Interview with Stephen Viscusi, Author of Bulletproof Your Job

Image from: Stephen Viscusi.

I’m thrilled to introduce Stephen Viscusi, author of the bestselling Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Simple Strategies to Ride Out the Rough Times and Come Out on Top at Work.

We are already fans of Stephen’s book and have talked about it in a previous post here at Career and Kids. His advice is especially pertinent to our changing economy today. He has been a featured guest on programs such as The Tyra Banks Show, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America.

Stephen has not only generously agreed to an exclusive interview here but is also giving away a copy of his book for one lucky reader.

For now, enjoy this interview with Stephen Viscusi:

Tell us about your book, Bulletproof Your Job: 4 Simple Strategies to Ride Out the Rough Times and Come Out on Top at Work. How did you come to write it?

I wrote the book in 45 days, and sent it to 6 publishers. All six wanted to buy the book. One of my criteria was that I would write it in 45 days, and it had to be in book stores by Labor Day.

I wrote the book last May in 2008 after doing the NPR Radio Show on how to “recession-proof” your job. I got over 5000 emails in response to that show appearance. Clearly, I saw the handwriting on the wall in terms of people losing their jobs.

My decision to write it was based on remembering the 1991 recession, and recognizing that whenever the word “recession” was used in terms of state of the economy, it became a blank check for employers to fire employees subjectively, regardless of performance or merit.

Included in this book are secret tips to bulletproofing your job, and staying ahead of the firing curve.

Your book has received some really great reviews, including those from Newsweek and Time Magazine. What do you hope readers will come away with after reading it?

People come away with realizing that although unemployment may rise as high as 8%, that still means 92% of people ARE employed. Yes, people may be fired, but the tips and secrets in this book may prevent you from being one of the ones who are actually fired. You will learn on how to be stay part of 92% and not one of the 8%.

The Washington Post refers to my book as “Mommy meets Machiavelli.” I think it’s universally appealing, because my strategies can help save your job, maybe save your life.

The book, by the way, is published in 12 countries including China and Korea.

Your background is as a headhunter and you used this experience to help start www.BulletproofYourResume.com. Tell us what makes a great resume? What components must be present and what are some common mistakes?

A great resume will essentially mimic the company and the position they are applying to. But remember, people hire people–not resumes.

The one thing that sets the difference in www.BulletproofYourResume.com is that people who buy my resume re-writing service will also get 30 min of my personal time.

Believe it or not, people need 25 different types of resumes. Sometimes resumes are read electronically, and they need to have the “key words” that are picked up for a particular position, and perhaps even use the vernacular that is on the website of the company you’re applying for. That is the secret.

What is one thing the readers of Career and Kids can do right now to help them bulletproof their jobs?

Let your boss get to know you “as a person”. The hiring interview legally sterilizes who you are. In particular, let them know you have kids and how many. Even the meanest boss hates to fire. But, it’s easier to fire someone you don’t’ know anything about, or the person he/she thinks doesn’t’ need or appreciate their job. Telecommuting? I wouldn’t be. Out of sight means out of mind.

What do you think the workplace will look like in five years?

I think the workplace will be more global, more technology driven, but work will always remain the same in this way–work is not a democracy. People need to understand that keeping the job is based on the relationship you have with your boss.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Last but not least, of course, I think it’s really important for everyone to remember, that even if unemployment rises, the majority of Americans will continue to be employed. The secret is to keep the job you have. As I’ve said before, during times of recession gives your employer a blank check to fire subjectively. You need to emotionally accept the reality that bosses keep people that they like, and fire the ones they don’t. It’s not as performance based as it should be in a recession.

Everything will change after the election. Elections don’t change the economy, and they don’t change the unemployment rate. Elections can help you keep your job, that’s why I wrote this book, Bulletproof Your Job. Readers of my book continue to tell me that these strategies have helped them keep their job.

Finally, I’m a huge supporter and believer that the workplace is one of the best places to meet your mate. Husband/wife/whatever. It’s better than any online dating service. For starters, you obviously have a lot of things in common, because you’re working in the same field. You spend more time with people on the job, than we do at home. I’m not talking about sexual harassment, I’m talking about “peer to peer” dating. It bothers me that too many people are afraid to reach out and consider dating people that they work with. Best romances I ever had, are people I dated from my job.

Readers are welcome to write me any questions/comments on your website or at Stephen@Viscusi.com. I also encourage them to visit www.bulletproofyourjob.com and www.bulletproofyourresume.com.

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year.

You too, Stephen. You’ve made some great points.