Matt McAvoy Book Review

You might consider this a jobseeker’s guide for the market newbie, or recently graduated professional-in-progress; it is a noticeably remedial approach to job hunting.  But that is not to disparage it in any way; it is very comprehensive, covering how to be successful in the job market from every angle, from preparation and mindset to personal presentation and confidence.  Unlike some books of this nature, it is not simply a pep talk – although there is unavoidably a small element of this – but rather a simplified yet in-depth, practical approach.  It’s also very good and very useful, as these books tend to be.  If it were perhaps a touch longer and more detailed it might have a broader appeal, although that said I think there is something in there for everyone to learn from, even veterans of the workforce who perhaps fancy a career change.  I would argue, though, that its primary audience will certainly be inexperienced applicants.  Find the Ladder is certainly an appropriate title, for a book undeniably oriented toward doing just that, before even setting foot on the metaphorical ladder.  It is about knowing when to spot opportunities, which is arguably, in my opinion, the greatest lesson one can learn in life, if success is the focus.  It is also about creating your own opportunities, by preparing and networking.

Nadeem writes very well, with a maturity and common-sense approach that only comes from life experience.  You can see that this book is the outcome of many years of research and personal learning.  It is wisdom in contemporary form.  There are many such books – the self-help guide with a focus on professional rather than personal actualization (that in this case being finding and securing the right job for the best prospects and lifestyle) – and they do generally tend to be very good, testament to the author’s dedication and hard work in producing them.  And this offering is no different; it is a quality composition, which I would have no hesitation in recommending if you are seeking your first professional job or preparing to get your foot on the first rung.  It is holistic, in the respect that it covers every aspect, such as creating your CV and socials, how to secure and then prepare for your interview, and then how to nail the interview and what to do next.  What makes this book noteworthy is the methodical, plausible and matter-of-fact way it imparts all of this advice.  Anybody of a certain age, with a history of continual job-seeking, will relate to it in full.  If you are its target reader, then my advice would be absolutely to read it, and keep it handy for reference.