Your Job Search Companion

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, job security has become a key issue for many people. Some jobs, in industries dependent on international tourists, are particular vulnerable, and as the pandemic continues businesses may disappear or be drastically scaled back. 

Being flexible, and having the ability to adapt to a "new normal" in the economy, is essential. Lee Smith's new job search guide, The Job Tree, will help job seekers of whatever age and level of experience develop and refine cover letter, resumé writing, and interview skills that will help them compete in the challenging jobs market now and in the future.

To make the job easier, the book includes downloadable templates tailored to the key global markets. It's truly a DIY handbook to ensure job candidates can make a lasting impression.

We interviewed Lee about his book.

What motivated you to write The Job Tree?

 It was during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020, my attention focussed on those who had lost their jobs; on businesses that had closed and the impacts on the owners. What could be done to help them; to encourage them?

I had retained the rights to a follow book to my first book Kick Start Your Career. It seemed the right time to write the new book and focus on helping people find their next job.

What were the origins of your interest in helping people with careers and jobs?

 During my professional career in technology I was also involved in helping colleagues and staff to find jobs. The origins of Kick Start Your Career came from a request from a University of Queensland professor for a course to help graduates find their first job. This led to a partnership with a Dutch professor, John van Genderen to write the first book.

What are the key chapters and themes of your new book The Job Tree?

The scope of the book is to cover all the major aspects of job hunting. It draws on the author’s extensive professional experience as well as expert inputs drawn from international experts. It ranges from identifying career and job options, to your skills and abilities. Preparation of CV or resume is important. The role of social media in job hunting is addressed. Where to search for jobs? From analysis of job criteria to job application cover letter to interview skills.

What approach have you adopted for the book?

Books provide information. They do not provide knowledge. That only comes when we apply information. That comes from doing rather than reading or listening. The benefits of explicit instruction have been incorporated in the book. It has personal plan that allows the reader to tailor the book’s information to their particular personal aspects. This also allows the reader to develop the resources need for job applications as they progressively complete the personal plan associated with each chapter.

What about the personal aspects of job loss and job hunting?

Human aspects are central to job hunting. The book would be remiss if it only covered the skills and methods of winning a new job. It covers they key aspects of well-being: emotional, physical and mental. It recognises the grief and loss that comes with job loss, business closure or interview knockback. It points to professionals who can help in this important area. It provides encouragement and motivation.

Lee Smith

What are your hopes?

That the book will lift up those who have lost jobs; to provide the skills and experience to navigate the minefield of job hunting. That it will help job seekers to successfully transition to a new job or career.

To win that job!