Super Secrets of the Successful First-Time Jobseeker: Everything you need to know to supercharge your career and find your first job when leaving school, college or university

Simon Gray’s third book in the “Super Secrets of the Successful Job Seeker” series is probably the most important, in my view. Why? Because everyone needs a helping hand at the start of their working life – and this certainly provides that.In order to stand out from the crowd in the competitive business of gaining one’s first job, Simon Gray offers a strategies to enable the first time job seeker to take control. The key message is – do something to make yourself different and thus noticed by those who have the hiring power. The Career Codex job search system relies on 4 key fundamentals: understanding the environment or how the job market works, the psychology - self- belief underpinning the planning to identify the right job, and finally the process or tools of job search in the modern world.What is different ( about the book) is that Simon writes in a conversational tone, draws on personal experience and stories based on his background as an ex -professional recruiter. The reader is challenged about their beliefs regarding how to succeed in job hunting ( and indeed life itself), encouraged to take responsibility for their mind-set and actions, and reminded about the fallacy of using end results only in order to progress a pro-active approach.As an ex Careers Adviser by profession, I was particularly interested in the Planning section: “Discover how to decide what it is you really want to do as a career and how to put a plan in place to find it” – not least because many people underestimate the work needed to arrive at some appropriate answers – and almost certainly don’t treat the whole project as something worth documenting, analysing and writing about. Several practical exercises take the reader on their discovery journey. Who or where to seek useful information – oh and this is about the right type of information is also covered along with realistic project planning - as this is what job search is – and ticking off milestones is key to any success ( anyone been on a successful diet plan, or a sporting achievement out there ? You probably kept a close eye on the process as you went along – so you will recognise this too!)There’s some great messages in the process section too, in particular relating to creating a tailored CV, making effective use of social media – contributing positively to personal on-line presence and most importantly, building a personal network and the trust of those whom the job seeker connects with. In fact, building professional relationships might be the essence of this book, particularly for the First Time Job Seeker – who, by definition, may not have experienced many ways of doing this. There’s also many helpful tips around the ways of answering ( and preparing for) interview questions, including tactics for the interviewee to take control where needed – to find out what these are – you’ll need to read the book!There’s a penultimate section in the book covering ‘work-experience’ in its various guises including how to make this a productive experience – this alone should be key reading for any teacher or careers education practitioner who wants to enhance their employability programme within their educational establishment. It might also help them negotiate placements with employers when they can explain the real benefits to both employer and participant. And last, but not least, readers are introduced to the 3P’s relating to building you own business – because much of the earlier advice and content supplements the skills and strategies which support entrepreneurship – so if you can’t find the job you want, go build your own. By the time you’ve worked through this book – you’ll have the confidence to do that.

Any one fortunate to have read this book will of course think 'why didn't I have this when I was younger!'. Simon has been very generous in sharing his insider tips both from personal and professional standpoint which is really useful. As an experienced recruiter myself, I know what makes candidates stand out from the rest, but never really captured this anywhere and never have really needed to. It was as if Simon was extracting my 'insider tips' too. Too many candidates do the usual 'vanilla' application process and wonder why they are still on the market. Simon's book really gives a good insight to what Employers are looking for (that is usually the 'unspoken' way of securing a role, some may consider these candidates to have entrepreneurial flair) and has put into words very well, what we as Employers consider 'best in class candidates' and ones that we generally should engage with as they set themselves out from the rest. The book is great value, packed full of tips and advice so this is a gift, i'd say and would highly recommend for actually all job seekers and not just the Graduate market. Thanks Simon, great job and much needed.Rebecca Bull - [...]

Simon's book was given to me by my mother, who seems to have an endless supply of 'self-help' books.However, this one I actually approved of. Simon's book offers real, practical advice and doesn't over-labour any points (so doesn't in any way feel patronising - a bugbear of graduates like me I feel!) and the real life examples are extremely helpful, as well as being entertaining.I am finding the book invaluable in my current graduate job search and it has encouraged me, with examples, of how to go after the career I want rather than just waiting to find the right one - and, more importantly, how to go about this in a professional manner. (update: it's going well)I have been recommending this book to my friends and 100% recommend it to you.

I have read this on behalf of the YouNG organisation run by Rushcliffe Borough Council, and found this a truly great read – just the kind of thing I wish I had been able to see when I was looking to make my way when first starting job seeking!The book manages to bring all the right information needed by any first time jobseeker, all the while putting it across in an engaging yet informative manner. By writing more informally, using a range of real life experiences, Mr Gray gives the book a more grounded feel that is easy to relate to, and keeps his readers always interacting through the use of a number of exercises. I was most impressed by the clearly set out ‘process’ which explains just what to expect when coming into the job seeking arena for the first time, and how best to approach it.This is something that we would be very keen to see used more widely by schools and careers organisations, as it can provide a valuable tool to help young people truly reach their potential, and is a must-read for anyone looking to enter the job market!

Simon's latest book is a great read, and is worth its weight in gold to the first time Jobseeker (and to others). From understanding the hidden market to career planning, it provides a great insight to job hunting.Whilst immensely helpful to young people looking for their first job, Super Secrets of the Successful First-Time Jobseeker also offers great insight to those individuals further into their career, especially those returning after a career break or looking for a change.Simon Gray's 8 Steps to Success, contained within the book, are on the money. If you follow the steps, it will help young and first time Jobseekers prepare well for moving well into employment.Overall an easy read, and incredibly useful.