I Got My Dream Job and So Can You

March 12, 2012
Leibman's life-long dream was to make it to the NBA. While he never made it as a basketball player, he did score his dream job fresh out of Johns Hopkins University with the Washington Wizards. Leibman shares his story and strategies for success in this energetic and informative volume aimed at the recent college graduate. The young author loves lists, and for good reasonâthey grab the reader's attention and keep it while he runs down a quick list of points, as in six reasons "you don't have your dream job yet," "10 Marketing Assets You Need," "10 Commandments for Concrete Confidence," and more. Brief success stories sprinkled throughout (detailing recent graduates' employment with Microsoft, National Geographic, and Disney, to name a few) illustrate the efficacy of Leibman's practical pointersâhis tips on office etiquette should be required reading. Though exuberantly enthusiastic and confident, Leibman wisely tempers what might be perceived as mere youthful optimism advice tips from a variety of industry experts, from a professional image strategist to a dating coach. While his "Out-of-Office Life" section and "Leibman Life Lesson" may seem like overreach for a 20-something (albeit a successful one), it is clear Leibman's forward thinking and clear sightedness have taken him far, and will no doubt inspire and equip readers to do the same.

Starred review from April 15, 2012

High unemployment and a struggling economy need not deter graduating college seniors from pursuing their dream jobs, says motivational speaker Leibman (founder, Dream Job Academy), living proof that it's possible to land the perfect job right out of school. In the author's case, his dream job was in the front office of the NBA's Washington Wizards. However, this book is far more than a soapbox testimonial: Leibman outlines a systematic blueprint designed to assist graduates in landing their ideal job by using targeted contacts, warm and cold networking, advice appointments, and online social media to market themselves successfully on paper, online, and in person. Leibman is honest about the amount of focus and work involved; his straightforward plan covers not only what to do but also how to do it and the reasons why. The book includes success stories from other young professionals and additional recommended resources. VERDICT Motivational, instructive, and student-friendly, this comprehensive, step-by-step guide will help its target audience land a dream job and use the same strategies and skills for career management and advancement. Highly recommended.--Jane Scott, George Fox Univ. Lib., Newberg, OR

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.