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David Rawles (Hannibal Books), 224 pages
“Finding a Job God’s Way” offers hope and help for anyone seeking career fulfillment. In the prologue Rawles writes: “We conduct our workshops and seminars to help people learn practical applications to find their dream jobs and achieve their highest career ambitions.”
The book is appropriately characterized by one reviewer as “a moral compass for job-seekers.” Though Rawles offers spot-on advice regarding the gamut of issues related to a job search, his treatise explores and defines requisite aspects of assessing, understanding and applying the God-ordained combination of one’s skills and desires in a manner that offers personal satisfaction and spiritual reward in finding the right job.
Well-salted with sage wisdom from the Bible and advice from seasoned, notable people who’ve succeed in their own career journeys, the book doesn’t view spirituality as an afterthought to one’s career path. Rawles believes spirituality is foundational to one’s career choices as evidenced by the book’s title and the numerous, contextual Bible verses that pervade the pages of his offering.
Chapters are divided into numerical sub-points?58 in all to be exact. Varying in length, the sub-points usually extend from two to four pages, thus increasing the impact and readability of each point. Add to that a concise writing style and conversational content, and “Finding a Job God’s Way” transcends the textbook-ese of similar books because the copy floats off the page as though you’re listening to a beloved friend’s counsel.
In the first chapter, “Healing and Equipping,” Rawles advises readers with sincerity and aplomb on the touchy issue of an unpleasant job history. Simply put, Rawles says to move on?forgive and forget?while noting that anger, bitterness and vengeful attitudes are not the building blocks of a successful job search. In a separate chapter, he suggests ethical ways to handle past occupational unpleasantries.
Regarding resumes, cover letters and interviews, Rawles’ traditional advice offers exceptional practicality. Considering interviews specifically, Rawles’ observations on non-verbal communication in the chapter “Powerful Hidden Language” suggest that eye contact, smiles and enthusiastic hand gestures add energy to the conversation and punctuate one’s words memorably. He further advises that tone-of-voice, leaning forward, and nodding at appropriate times reveal attitudes and the job-seeker’s level of interest.
As is typical with the book, Rawles notes biblical examples to get readers to consider non-verbal communications such as when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, King David danced, Peter jumped from the boat, Jonah turned toward Nineveh, and when Jesus stepped from the tomb.
“Many examples exist in which body language says more than words can ever say,” Rawles writes.
This book offers excellent fodder for youth leaders and parents of teens who want to give high-schoolers the proper perspective and biblical motivation for career choices. It could serve as a guide for small group study regardless of the age of the participants.
Whether preparing for a first-ever interview or looking to leap up the corporate ladder, reading Rawles’ book is job one?which will make finding the next one that much easier.
