Games Companies Play: The Job Hunter's Guide to Playing Smart & Winning Big in the High-Stakes Hiring Game

Rating:
Summary: The Most Valuable Book one might read
Review: "Games Companies Play" is a must read for anyone looking for a job, thinking about looking for job, as well as for anyone looking to fill vacancies (and that means nearly all of us). "Hiring Smart" was written for the latter audience, but "Games Companies Play" is an equally useful guide for those seeking the right candidates and checking their preparedness. After a twenty five years management career in the corporate world, and nearly five years managing a rapidly growing professional service firm, I have made almost every hiring mistake there is to be made. I have also learned that the absolute highest priority in building a firm, is to hire the right people. Dr. Mornell has written what is probably the most useful book a job applicant will ever read. More amazingly, the book is a pleasure to read. I read many technical books as part of my research work, and often need to take a break after reading a single chapter. I read "Games Companies Play" cover to cover in one sitting of less than 3 hours and enjoyed every minute. I teach a MBA class. I plan to give a copy of the book to each of my students. I am sure they will find it more useful than my class.

Rating:
Summary: Did we read the same book?
Review: A high school guidance counselor could write a better job hunting book then this! Dr. Mornell has so little to say he resorted to using a huge 14 pt type font so he could fill up 187 pages. His best answer for the standard "What are your five-year goals?" is " You can evaluate my work in three, six, or twelve months - and if it's excellent, we can decided how to best use my talents within the company." In my opinion this answer is vague and shows the job candidate has no ambition, no incentive to take ownership of his career, no plan and no sense of direction. If you are serious about finding a job, order "Knock 'em Dead 2001" by Martin Yale and get serious answers from a pro on really tough interview questions.

Rating:
Summary: Did we read the same book?
Review: A high school guidance counselor could write a better job hunting book then this! Dr. Mornell has so little to say he resorted to using a huge 14 pt type font so he could fill up 187 pages. His best answer for the standard "What are your five-year goals?" is " You can evaluate my work in three, six, or twelve months - and if it's excellent, we can decided how to best use my talents within the company." In my opinion this answer is vague and shows the job candidate has no ambition, no incentive to take ownership of his career, no plan and no sense of direction. If you are serious about finding a job, order "Knock 'em Dead 2001" by Martin Yale and get serious answers from a pro on really tough interview questions.

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this outstanding book!
Review: Absolutely brilliant! Dr. Mornell has outdone himself again! A quick read full of helpful and unique tips, Dr. Mornell uses his profound knowledge on reading people and situations to help you, the reader, use your own best instincts in the complicated job search.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and Smart
Review: An excellent title that will appeal to job-seekers, offering savvy insights and tips, Dr. Pierre Mornell's Games Companies Play is for employees who would learn how to win the games companies play during the hiring process, from resumes and trick questions to negotiating job offers. Chapters are packed with strategies and insights.

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this outstanding book!
Review: Dr. Pierre Mornell has proven himself again! This book is unique, thoughtful, and best of all, universally true. Dr. Mornell manages to treat all potential "job hunters" from salespeople to executives with understanding, respect and compassion! The architecture of the book, the interesting and accessible design, and the easy, quick flow from start to finish are all inspired. Very creative and filled with great ideas. If you are looking for a job, it would be a real shame to let this one by. It could make all the difference.

Rating:
Summary: decidedly hands-on
Review: from my review of this book as one of the top 5 of 2000 in mbajungle.com: "Mornell's book is decidedly hands-on, full of advice for today's job hunter. The manager looking for great employees will also find this book a godsend during any candidate search. My favorite tip: Call a prospective employee's reference when you know he won't be there, and leave a voice-mail message asking the reference to call back only if the candidate is outstanding. If the employee is indeed above par, says Mornell, the majority of people will respond in a flash."

Rating:
Summary: Lacking some very necessary details
Review: Pierre Mornell's, 'Games Companies Play,' makes for a quick and easy 2 hour or so read - printed in enormous type with a sparse page layout readers will effortlessly glide from start to finish without so much as utilizing a sprinkling of brain power. While this book does serve nicely as a very general overview of the job search and hiring process, those who are in need of more nuts and bolts information will be sorely disappointed with what this book has to offer.