Author Spotlight: Bill Humbert
This week on Author Spotlight, we talk to Bill Humbert, author of Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search.
What is your name and where are you from?
Bill Humbert – I grew up in Hyattsville, MD. For the past 12.5 years, we have lived in Park City, UT.
Describe your book in 10 words or less:
Step by Step Guide to Find A New Career
What made you want to write Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search?
From March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020, during the height of Covid-19, I coached 32 Professionals in their searches for a new position. Only 4 of those Professionals were less than 50 years old. At the beginning of our coaching, they all were concerned that no company would hire them because of their age. I coached them all to new positions – eleven of them received increases in compensation and 4 of those received 30% or more increases. One gentleman was 66 years old. I coached him into another CFO position.
What was your favorite part of the book to write and why?
Salary negotiation is painful for most people. I am RecruiterGuy.com with over 40 years of recruiting experience. I know what candidates should say – and what they Should Not say! My book is written in Steps to find a new Career – The Step called “Strong Salary Negotiation” was my favorite step because it is so painful for most people – and I make it easier.
What is one thing you have learned in your career that might surprise people?
Over 40 years of Professional Recruiting experience, I have read over 400,000 resumes. Most people are shocked when they learn that in my first pass I only average 6 seconds reading their resume – and I was timed in 1993 by Andrea, my assistant. Hopefully, my time has improved since then!
Outside of your career (and writing this book), what are your other interests?
I enjoy spending time with Linda, my wife of 48 years and our daughters and their families. I love hiking in the mountains and sharing my favorite spots with families, friends, and Deer Valley Resort guests. When I get moments alone, I enjoy reading books.
What are some of your favorite books?
Professional – “Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping The Best People by Bradford D. Smart, Ph.D.
“The Four Commitments Of A Winning Team” by Mark Eaton
“What To Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn)” by Seth Godin
Personal – I devoured the Robert B. Parker Series in the 1990s. I enjoy the mystery series by David Baldacci, the Tom Clancy series, and books that describe historical events.
How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?
When I received notice that I would receive my Author copy last Monday, I contacted Park City TV to set my 127th television interview as the Reveal for my book last Wednesday – My 127th #TVInterview is the Reveal for “Expect Success! The Science Of The Over 50 Career Search” – YouTube
What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?
Working with professionals, like you, in Promotions!
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to write their own book?
This is my 3rd published book. Follow these three steps –
- Find a Topic that you are passionate about
- Outline your message and then begin to write
- Listen to your brain when it gives you a great addition to your book – for me, that is generally 2 or 3 AM. The code between my wife and me is, “The Words just have to get out!”
Then either find a publisher like Dorrance Publishing, or find a great Editor, Cover Designer, and Page Designer.
Finally, promote your book, Promote Your Book, PROMOTE YOUR BOOK!
