Book Reviews
Read the latest reviews of Teens and the Job Game...
From Foreword Clarion Reviews
July 2011
Review by Jada Bradley
5 out of 5 Stars
This well-intended and well-executed guide to getting and keeping work gives teens a foundation for preparing themselves to be a whole person, a worthy goal that standard job guides sometimes overlook. In Teens and the Job Game, readers can learn to dress appropriately and craft a resume, but, as Beverly Slomka notes, it is the way they present themselves that will make all the difference. The book features quotes from people who are doing well in their work endeavors and from teens who have successfully landed jobs and internships. At the end of each chapter there is a set of questions and writing space to reflect, which will be good for readers who need to reinforce what they’ve read. Slomka, who has a BA in psychology, writes with a comfortable tone, not at all condescending or overly friendly. She is straightforward in sharing some of her personal and professional challenges.
The book emphasizes preparation—you don’t just wake up one day and go get a job without putting some thought into it first. Slomka addresses the value in mastering subjects that readers don’t especially like or don’t think relate to their career goals. She also notes that a student’s attitude towards school will likely carry over into their working life.
Rather than promoting the notion that “you can do anything,” Slomka advises teens to play to their strengths. Through the examples of her own life and others, she demonstrates how people tend to “reframe” their goals throughout their career, applying
what they know to jobs they may not have considered earlier. Slomka, a senior recruiter and team leader for a nationwide healthcare search firm, was formerly an executive at Merrill Lynch. In addition to her psychology degree, she has an MS in education / rehabilitation counseling.
In her book, she provides a great deal of very practical advice; the sort that many bright teens only find out through trial and error. Slomka aims to give teens some “best practices” before they arrive for their first day at a job or internship: “In almost any job, good employees go into their supervisor’s office with a notepad ready to take notes, and have a list of questions and notes to discuss with their managers.” She addresses issues such as communication, follow-through, workplace ethics, handling constructive criticism, and workplace interactions and conflicts.
The book includes sample resumes and cover letters and prompts for calling or writing to ask about potential work. The brief resource guide mentions some very good books and a few websites, intended to get teens in the right mindset to go out and get the information they need. Slomka talks about dressing well and being aware of behavior. She also notes that a teen who has engaged in drug use, or become a parent, should not despair. However, she does not touch on the importance of online image, an especially important issue in a time when teens use social media without thinking of the consequences of sharing too much personal information, and the effect it can have on one’s career.
Overall, the book is a great resource for teens who don’t know how to begin their job search, and for those who are on the right track but may need some pointers.
From Ezine articles
Review by Dan Keller, CEO Teen Forums, and Summer Jobs for Teens websites.
January, 2009
I just finished reading the book "Teens and the Job Game" by Beverly Sloma. As the CEO of a teen job site, I frequently read books on the topic of getting your first job. In my opinion, this book is one of the better ones that I have read in this category. The basic theme of the book is what teens need to do right now to prepare for their first job and also what to do to succeed when they land the job.
What I especially liked about the book was the author's passion. The author has a Master's degree in education, and that really comes through with her knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject. It was easy to get drawn into this book because the author was so engaging. I also like the fact that she uses real world examples of what has worked for teens in the past. She also sprinkles in a lot of inspirational quotes to keep the reader engaged and entertained.
I also like the fact that the author addresses certain issues that all teens have to be aware of when going on interviews. I appreciate that she emphasizes that teens need to speak well, dress well, and have good posture. These are the basics, but it always helps to have the basic reinforced.
In closing, I think this is a must read for any teen that is looking for a part time job or summer job. In fact, I would recommend that school systems buy this book and hand it out all students as required reading.
Dan Keller is the CEO of the popular website that focuses on Summer Jobs for Teens and also runs Teen Forums
From www.smartgirl.com
Smartgirl Suggests, March 2008
Review by Smartgirl editor, Tiffany:
When I was in middle school, I didn't spend a ton of time thinking about getting or having a job, and what that involved. I wasn't old enough to go out and apply for a job yet, and because of that, it didn't really occur to me that there were still ways I could be preparing myself to start work, and that the earlier I started, the easier it would be for me to find and have a job once it was time. I wish someone had given me a copy of Beverly Slomka's book Teens and The Job Game because if they had, I would have gotten my act together!
Teens and The Job Game is a wonderful book written by someone who really knows what she's talking about. It is based on the philosophy that succeeding at work has to do with developing your whole person, and that you can start doing that today, no matter how young you are. Reading it, I was impressed by how many topics Slomka covers. When she says the key to getting the job you want is developing your whole self, she truly means it. She touches on many subjects including the clothes you wear, the way you carry yourself, how you feel about yourself, writing and communication skills, time management, and peer pressure, just to name a few. Her point is that whether you are years away from looking for your first job or already have one, these are things you can think about and do something about right now, and - this may come as a surprise - they all impact getting and having work. How?, you might ask. That's a good question - and it's one that she answers. Instead of simply telling you that these are all important factors and assuming that you'll just take her word for it, she takes the time to explain why you should give them some thought, and why you should do it sooner rather than later. I think this is one of the best aspects of the book and what makes it so motivational.
The book doesn't just walk you through how to prepare yourself for finding for that first job. She takes you all the way - from where to look for job advertisements to your first day of work and beyond, all while providing practical tips and advice. The book includes many great resources as well, such as sample resumes and cover letters and lists of websites and books to check out if you need or want more help. All of this is delivered in a very easy to read and understand format.
This is one of the best nonfiction books for teens I have read in a long time, not only because it deals with an important topic (after all, Slomka points out, work - whether you want it to or not - is probably going to be a major part of your life) but because it deals with that important topic so well. Thinking about finding and starting a job can be tremendously overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before, and she takes the care to walk you through it step-by-step, showing you that it actually is a manageable process - and one you can excel at! You might be thinking that you can't - that you aren't sure what sort of job you want to have or that you've already done things that may have put you at a disadvantage when it comes to finding work - but she would disagree with you. I encourage you to find a copy of Teens and The Job Game so that you can read Slomka's encouraging words. Because, as she might write, it's never too late and it's never too early!
From www.kidsbookshelf.com
Review By Christina Lewis
Every teen has the ability to succeed when they have the right skills and begin developing a positive work image." When searching for a job, how you present yourself is important. This 99-page book is packed with great advice, tips and information taken from the author's years of experience in the corporate world. You'll find chapters on how to present yourself, education, choosing a career, searching for a job, behavior in the workplace and more. Each chapter has a section where you can write your reflections about yourself and your career path. You'll also find sample resumes and cover letters that are a great way to help you get started. A wonderful guide to help you get on the path to finding your dream job. (Young Adult)
From www.bookviews.com - January 2008 Book Picks
Review by Alan Caruba
Though Bookviews tends not to note self-published authors these days, former Merrill Lynch vice president Beverly Slomka’s Teens and The Job Game ($12.95, iUniverse) is a book that offers teenagers interview tips, sample resumes, and cover letters, along with a lot of very good advice on how to prepare for jobs the offer fulfillment and, yes, good money. Thus, tips on appropriate dress, attitude, and people skills are an important part of understanding what is required to truly succeed. On her website, Slomka offers employment and career news for teens at www.teensandthejobgame.com. Give your teen a competitive edge. Give them this book.
From www.flamingnet.com - New and Advance Book Reviews
(Young adults rating books for young adults)
Flamingnet Student Book Reviewer YG
Are you a teen looking for a job? Then this book is right for you. Inside this book, you will learn the skills necessary to find a successful job. There are five chapters in the book: Developing your whole self, Education and Workplace Relations, Choosing a Career, Searching for a Job, and Behaviors in the Workplace. For example, it explains how to develop as a whole person by looking from all perspectives, and encourages readers to set realistic goals. Scattered in each chapter are quotes from high school students just like you. Furthermore, there are reflective questions at the end of each chapter designated to help the reader focus on their goals, and earn their way towards those goals. It is essential to have good study skills, and this book teaches you just that. After learning about how to become an excellent applicant, the reader will learn about how to create an excellent resume and cover letter. Most importantly, it will teach how to contact the employer and ace the interview. After reading the book, you will be ready to find your dream job!
I believe this book is very inspiring, and really does try to motivate the reader to get out there and find a job. Not only does it motivate the reader, it also teaches the reader how this is accomplished. There are reflective questions at the end of each chapter that helps the reader reflect and plan their future goals. Also, there are tons of quotes from actually high school students and teachers, which is very inspirational for me. I pretty much agree with every sentence in the book, and believe that this is a very helpful book for people who are looking for a job, but don't know how to get one. After finishing the book, I feel very optimistic about the future. Who won't?
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana, IL USA
From The Tablet - December 8, 2007
Offers Advice to Teens About Getting Good Jobs
By Marie Elena Giossi
If you’re looking for a practical Christmas present for your favorite teenagers, give a gift that will help them invest in their future – “Teens and The Job Game:
Prepare Today – Win It Tomorrow,” Brooklynite Beverly Slomka’s newly published handbook to prepare young adults for the working world.
“Young people today are not getting the preparation they need for the workplace. It’s not just talent or education you bring to a job, you bring your whole person,” according to the author, a former Merrill Lynch vice president and business manager who recruited all levels of personnel for over 20 years.
Written in a conversational tone, Slomka’s 101-page guide is designed to help 13-18-year-olds develop as “whole persons” so they will eventually possess a comprehensive set of tangible and intangible skills applicable to any part-time post, summer internship, volunteer activity or full-time job.
The author decided to write the book after seeing youngmen and women with “high potential” – polished resumes, proven skills and previous experience – overlooked for jobs because they didn’t know how to conduct themselves in a professional environment.
Appearance, demeanor, communication skills,
deportment, judgment, perseverance, flexibility and work ethic, Slomka says, will not only determine whether or not someone is hired, but also his or her future success in the company.
An October, 2006, study from the Society for Human Resource Management, supports that argument. When over 400 U.S. employers were interviewed regarding job candidates’ readiness, 70% said high school and college grads lacked advanced workplace skills, such as good communication abilities, work ethic and professionalism.
Putting Yourself Together
Slomka begins the first of five concise chapters by encouraging readers to discover who they are – their hopes, dreams, feelings, and attitudes – and how they present themselves to the world.
Slomka then talks readers through the process of discerning their unique niche in the world as she reveals the link between school and work and the equation for choosing a suitable career.
Personal preparation is followed by professional preparation as the author readies readers to go out into the world by offering a model for job hunting and “workplace behaviors 101.”
“I try to be inspirational,” Slomka said. “These are the future leaders of the world. If they try and persist, they can succeed.”
Chock full of real-life job experiences – hers as well as those of high schoolers and college grads, the book also has sample resumes, cover letters and each chapter concludes with reflection questions and blank pages to “encourage introspection.”
As background for the book, Slomka interviewed two directors of volunteers at two Brooklyn hospitals. Both agreed that 14-18-year-olds overwhelmingly lacked job readiness and communication skills when they signed up as volunteers.
The author also surveyed 17 volunteers, aged 16-18, at one Brooklyn hospital. Three responded that they had received workplace preparation in their schools; 14 admitted they had not.
Slomka completed her book in 2005 and received fourth place in the 2006 National Writers Association’s Non-Fiction Book Award Contest for recently written and unpublished books.
She decided to self-publish her work in October, 2007, through iUniverse.com.
The author, who was educated at St. Patrick’s School and Fontbonne Hall Academy, both Bay Ridge, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in education/rehabilitation counseling. After retiring from Merrill Lynch, she moved into a human resources position in the healthcare field.
She and her husband, Edward, have lived in St. Bernadette parish, Dyker Heights, since they wed 31 years ago. For almost six years, the couple has volunteered as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and on-call chaplains at Lutheran Medical Center, Sunset Park.
While the book doesn’t have a spiritual aspect per se, the author does incorporate Christian values, such as volunteer service, a strong work ethic, constructive conflict-resolution, and respect for oneself and others.
“I say in the book that you are a precious, unique person. No matter what you’ve done in life, you can move ahead,” said Slomka, who’s also a breast cancer survivor.
Although she’s always enjoyed writing – she currently works as a content producer for AssociatedContent.com – she never before thought about writing a book.
“I decided to write this and it was like words were spilling on the page,” she said, adding that she believes “it was God or the Holy Spirit’s influence.”
Available to Speak
Slomka exhibited her book at a N.Y.S. Dept. of Education Career and Technical Education Resource Center Conference in October and she is available to present it at local high schools.
“Teens and The Job Game” is available on iUniverse.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. The book is also downloadable in Adobe eBook format from iUniverse.
Slomka’s also has a website, www.teensandthejobgame.com, which serves as an introduction to the book and as an ongoing resource for readers.