The ‘Knowledge is Power’ Series – The Beginning: Six Skills for Success

Ronnie Gale Turbane
The Turbane Company (2007)
ISBN 9780979714900
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/07)

“The Beginning” is the first book in “The Knowledge is POWER” career-coaching series.  The amount of information provided in this book, which covers less than one-hundred pages, would actually take place over nine sessions.  It is divided into five sections.  It has an introduction, then covers resumes, interviews, being a new hire and then discusses six skills with strategies for success. 

What I really liked about this book is that it is beneficial for job seekers, employees and employees.  Utilizing the information presented will help each group do a better job at their job.  For the job seeker, gaining insight into the hiring process will give him an edge over others competing for the same job.  If first impressions are everything, then it is really important to have a perfect resume to make a great first impression.  It also teaches employers what to look for on a resume. 

The interview is also a critical part of the hiring process.  Once again, information is included for both the potential employee and the employer.  Teaching both the interviewee and the interviewer what to ask, what to answer, and what to look for, is critical for obtaining employment. I also think it is beneficial to the employer because it tells them what they can and cannot ask.  This could prevent legal issues.   What really helped me about this chapter were the questions that the applicant should be asking.  So many times in interviews, I have been asked if I had any questions.  This is where my mind usually goes blank, because I don’t know what to ask. Now I know.

Adjusting to a new job is tough for a new hire.  The section on “New Hires” tells the new employee what is expected of him and how far he should be expected to progress.  Successfully getting through the first year of employment can open up the door for the employee to have a successful lifelong career. 

The icing on the cake is the section discussing “Six Skills for Strategies for Success.”  This section explains six strategies for making yourself an excellent employee.  While I think that everyone in the job market could benefit from “The Beginning,” school graduates and people returning from the workforce would benefit the most.  I would have loved to have had access to this knowledge when I was just starting out.  I am thrilled to be able to have access to it now! 

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