Written in an engaging, common-sense tone, Solving the Professional Development Puzzle addresses many issues facing graduates in today’s ever-changing, demanding workplace.  From working in a global space to dining with class to constructing a powerful resume, this book offers an abundance of activities, advice, examples, and suggestions for developing a power job search plan.  Strong coverage of ethics and character development is included, as well as a detailed chapter on financial management in the transition from college to the world of work including advice on buying a car, avoiding credit card debt, and running from check cashing centers.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1        Discovering Who You Are: Setting Yourself Apart and Finding Your Direction   1          Know Who You Are and Where You’re Going 2          Recognize and Own Your Strengths 3          Identify Your Personality Type and Use It to Best Advantage 4          Know What You Want from Life and Work 5          Identify and Emulate Your Role Models 6          Determine What You Value 7          Recognize the Power of Your Values and Beliefs 8          Understand Your Emotional Responses 9          Articulate Your Hopes and Goals 10        Choose Optimism and Surround Yourself with Optimistic People   Chapter 2        Cultivating Your Character and Ethics: Who Are You When No One Is Looking?   11        Understand the Dynamics of Ethics, Integrity, and Character 12        Be Proud of Your Name and Reputation 13        Develop and Maintain a Strong Moral Character 14        Develop a Resilient Work Ethic 15        Understand the True Nature of Respect 16        Avoid Moral Bankruptcy 17        Be Trustworthy 18        Honor Your Commitments 19        Develop a Strong Guiding Statement and Integrity Plan   Chapter 3        Designing Your Job Search, Writing Your Cover Letter, and Selling Yourself through Your Resume: Selling Yourself   20        Focus on Your Job Search Plan     21        Leave No Stone Unturned 22        Know Your Employer’s Expectations 23        Use Effective Keywords to Showcase Your Talents and Experiences 24        Sell Yourself with Confidence 25        Write a Powerful and Concise Cover Letter 26        Understand the Do’s and Don’ts of Memorable Resumes 27        Build a Timely Chronological Resume 28        Construct a Skillfully Written Functional Resume 29        Construct a Telling Accomplishment Resume 30        Choose Appropriate References 31        Design and Distribute Attractive Personal Business Cards 32        Give Serious Attention to Job Application Guidelines and Details   Chapter 4        Communicating and Interviewing with Confidence and Class: The Impression of a Lifetime   33        Understand the Importance of Human Communication  34        Make a Powerful, Positive, and Lasting First Impression 35        Hone Your Interpersonal Communication Skills 36        Observe and Improve Your Body Language (Nonverbal Communication) 37        Speak with Authority and Clarity 38        Be Prepared for the Interview 39        Anticipate Interviewer’s Questions 40        Ask Informed Questions 41        Manage Inappropriate or Illegal Questions Effectively 42        Consider the Interviewer’s Evaluation 43        Accept Rejection with Class and Grace 44        Win, Lose, or Draw, Always Say "Thank You" in Writing Chapter 5        Perfecting Your Professional Image and Distinguishing Yourself On the Job: The Importance of a Polished You   45        Dress to Impress 46        Mind Your Manners 47        Dine with Class 48        Watch What You Say 49        Appreciate and Respect Differences 50        Make the Supervisor Look Good 51        Learn As Much As You Can 52        Speak Up With Good Ideas 53        Play Well With Others 54        Express Yourself Tactfully 55        Grow from Positive and Negative Feedback 56        Always be Customer Oriented   Chapter 6        Avoiding Work Place Land Mines: Making the First Few Months Really Count   57        Get a Handle on Your Time and Priorities 58        Don’t Be A Part of the Water Cooler Gossip Circle            59        Never Speak Negatively About Your Boss or Former Employer 60        Be Aware of Workplace Politics 61        Avoid Backstabbing and Trampling on Others 62        Use Good Judgment in Workplace Romances 63        Don’t Party at the Company Party 64        Put a Stop to Sexual Harassment 65        Don’t Allow Substance Abuse to Ruin Your Career   Chapter 7        Leading With Passion, Power, and Promise: Finding the Leader in You   66        Embrace Outstanding Leadership Qualities 67        Understand the Categories of Leadership Power 68        Lead with Vision 69        Think Before You Act 70        Make Good Decisions Using Creativity and Logic 71        Know How to Participate In and Lead Effective Meetings 72        Learn How to Delegate Effectively 73        Lead with Respect Instead of Control 74        Learn to Manage Conflicts Early and Effectively 75        Understand, Relate to, and Lead Difficult People 76        Build a Professional Network   Chapter 8        Taking Care of Business: Manage Your Personal Finances Wisely   77        Develop the Discipline to Save and Invest Right Now 78        Understand the Financial Lingo 79        Identify, Understand, and Reduce Your Personal “Latte Factor ®” 80        Avoid Credit Card Debt 81        Run From Auto Title Loans, Payday Loans, and Check-Cashing Centers 82        Know What Affects Your Credit Score 83        Repay Your Student Loans on Time 84        Protect Yourself from Identity Theft 85        Research Your Options When Buying a Car 86        Understand Tax Laws 87        Take Time to Plan a Budget and Stick to It 88        Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Retirement (Really! It’s Never Too Early!)   Chapter 9        Enriching Your Personal Life: Maximizing Your Potential in All Aspects of Your Life   89        Love and Value Yourself 90        Seek Meaning and Purpose in Your Personal and Professional Life 91        Employ a Variety of Stress and Time Management Techniques 92        Incorporate Joy Breaks into Your Life 93        Find Balance Between Work and Home 94        Take Care of Your Soul and Spiritual Development 95        Enjoy Friends and Family   Chapter 10       Surviving and Thriving in Your Career for the Long Term: Thinking About Your Future, Thinking About Your Life   96        Take Responsibility for Staying Current and Continual Learning 97        Involve Yourself in the Community 98        Join and Participate in Professional Organizations 99        Earn Professional Certificates and Licenses 100      Be Willing to Move 101      Learning About the Global Community