Outsiders on the Inside: How to create a winning career even when you don’t fit in!

The middle of the worst job market in decades may, at first blush, seem an odd time for Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career… Even When You Don’t Fit In!. Yet David Couper’s book comes at the perfect moment. He combines classic career search counseling – how to network, resume preparation, etc. – with an eye to the “fish out of water” that is often the most in need of help. Of particular interest, Couper suggests how to turn traits often misperceived as deficiencies into strengths, by demonstrating to bosses and potential bosses how they can boost productivity and increase profits.

A skilled coach, Couper understands the value of combing strategies with case studies, modeling success for his reader. Some of his best cases are those in which he found himself as the outsider and needing to find a way to convert shortcomings into assets. Such examples might have been annoying, but Couper combines humor and humility to make them feel real and inspiring. For many readers, this will prove particular value, offering courage and action for readers often despairing. Likewise, I was impressed by this author’s specificity, such as in his chapter “Marketing your Uniqueness” and another “Becoming a Long Term Successful Outsider” about planning for a longer time horizon.

On a shelf-full of uninspiring career planning manuals Outsiders on the Inside shines as one to take down and study with care.