This is a how-to guide for job hunters. It is intended as a manual, a reference guide, and should be used as such. It is appropriate for a wide range of job seekers, but like all such manuals, will not be appropriate for every job hunter. The information provided within is a guide, and is not - nor is it intended to be - all inclusive.

I was provided with a copy of this text for review, and am providing this review freely.

Very helpful book for those in the job search (and would be a great read for those who will be in job search in the future (students and people who anticipate a job change). Lots of information in this book, but it's like having an expert guide/mentor with you as he gives very specific formulas regarding what you need to do. The idea behind this is to give you a roadmap that has been researched and tested so that you don't have to guess or experiment and so you can focus your time doing the things he mentions as a way to give you better results and more efficient time usage.

Note: I voluntarily requested, read, and reviewed this book. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sending me a temporary digital advance reading copy/advance review (ARC) galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own and do not represent my co-host or the podcast. I request, read, and review many books prior to publication to explore possible future guests for the podcast. I wish we could interview the author of every one of these books because I'm so impressed by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and wisdom shared through the temporary books I get through NetGalley.

One of the most disheartening thing about job hunting is the amount of time that you have to sink into preparing an application, a resume, cover letter, interview, and thank you note, only to have the company ghost you, without so much as a thanks-but-no-thanks letter or email. This book is refreshing in that it helps you save time and energy, thus giving you a little feeling of control over your time. It focuses most on having an effective interview, so that all the effort was not wasted. Very handy guide for jobseekers, and those in charge of hiring can learn what to prioritize as well.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

It seems fitting that I’m writing this review as I turn in my two weeks’ notice at my second job. I chose this book solely on its title. I have been job searching for over five years without any luck for a better position than my current one of almost nine years. Every little bit of advice helps, but I wasn’t prepared for all of this.

Steve Dalton, author of 2-Hour Job Search works at Duke University, just a short car ride up Highway 40 for me, and in this book, he presents clear action steps for your resume, interview, position negotiations, and what to do once you get that job. It’s a LOT of information, and I will definitely be revisiting this book with a fine-toothed comb to revamp my resume (again) and, the holy grail, craft cover letters that won’t take hours to complete while not providing any useful information for potential interviewers.

If you’re looking for a job, I definitely recommend this book. I was planning on just a casual scroll through the major points and I found myself taking notes on each section and mentally noting passages to revisit when I can open and edit my resume.

Networking is the most important thing, but Dalton outlines solid methods for both applying online and through referrals as a result of networking, including these:
• The FIT Model, which helps job seekers nail the answer to “Tell me about yourself” using principles from the world of screenwriting
• The RAC Model, perfect for writing efficient cover letters and answering “Why this company or job?” in an interview
• The CAR Matrix, designed to help you craft compelling interview stories and deploy them in the most powerful way
• The Prenegotiation Call, which takes the awkwardness out of asking for more and turns your negotiator from an adversary into a partner.

I’ll not only be rereading this one, but I’m going to check out 2-Hour Job Search as well.

I enjoyed The Job Closer more than I thought I would, as it offered intuitive, yet detailed advice for all of the phases of a job hunt. I found the interview advice to be the most helpful. Creating an impactful resume, a cover letter that stands out and being able to negotiate salary terms are all tricky and important matters, but I think the interview is the most difficult.

Reading Dalton's advice reminded me of the many times when I've had an "okay" interview, but I didn't do the extra work required to land the job. The most helpful tip he offers here is to look at the interview as a two-way exchange first of all, and then, more importantly, understand that every exchange is meaningful. Even though you might not think an interviewer's opening chit-chat seems relevant, it is, even on an unconscious level. First impressions matter, and when an interview asks how you're doing, this is an opportunity to either build rapport or make a lasting impression, preferably both. I thought back to all the times I casually answered such a question, thinking about how to really win the job once the "real" interview questions began, but as Dalton points out, that thinking is wrong because the interview had already begun. Once you answer "Fine, and you," you've already lumped yourself in with the four other candidates who answered the same way. Dalton's suggested answers were both memorable, sometimes funny and offered further conversation to build a relationship with the interviewer. Even though an interview is in many ways artificial, stressful and a short amount of time, it is still important to view it as a chance to begin a relationship. If someone is going to hire you, they want to find someone who has the credentials (you've already passed the minimum for this) and also will fit in with the work team. Dalton's advice isn't so simplistic that is stops there, as he also gives advice for how to elevate your credentials in the ways that you answer interview questions.

Overall, The Job Closer is a really good job hunting book. Other books might give you better advice for how to find the right career, but this book is a more grounded approach for those who already know what they want to do but are simply having trouble landing the job. Dalton offers excellent advice in today's competitive market.