Reader Views Five Star Review of How to Interview Like a Pro

How to Interview Like A Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job (Paperback)
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (12/10)

Award-winning author Mary Greenwood puts her skills and experience on paper yet again in her latest `like a pro' installment, "How to Interview Like a Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job." Within the pages, she gives practical and realistic recommendations on how to act, what to say (and even not say), when to follow up, what to wear, and much, much more. Greenwood's book makes for a quick and easy read with the implementation of her advice just as simple.

"How to Interview Like a Pro" is relevant and widely applicable, especially in today's struggling economy. Jobseekers need the right tools in order to stand out from other applicants and Greenwood offers exactly that. Each of the forty-three rules can be used by the young and old, the new and experienced, and even the entry-level to executive hopefuls. Ultimately, the book seeks to prepare the reader for what they could potentially encounter, such as questions, interviewing arrangements (i.e., one-on-one or panel type scenarios), and even the out of the ordinary situations. Further, readers are armed with a list of questions and subjects that employers cannot, by law, bring up in the interview process. These questions include information on race, religion, health and genetic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and even marital status. Greenwood concludes her book with helpful contact information for each state's employment agencies.

"How to Interview Like a Pro" is organized in short, helpful rules which makes learning each of them quick and painless. Greenwood writes with authority and experience while giving plenty of encouragement and support. She also includes some fun anecdotes of her own interviews and what she's learned from them.

"How to Interview Like a Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job" is THE `down and dirty' for learning how to interview in the most professional and prepared way possible. Author Mary Greenwood already has two, multiple-award-winning books under her belt and this latest release is sure to garner the same type of attention and honors. Today's tough economy calls for applicants who know how to make themselves stand out in a sea of nameless, faceless resumes and Greenwood's book gives those elusive `hows' and `whys' to make for a more successful employment search. A must read for any job seeker!





Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers Association Email: howtointerview@aol.com
www.marygreenwood.org

Launching How to Interview Like a Pro, 43 Rules for Getting Your Next Job

I have been working on How to Interview Like a Pro for the last few months so that it would be published in December. It is based on my experience as a Human Resources Director, Head Hunter, and lawyer. I also used my personal experience and anecdotes from my own job searches. At lastest count, I have had 25 jobs and hundreds of interviews.


How to Interview Like a Pro was written for anyone looking for a job, especially recent college graduates. I am launching How to Interview Like a Pro on Amazon.com. Anyone who purchases How to Interview Like a Pro on Amazon will get a free How to Mediate Like a Pro, which has won twelve book awards and I will pay the postage for the free book. All you have to do is send me a receipt of the Amazon purchase to Mgreen464@aol.com.

Happy Holidays.


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

How to Interview Like a Pro just published

How to Interview Like a Pro: 43 Rules for Getting the Job You Want has just been published with Rising Star and Editor's choice designation by iUniverse.

The book is based on my 25 years as a Human Resources Director and Attorney as well anecdotes from my experience as an applicant over the years.

There are tips on preparing for the interview, answering those unusual interview questions and knowing which questions are illegal.

Soon I will put some excerpts from How to Interview Like a Pro on this blog.

My first book signings will be in January 2011.








Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit Award, South Florida Writers Association Email: howtointerview@aol.co website: mwww.marygreenwood.org

How to Interview Like a Pro selected as Editor's Choice by iUniverse

My new book, How to Interview Like a Pro, 43 Rules for Getting Your Next Job has been selected at Editor's Choice by iUniverse, who is publishing the book. The new book is based on my experience as an attorney, human reources professional, and search firm interviewer. It also includes many tips and anecdotes from my own experience getting 30 jobs over my career and surviving hundreds of interviews.

How to Interview Like A Pro is still in production and will come out in December, 2010. I will be giving more information about the book in weeks to come.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awards: Best How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

Peter Diamond of MIT wins Nobel Prize in Economics but is not experienced enough to get on the Federal Reserve

Peter Diamond won the Nobel Prize in Economics today. His research on unemployment is good enough to earn him the Nobel Prize in economics but not enough to get him on the Federal Reserve. His research is on the gap between the number of jobs available and the number of people who are still looking for jobs. What is wrong with this picture?

Do you think Congress will change its mind and decide he might be qualified to take the position on the Federal Reserve Board?


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

Be Persistent in Your Negotiations

Be Persistent



I always learn something about negotiating after a visit with my grandsons ages 1.5 and 3.5. One of my grandsons was very interested in obtaining a special car from Disney's Animated Film Cars. Watching him, I learned a lot about persistence and intend to incorporate some of these rules in my own negotiations.

Rules on Persistence

1. If you really want something, don't give up.

2. Have a one-track mind.

3. Ignore whatever is being discussed and go back to that issue every chance you get.

4. Remind the other party frequently that this is all that you want.

5. Tell the other party that you are willing to have a tantrum if you don't get it.

6. Tell the other party that there is no substitute for the item you want.

7. Keep talking about this item no matter what is being discussed.

8. If you see it, pick it up in the store and don't put it back.

9. Make it clear that you are not leaving unless you get this item.

10. If there is discussion you don't want to hear, put your fingers in your ears and say "la-la-la-la-la."

11. Explain that you do not have an identical one at home; the one at home is green and this one is blue.

12. Explain that even if this is expensive, it will be worth the cost because you will not ask for another one.

13. Even if this won't fit in the suit case, it can be shipped home.

14. Explain that this is the only thing that can make you happy.

15. If all else fails, say,"I know you are, but what I am I."

16. If offered another item, don't look at it.

17. Don't get distracted and focus on your goal.

18. Keep saying the same thing over and over no matter what.

19. If all else fails, say, "The heart likes what the heart likes."

20. Point out that Timmy's Mommy lets him have one.


I have watched these strategies in action and am going to try them in the adult world. Try these techniques in your own negotiations and see where it takes you.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author

How To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book Award, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.com blog: howtonegotiatelikeapro.blogspot.com

Have a Yes Day in Negotiation

I was reading Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld to my three year old grandson, Jack. After reading it to him only once, it is now his favorite book.

The tag line is "What do you call a day when every answer is yes?" The answer is "Yes Day!" There are questions such as: 1) Can I please have pizza for breakfast? 2) Can I clean my room tomorrow? and 3) Can we stay up really late? In the real world outside our book, the answer to such questions usually is "no", but the book advocates saying "yes" on "Yes Day."

The alternatives to "Yes Day" are the thirty-four ways to say "no" such as 1)"No way, Jose Day", 2) "Hands on Hips Day, 3) "Not Today Day," 4)When Pigs Fly Day," and 5) "Read My lips Day". You get the idea. We are so programmed to say "no" that we hardly ever say "yes" anymore.

Yes Day! is a children's book, but it is really geared toward the parents and grandparents, who are reading the book to the kids. They are usually the ones saying "no."

I was thinking that "Yes Day" also has application to adult negotiations. We are conditioned to say "no" to any idea or suggestion that someone else makes. We almost automatically say no to an idea that is not ours. Somehow "no" is much easier to say than "yes" and that continues throughout our lives. Why is that? Is it just easier to use one of the 34 "no" excuses? The people in the "Yes Book" look as though they are having fun by staying up late, having food fights and getting piggy back rides. Maybe we could have more fun saying "yes" more often and we are missing out saying "no" all the time.

In an adult negotiation, you might take the other side by surprise by saying "yes." You might catch them off guard since we usually expect an argument. What are we afraid of? Is there some commitment in saying "yes"? Are we hesitant to agree to trying something new? Do we think we look weak? Do we think we are the only ones with good ideas? That reminds me of the pillow I recently saw that says, "I am not bossy, I just have better ideas!"

If you don't want to be perceived as "giving in", You can always say we will try it this once or we will put in a pilot program to see if it works.

Try having a "Yes Day" and see where it takes you!

Let me know if it works.





Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

Don't Let the Parties Get Bogged Down With the Principles or With the Facts

When someone says, "it is not the money, it is the principle," I know that the mediation is in trouble. That is because the party is making a judgment call that it is more important to be a martyr than to settle the case. Feeling that you are right can be heady, but it has no place in a mediation.

When a party is obsessed with the principle of a situation, that person is still emotionally invested in his or her feelings. Unless the mediator can help the parties get past those emotions, the case is very unlikely to be resolved.

However, this knowledge can be used to good advantage. Since one side has stated that money is not an issue, other strategies might work. The mediation may be resolved by one party giving an apology, changing procedures, or doing something else within the party's principles.

I try to explain that fault is not the essence of mediation. It is not a question of who is right or who is wrong, but how to resolve the situation.

Some parties will be so obsessed with the case that they want to go through chapter and verse as to what went wrong. This party may have a chronology of every date and time and who said what and where. These parties may relish going through every terrible detail.

The mediator cannot let the party get bogged down with the facts. Going through every detail this way is counterproductive. These "facts" need to be replaced with some solutions. The mediator can allow a party to vent in caucus but in joint meetings he has to get back on track. If one side is only interested in the facts and what went wrong, he probably won't want to compromise and chances are the situation won't be resolved.

I like to ask questions like:

1. Is it important that this case get settled?

2. How can we get beyond this blame game and move forward to a solution?

3.Can we forget the past and look to the present to resolve this?

Unless the parties can get past their principles and not get bogged down by the facts as they know them, they will be unequipped to resolve the mediation. However, if they are willing to get beyond figuring out who is right and who is wrong, they may have a chance at arriving at a resolution.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

How To Negotite Like A Pro on the Phone

Negotiating on the phone has some disadvantages and advantages. Obviously, unless you have a video phone, you cannot see the other party's facial expressions or body language. You are dealing solely with a voice.

When negotiating over the phone, try not to let your voice give your position away. If you come to an agreement, it is a good idea to send an email or letter to the other side confirming what was said.

Even though you will probably be negotiating with a customer service representative, any call can turn into a negotiation.

Here are some rules that will be useful for phone negotiations:

1. Only negotiate with someone with authority.

The person answering the phone will generally not have the authority to give you what you want. Ask to speak to that person's supervisor at the earliest time without insulting the representative. You do not want to waste your time speaking to someone who cannot help you.

2. Set the tone.

You only have your voice in a phone negotiation so it is important to literally set the tone. Modulate your voice and try to sound professional.

3. Say what you want.

A telephone customer service rep handles all sorts of calls. It will be helpful if you say what you want if you know. Tell them you want a new item, a total refund, or an apology. Be clear as to what you want and tell the rep why you want it.

4. Never take no for an answer.

Even when you are told that something cannot be done, be persistent. If you are not yet speaking to the Supervisor, ask for the Supervisor. If you believe that you are getting nowhere, ask for the address of the President or Customer Service Manager to contact so you can continue the discussion with someone else.

5. If you don't ask, you don't get.

Asking for something on the phone can be harder than asking face to face. However, if you are speaking to a hotel or airline, for example, do not be afraid to ask for a free flight or upgrade. Many of the chains are customer-service oriented and some, like Nordstrom's, empower their employees to make their own decisions about customer service.

6. Keep track of all the paperwork.

The person on the other end of the line can be lost forever unless you get contact information at the beginning of the call. That is a good safeguard in case you get cut off. It is also a good idea to get the rep's telephone number, especially if you have been transferred a few times. You need to keep track of all calls, with the customer service rep's name,ID number, email address, and postal address so you can send a letter to confirm what was said.

7. Be careful what you say and how you say it.

Prepare what you are going to say. You may even want to write it down in advance and read it so you cover all your points. Be courteous when you call and do not let your emotions get the better of you. It is not in your interest to get upset with the rep.

Remember, the customer service rep is there to help you. If you alienate the rep, he or she is less likely to want to help you. The customer service rep is probably not the one who is at fault so it is not fair to get mad at him or her.

If you follow these rules, you will be able to negotiate like a pro when negotiating on the phone.




Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com

How To Mediate Like A Pro Wins Next Generation Indie Book Award--Reception at the Plaza Hotel on May 25th

All winners and finalists are invited to a reception at the Plaza Hotel in New York City as part of the Book Expo America.


How To Mediate Like A Pro is a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Business Category.

The winner in the Business category was Business Law Battle Plan for Entrepreneurs, by Marjorie Jobe (Aviva Publishing)

Here are the other finalists:

1.Building Business Value, by Martin O'Neill (Third Bridge Press)

2.Selling Change, by Brett Clay (ARIVA Publishing)

3.Small Business Rules, by Mathew Dickerson (BookSurge)


Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author ofHow To Negotiate LIke A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of six book awardsBest How To Book, DIY FestivalRunner Up, New York Book Festival, E-Book and Self-Help CategoryFinalist ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year AwardsFinalist, Best National Book Awards, Self-Help CategoryHonorable Mention, London Book FestivalHow To Mediate Like A Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating DisputesWinner of five book awardsBest National Book AWard, Law CategoryBest E-Book, New York Book FestivalBest How To Book, Beach Book FestivalBest E-Book, Indie Excellence AwardsSpirit AWard, South Florida Writers AssociationEmail: howtonegotiate@aol.comwww.marygreenwood.com