Are you tired of sending out countless job applications and attending interviews without receiving an offer? Well, I’m thrilled to let you know that your solution awaits! 🙌 Get ready to transform your job search and make your career aspirations a reality with a new game-changing book by the founder and former CEO of the The Humphrey Group, Judith Humphrey.
But first, a little background.
I became acquainted with the author a few years ago when I was working hard to improve communications with a CEO who didn’t like my style. Humphrey’s books, Speaking as a Leader: How to Lead Every Time You Speak and Impromptu: Leading in the Moment, proved to be invaluable resources for my learning how to present new ideas succinctly and how to handle tough conversations effectively. Thank you, Judith!
Fast forward to 2023, and Judith has published a brand new book: The Job Seeker’s Script: Tell Your Story and Land Your Dream Position. In this book, she guides job seekers of all ages and abilities through the entire job search process and provides practical strategies and a new communications framework to help them come across credibly and confidently every step of the way.
Whether you’re just starting a career or looking to advance to your dream job, Humphrey’s expertise will empower you to identify the right opportunities, master the art of effective storytelling, and excel in interviews to secure your ideal position.
Judith Humphrey – Connect on LinkedIn
Judith’s expertise in professional communication and executive training shines throughout her book where she offers a practical framework, numerous real-life examples, and detailed instructions to assist job seekers in telling their story effectively.
The author makes a compelling case that every job-related communication should follow her proven H.I.R.E. template: Hook with a grabber; Inspire with a message; Reinforce with proof points; and Engage with next steps.
The Job Seeker’s Script is divided into four parts (see below) which cover all types of communications related to a job search including email, resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, networking, and much more.
Part 1: You are the Scriptwriter—Telling Your Story
Humphrey starts at the beginning of the job search process, emphasizing the importance of determining the trajectory of one’s career. She provides insightful questions and tips to help job seekers either affirm or establish their career direction. She encourages job seekers to become the main character in their own story, crafting compelling narratives that highlight their skills, qualities, and attributes.
Part 2: Conversational Scripts
This section focuses on various conversational scripts, including elevator pitches and impromptu conversations. Judith also emphasizes the significance of building a strong network and offers best practices for cold networking. Real-life examples illustrate effective networking techniques and the proper way to ask for help during a job search.
Part 3: Written Scripts
In this section, Judith applies her H.I.R.E. template to written documents such as resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes. She shares significant insights on resume formatting, crafting compelling summary statements, and optimizing resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The chapter on cover letters provides the latest research and guidance on writing customized cover letters. The thank you note is discussed as the final touchpoint in the job hunting process.
Part 4: Interview Scripts
The final section covers interview strategies, including thorough research, interview script structures, and preparation for the Q&A portion of the interview. Humphrey outlines the five essential elements of every interview script, offers helpful advice on the interview process, and anticipates likely interview questions. She includes interviews with a number of CEOs who share what they look for during the interview process. The author reminds us that landing the job is just the beginning of a lifelong career-building journey.
Conclusion
The Job Seeker’s Script is a practical and tactical guide for job seekers at all stages of their careers. Having read the book thoroughly, I couldn’t help but wish I had it during my early career-level job interviews.
That said, the author’s conversational tone and practical advice make it both accessible and insightful, going beyond a mere beginner’s guide. Judith’s expert guidance on crafting engaging scripts, maximizing networking opportunities, and connecting everything with a unifying concept is critical to a successful job search—especially for individuals in the midst of their careers.
I highly recommend The Job Seeker’s Script to anyone seeking to enhance their job search skills and come across as confident and prepared. It’s a must-read for graduates entering the workforce and individuals aiming to up-level their careers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”