BREAK THE RULES: The Secret Code to Finding a Great Job Fast

Most job applicants follow standard job-hunting rules, according to Cohen, which he says is just plain dumb. Instead, they should avoid human resources departments and try to get an interview with the person doing the hiring, waiting until after the first meeting to send a résumé. Job seekers should also apply for jobs they want, he believes, even if they don't meet the qualifications spelled out in an ad. What makes Cohen an expert? After more than a decade in the Air Force, he landed an engineering position, moved on to other managerial spots, worked as a headhunter and, eventually, made an academic study of the job search process (he's now chair of the marketing department at California State University in Los Angeles). Among the numerous case histories here is one about a job applicant who received no official response to his résumé, though he was able to reach someone at the company who explained that none of the applicants were right for the spot. Having asked enough questions to clarify the job requirements, the applicant revised his résumé and ended up getting the position—simultaneously demonstrating the importance of researching a company and position to sell the interviewer on one's skills and knowledge. Despite Cohen's occasionally bombastic style and a tendency to overhype the originality of his suggestions, his tactics will appeal to readers making career changes or searching for a job after many years with one employer. (May)