you need a cover letter to go with it and Mr. Patterson explains each part:

Resume Cover Letters

May set initial negative expectations if done poorly.  Important in telling which job is of interest to you, how you learned of the opening, and what you can do for the organization?  Human Resource professionals expect a cover letter and are keenly interested in its contents.

Basic Components

• Introduction
• Sales Presentation
• Request and Close
• Length
• Paper
• Guiding Principles

I’m amazed at just how simple and easy to follow it all is!  Mr. Patterson has basically created a “Getting a Job for Dummies” book.  It is that well laid out.  Thank you Mr. Patterson for giving us a handbook that is sure to help many.