I Hate Job Interviews: Stop Stressing. Start Performing. Get the Job You Want.

The book is structured around different types of interview questions. Each chapter provides multiple examples and recommendations on how (and how not) to tackle specific kinds of questions (e.g., behavioral, "you" questions). Sam also teaches how to research a company you are going to interview with, negotiate your best offer, and close an interview. It is a very uplifting book. Sam genuinely wants to help you land your next job. Each chapter starts with a story and ends with a summary, making it easy to relate to examples and remember the message and suggestions. It helped me see what I did wrong in my previous interviews and made me optimistic about future ones. I highly recommend the book!

I ordered this a few days after my first interview for an ongoing role at my organization, and man, do I wish that I had gotten it earlier. I Hate Job Interviews is packed with actionable wisdom, frameworks and inspiring stories, and they are helpful. I have never felt very strong as an interviewer. Sam's opening anecdotes, in which he tells of a couple early flops, helps me see that even someone who didn't start as a strong interviewer can practice themselves into a place where they actually enjoy them (as he claims to do). This message was really inspiring for me. It was also helpful to have a guidepost to know how much someone should be preparing for their interviews and how. I have often felt like I wanted to be prepared but wasn't sure (given I only do it every few years) where my margin of diminishing returns was. His advice on that front was welcome. In all honesty, Sam was a friend from 20 years ago. I admired him and loved hanging out with him because of his dynamic personality. Part of the fun of this book was reengaging with that fun personality. I could hear his authentic voice in the written word, and, bonus(!) he reads the audio book which is also available, and while he's no paid voice actor, he does a great job. I found myself listening to him read the audiobook on a roadtrip and his pace definitely kept me engaged. It's not a long read, and probably doesn't need to be given the fairly focused subject. It's a great mix of useful guidance, and motivational anecdotes.

I am retired from corporate life and am well-past the dread of job interviews. So, I didn’t buy this book for my own personal need/learning. But I have a bunch of kids and grandkids (and their spouses) who are trying to develop/advance careers. So, I bought this book to see if it might be something that could benefit them. After reading it (easy and fun reading), my first thought was “Dang! I wish I would have had this as I was trying to climb the corporate ladder!” I did not, and so unfortunately, I didn’t perform as well in my interviews as I could have. I think I did pretty good, but not GREAT. With this book to mentor me, I could have done great. I think I could have amazed my interviewers. Owen’s book came along too late to benefit me personally, but it’s perfect timing for my family. What an ideal gift for a dad/grandpa to give them! Some of the things that I like about the book: • I remember a business leadership book from about 20 years ago called Good to Great. I have always embraced that concept. So, when I saw that Sam’s book focuses on getting his readers from being good to great interviewees, it really appealed to me. A job seeker needs all the help he/she can get to stand out from the pack. And with this book, they will have what they need. • Practical application! He gives example after example after example of what to do and say – and what NOT to do/say. He gives real examples of how to work through each phase of the preparation for an interview. I remember one instance where he shared what someone had said in his opening statements. Then Sam asked, “How was that? Not bad. In fact, pretty good, right? But it wasn’t great. Why not?” Then Sam goes on to tell the reader what he/she could have said in order to go from good to great. He doesn’t just give general ideas, he gives specifics, including exact wording in many cases. • Sam is witty and clever and entertaining. Things like – “job descriptions are the ultimate cheat sheet”. I smiled and thought to myself, ‘He’s right, they really are!” If I’d have had and used this book during my career, instead of dreading interviews, I seriously think my attitude would have been – I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS INTERVIEW. BRING IT ON!!!

I recently read I Hate Job Interviews and it has completely transformed my approach to job interviews. The author does an incredible job of breaking down the interview process into manageable steps, making it less intimidating and more approachable. What I loved most about this book is its practical advice. The tips on how to prepare effectively, handle tricky questions, and present oneself confidently are invaluable. The real-life examples and exercises helped me practice and improve my skills, making me feel more prepared and less anxious. The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with a touch of humor that makes the reading experience enjoyable. It’s clear that the author understands the common fears and challenges job seekers face and offers solutions that are both realistic and effective. I highly recommend this book. It’s a must-read!

Sam gives some great methods for interview preparation and I found it a very tactical, helpful guide for applying to a new job. I used his methods and ended up getting the job... I don't have much more to say other than that.