Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers -- and Seize Success

I heard Dr. Dawn Graham speaking on Sirius XM Career Talk about her new book with Nick Corcodilos ("Ask the Headhunter"). I was intrigued by how she brings the psychological insights on the mindset of the job/career seeker (e.g., overcoming obstacles of one's own creation) as well as insight into the mindset of the hiring executive (e.g., speaking to their fears of making a mistake).One of the things that made the book really helpful is the concrete examples. For instance, the example of a Pharma lawyer switching over to the business side of fitness tech product. This example brings the conceptual frameworks and exercises to life. For instance, the lawyer should make sure he "speaks the language" of the business people rather than talking in legal terms (about contracts, etc.).The author continues the example of the pharma lawyer throughout the book which helps to illustrate the exercises that are found in the chapters. One particularly good exercise is the detailed sub skills mapping of the current/former positions and then translating that to the new desired role. "Switchers" stresses the importance of framing and language to gain comfort with the recruiter. In addition to "speaking their language", the book also advises how to avoid shooting oneself in the foot by bringing up problems and raising red flags with the recruiter.While hard to enact, the intentional focus of 100% on the new, desired work vs. hedging the bets with a splintered approach is also a huge takeaway and well explained as to the rationale. The point is made that if you are confused in your intent, you confuse others and they can not help you and that your network is the best source for help. The point is also made about second level connections, who are the most impactful, but who can not help if the intent is muddle. Hard to do but great advice and clarity!Another highlight: the chapters on networking. These are written from the author's perspective as someone who had avoided it historically, and now has found a way to navigate and even value networking. I meet a lot of people that tell me, "they don't know how to network", and I can now point them to this book. Again, the author gives specific examples that demystify this process, e.g., you've been networking with your neighbors for years, exchanging recommendations on local handymen etc.Finally, for me, the price of the whole book is also worth it in the closing question that she recommends for the end of the interviews. I tried this and it yielded the most valuable insight of the entire conversation.

Switchers is a fantastic book for anyone attempting to switch careers, but it is much more than that. The insights it offers are profound for anyone looking for any job, as well as those currently in a role who should be building and maintaining their network. What is so great about this book is that it balances practical advise with specific examples and templates to help you past potential stumbling blocks, along with a deep understanding of the psychology of the situation and empathy for the job searcher. You feel as if you have a friend showing you how to do it, encouraging you and pushing you to take action. For those of you, like me, who sometimes struggle with focusing on a target, she has a great methodology for developing your Plan A and explains why you need to pursue that and not Plan B and C contingency plans at the same time. She explains how the job market really works. A lot of books will explain why networking is so important, but Dawn gives you scripts to show you exactly how to do it. Every little step she takes to make this process more frictionless and to make you feel that you are not alone makes it easier for you to take action and ultimately find a new career, develop a personal brand, and build a robust network so that future jobs will find you. Dawn's process is proven. I am confident that this book can help you.

Really in a funk on how to get out of my current dead-end career so picked this up. I didnt really want to because I already got Parachute and Pivot and didnt think it could provide too much more insight on switching careers or even the job market in general. However, there is some really good facts, plans, and analogies in here that I can definitely apply to my job hunt. Definitely recommend even though I'm halfway through. I like how Amazon provides you with the digital version as soon as you buy it too.

Dr Dawn's book is a great read. The examples of creating ambassadors never made one feel they were using people, but expanding a wonderful base of friends. Friends you could meet at conferences and lectures. If I could compare the uplifting attitude and positive thinking of her style I would say she reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell. Read this book even if you are not seeking a new job or a different career.

Switchers is a definitive "how-to" guide for job seekers, and it works well on many levels. Dr. Graham's career switcher model is comprehensive, clearly presented, practical and actionable. Her focus on such critical areas as developing a Plan A, personal branding and networking are on target. She goes into depth on all of these areas and much more. Her expertise, insights and advice on networking are particularly valuable. This is so critical to success, and she hits the bullseye. Her practical advice de-mystifies even the most intimidating aspects of switching careers.Dr. Graham also overlays many key psychological insights that affect the career switching process, and this is another of Switchers' key differentiators. She draws on her experience as a psychologist and a former corporate recruiter in describing the thought process from a hiring manager's perspective, and she shares strategies for how aspiring career switchers can use this information to their advantage. She also provides insights on how switchers often struggle with internal challenges, and how they can take steps to become unstuck and successfully stretch outside of their comfort zones to make successful career moves. This is an empowerment model for jobseekers, and it is a fresh, creative approach that resonates.This book has depth, nuance and value. I highly recommend Switchers to anyone contemplating a job change.