The Reader’s House
This interview was originally published on The Reader’s House.
Annie Margarita Yang
What inspired you to write The 5-Day Job Search?
In 2023, recent college graduates on average owe $36,000 upon leaving college. Forty-three percent of these graduates are either unemployed or underemployed, meaning they work in jobs that don’t require a degree. This unresolved issue motivated me to help individuals become financially independent. It's unjust for Americans to begin their careers burdened with such heavy debt, so I aimed to address this problem with my book. Bachelor’s degree holders constitute only one-third of the working population, making them a minority. These are intelligent and capable individuals; the real issue lies in their lack of skills in selling themselves to potential employers and positioning themselves as emerging industry experts who are highly sought-after and offered numerous opportunities.
Can you share a success story or a particular case where The 5-Day Job Search methodology significantly impacted someone's job hunting process?
A friend of mine, an accountant, applied the advice from my book and managed to schedule five job interviews, all on the same day, just ten days into her job search. She ultimately received multiple job offers, each with a salary over $100,000. Best of all, she secured an offer from her most desired company. The system works; it's all about applying the information effectively.
What do you think is the biggest challenge job seekers face today, and how does The 5-Day Job Search address this challenge?
One significant challenge is that many people don’t have a professional headshot for their LinkedIn profile. Often, they resort to using a selfie taken with an iPhone or a cropped photo from a wedding. This approach doesn't convey a serious attitude towards their career. A professional headshot typically costs between $300 to $500, which can be unaffordable, especially with current unemployment rates and tight budgets. I understand this and am currently working on a solution. I'm testing 23 different AI headshot generators using my own money to find the best ones to recommend. These services are more affordable, usually costing under $50, and you only need one good headshot from the generated bunch. I expect to complete this in two weeks. As I test each one, I showcase the results in a constantly updated article on my website, which can be found here.
What books and authors have impacted your writing career?
The individual who has most influenced my writing career is Brian D. Nieves, a former Republican member of the Missouri Senate and a former majority whip in the Missouri House of Representatives. In 2016, he conducted a workshop for a company named Publish A Book & Grow Rich. This workshop taught me that the majority of authors don't even sell 2,000 copies of their books. Instead, the real value lies in the credibility and authority that come with being an author, which positions you as an expert in the field. This status can lead to various opportunities, such as lucrative speaking engagements. He introduced me to a system for writing and publishing a book in just 40 hours. I applied this method to write The 5-Day Job Search, completing the first draft in 10 days, and 1001 Ways to Save Money, which I wrote in a month.
What genres do you especially enjoy reading?
My favorite genres are business & money and self-help. However, I've read many books in these areas and have found that the information tends to become repetitive over time, even though authors try to add their own unique spin. Therefore, I think it's time to explore other subjects, such as philosophy and biographies.
What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?
The book I consistently recommend to my audience is Unique Ability: Creating the Life You Want by Catherine Nomura. This book was life-changing for me. In my early 20s, I felt lost and struggled to advance quickly in my career. While most people focus on strengthening their weaknesses, Nomura suggests leveraging one's natural strengths. Following her advice, I discovered my unique ability: whenever I pursue a new goal, it inspires others to do the same. Whether it's learning public speaking or writing a book, others are motivated to embark on similar endeavors. This recurring pattern has allowed me to fully utilize my unique ability to inspire and encourage others in pursuing their dreams and passions.
What's the last great book you read?
I'm a practical reader—I read to learn new information, not necessarily for enjoyment. The last great book I read was Your Press Release Is Breaking My Heart: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Selling Your Story in the Media by Janet Murray. Currently, I'm trying to understand how people garner media attention, and this has been the most helpful guide I've encountered. Most authors writing on this topic are selling the sizzle—they write books to promote their PR services. Janet Murray, however, delivered the steak in her book. It's packed with practical action steps that anyone can follow, revealing industry secrets rarely discussed.
What do you plan to read next?
Since I read to acquire new information, and lately, I've been eager to learn more about public relations and media training to effectively market, promote, and increase sales of The 5-Day Job Search, I've compiled a reading list on this topic using ChatGPT. I've even created a YouTube video teaching people how to make their own reading lists, which can be found here:
• The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott
• Crystallizing Public Opinion by Edward Bernays
• Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
• Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age by Gini Dietrich
• Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator by Ryan Holiday
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
• Reputation Management: The Key to Successful Public Relations and Corporate Communication by John Doorley and Helio Fred Garcia
• PR! - A Social History of Spin by Stuart Ewen
• The Practice of Public Relations by Fraser P. Seitel
• Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics by Dennis L. Wilcox and Glen T. Cameron
