Author AIMEE TITTLEMIER: "DON'T FLUCK IT UP Interview & Review

We Are So Proud to Have With Us
Aimee Tittlemier 




Author of:




Rad-Reader:  What inspired you to write this book in the first place?

Aimee: Before writing the book, I worked as a copy editor for blogs and documents including resumes and cover letters. I loved making others shine on paper so that their full potential could stand out among extensive amounts of resumes. It became a passion of mine to help and coach people to prepare for interviews and improve their writing/communication skills. I started getting a lot of wonderful feedback from the people I had coached who felt so confident coming out of their interviews. Most of the feedback included that I needed to get this information out to more people so I started writing...and here we are!

Rad-Reader:  Did you have experience in hiring?  Or at least know people that had hired other and get their point of view?

Aimee:  I've spent an abundance of time on both sides of the interview table and was able to take my mistakes from interviewing for companies and create a fool-proof guide to becoming the most professional version of yourself. I was intrigued at the positive feedback I received from potential employers, and tailored my techniques to better my interviewing skills with each opportunity. I've also had the pleasure of interviewing many potential hires and noticed how many people aren't familiar with putting their best self forward. There were so many common mistakes, some of which were decision makers for me, I felt inclined to provide the information to those who want to excel in the interview process.

Rad-Reader:  Do you think this will appeal to all age groups or do you think is more for those just coming out of college more?

Aimee:  Though this book is targeted at college graduates, the techniques can work for anyone looking to join the work force or further their career path. It's a quick guide that can provide confidence, clarity and professional polish.

Rad-Reader:  What do you think is one of the biggest mistakes we do when going for an interview these days? 

Aimee:  One of my biggest pet peeves in interviews is when my potential hire doesn't show much interest in the company or the position. We have to keep in mind that the interview is not only for the company to find out more about you, but it is also for you to see if the company is a desirable place for you to work. The interview should work in both directions.
I am always offended and turned off when potential hires don't have any questions to ask me in return. I've taken time out of my day to read their resume, come up with thoughtful questions pertaining to their work history and set some time aside in my busy work schedule to invite them in for an interview, when there are no questions pertaining to the company or position, I feel as though that effort has not been reciprocated. This isn't to say that all employers expect questions, but it will surely impress each one to know how interested you are in joining their company. Make your interest known and present yourself as an investment for the company.

Rad-Reader:  Have the tips you given differ in any way from say what our grandparents and parents have told us all along?

Aimee:  Not all of my advice is new and modern, some of it is definitely drawn from traditional ways of interviewing. What I've drawn from my parents and grandparents were the ways they played games with me to develop my expressions, vocal inflection, and word choice...it also helps that Mom would correct our English every opportunity she had!
One thing that my mom always used to say to us was that we were our own best advocates. This is something I take with me to each interview and even allow to saturate other areas of my life. What she meant was that though life presents unforeseen situations and unwarranted surprises, we had control of our own effort. No one is going to do the work for you -- you need to prepare yourself, ask questions, do the research and use any/all tools available to you.

Rad-Reader:  How can we be less nervous when going on an interview?

Aimee:  Oftentimes, nerves present themselves as "ticks" or repeated actions we perform subconsciously. These can include things like clearing the throat, bouncing knees, tapping fingers, touching the face, messing with hair, or even space fillers like "uhhh" or "ummm." The interview is going to be nerve-racking since landing a job is a huge opportunity, but there is a way to quiet the ticks. First, identify what your 'tick' is by doing mock interviews with a friend--recording yourself can also be beneficial. Next, try to counter the tick. If your tick is bouncing your knees, try crossing your ankles to avoid movement. If you clear your throat as a space filler, slow down and think about your answers and proceed with your conversation. By knowing our nervous habits, we can help to mute them or even eliminate them all together. The main thing to keep in mind is that your interviewer is also human and understands that this is a tense process. Present yourself with confidence and the knowledge that you've practiced and prepared for this moment.

Rad-Reader:  What is your educational background in order to write this book?  

Aimee:  I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and an emphasis in journalism. I've also operated as the hiring manager for multiple companies, so am familiar with the type of person that companies are searching to hire.

Rad-Reader:  Did you have to do a lot of research to come up with this final outcome?

Aimee:  My book is based on my own experiences of interviewing for jobs as well as having the responsibility of sorting through numerous resumes and meeting with potential hires. I've been able to compile a hands-on guide to getting hired that is concise and results-oriented, taking my readers through each step of the interviewing and hiring process.

Rad-Reader:  Okay, where did you come up with the title?  I love it!  It stands out that is for sure.

Aimee:  When I happened to stumble on the invention of this word, I knew I had to write a book! The word FLUCK was born when I was coaching a friend in interviewing skills. This particular person kept going on tangents when answering questions in our mock interview, and once they would go on the tangent (or what I like to call 'fluff' the story), they'd get stuck in what they were saying and forget what the actual question was. Fluffing gets you stuck -- Fluff + Stuck = Fluck. By avoiding the fluff, you can be sure you won't fluck up the interview. Of course, this naturally became the title of the book to provide a lightheartedness and relate to my readers.

Rad-Reader:  What are the top 5 things you should do before going on an interview?

Aimee:  1. Research the company. Find out its major mission statements, accomplishments, and even downfalls.
2. Practice your physical presence: vocal inflection, projection, eye contact and body language.
3. Familiarize yourself with commonly asked interview questions so as to be prepared with an answer that coincides with the particular job description.
4. Have a friend hold a mock interview with you to practice answering questions on the spot.
5. Come up with a list of 10-15 well-constructed questions for the company, typed and placed in a folder or portfolio. This is your secret weapon to pull out when you’re asked if you have any questions. Even if the interview has been mediocre to that point, this is your chance to turn the interview around and take control, ending on a positive and impressive note.

Rad-Reader:  What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you on an interview?

Aimee:  At one interview, I was applying for a highly energetic, customer-service based position and the interviews asked me what my favorite animal was. I obviously answered with the velociraptor due to its awesomeness. They then proceeded to ask me to do my best impression of one…I got the job J

Rad-Reader:  What do you do to relieve the stress before an interview to help you get through it?  Any rituals? 

Aimee:  My personal saving grace is prayer. It's always a nice reminder to know that someone else is on your side, cheering you on. I go into each interview confident in what I have to offer to that particular position and company.

Rad-Reader:  If your book had a theme song what would it be?

Aimee:  'Eye of the Tiger' - the minute the song comes on, everyone thinks of the Rocky Movies--putting on the gloves and putting in the work to make you the best you can be. It takes hard work, preparation and passion to fight in the ring of today's competitive job market.

Rad-Reader:  Do you have any other books you think you might want to write in the near future?

Aimee:  I'd like to focus on getting this information out to the public, but could definitely see a series of how-to guides. I believe this information is too valuable to be kept to myself. My current goal is to educate anyone looking to join the workforce, giving them confidence and poise to present themselves professional to potential hires. There is no reason that anyone who prepares correctly would not be a top candidate for any position.


Rad-Reader:  How can our readers get in touch with you?

Aimee:   Website:  www.dontfluckitup.com
              Twitter: @DontFluckItUp
              Facebook: /DontFluckItUpBook

Rad-Reader:  We would like to thank Aimee for being with us today.  We have to say we are so proud of Aimee and all that she has accomplished.  She is a special young woman that we have always wanted our daughter to grow up to be just like (as well as like her sisters: Kaytie & Kellie.)  Great role models to say the least. They are all exceptional women who we are now so blessed to call friends. 
     She was in grade school when I met her and my daughter wants to be like her and her sisters. Career minded and college oriented. (I want to grow up to be like her mama. She my go to person in a crisis and she has always been there.) That is just how special this family is.  Always kind words, kind gestures, and lots of love.  This is our greatest way of showing “Baby Girl” our faith in her and her book, this SHOUT OUT and our faith in her book.  
     We love you Aimee, and good luck with your book and all that you do.  You have always made your own luck and I know you will be guided now with love and your strong partner to with you, your husband, Troy. :)
Love you Baby Girl!!! :)

Aimee:  Love you so, so much.
             Miss Char J



Are you about to enter the work force? Are wondering just how to succeed in business? The first step is standing out during the hiring process, particularly given today’s highly competitive job market. That means crafting a compelling resume, shining during the interview, and following up in a professional fashion.

Don’t Fluck It Up: The Perfect YOU for the Job Interview by Aimee C. Tittlemier is the hands-on guide to getting hired. Concise and results-oriented, it teaches you everything you need to know to prepare for an interview and find the job that suits your own skill set. Taking you through every step from the job posting to the thank-you note, this indispensable resource picks up where your college degree may have recently left off.

You’ll learn techniques that will transform your job hunt, including exercises designed to help you gain confidence during the interviewing process, such as make-or-break aspects like eye contact, voice inflection, expression, and demeanor. Learn how to control nervous habits and become more comfortable in your own skin. With a little preparation, you can become the most professional version of yourself possible, and land that awesome job.

MY REVIEW:
     First off I need to say I know this author personally I have had the pleasure of watching her grow into the wonderful young woman she is today.  That being said...I like that the way Aimee writes, it is the way she speaks.  Laid back, funny, excited and ready for a new challenge head on.  Believe me when I say... she truly wants you to succeed.  That’s just Aimee and the way she was raised. 
     The feeling and approach I got from this book is the same thing I heard her mom talk about in speaking about the girls in every new challenge they would face school, dance, college, and jobs.  Aimee’s mom and dad would sit them down and come out with a short and a long term goal plan then see where they were at.  Then, they would see how the girls felt it was best to go about meeting those goals, critical thinking, is a great life skill.  Then they would guide them, if need be, to either expand on a thought or give more input to another method or solution.
     This book is more of an Aimee daily “Pep Talk” if you will, of hope for you to know you can do this.  This book can help you get what she was lucky enough to be born into.  I got a lot of the old reminders that use to be drummed into students about what employers will be looking for in the market place.  Before you get there you have to know where to look and Aimee gives you some FREE websites in the book to tell you where there are job postings to help start you off.  Yet, before you do that are you sure you have all your ducks in a row as they say?  As chapter two states, “Only One First Impression.”
     Aimee even gives you examples of questions that could be asked in an interview.  So, what are the other things that you might need help on how about facial expressions, integrity of the interview, or maybe the job being the perfect job for you.  She will help you weed this all out.  This book has helpful hints, humor and Aimee’s personality, a willingness to truly want to help and the experience of being on both sides of this job force the job seeker and the interviewer that would be hiring maybe you. 

(Note: Errors found in these early copies due to publisher not author.)


Amazon

OPENING ACT

OPENING ACT                                                   SULEIKHA SNYDER
Posted:  May 30, 2014

Opening Act Reporter Saroj Shah has been in love with bass player and bartender Adam Harper since her first day of college—seven years ago. Forever thinking of her as part-friend and part-little sister, he’s just been too blind, and too clueless, to see it. Until one pivotal moment pulls her into the spotlight.

The moment Saroj steps on stage, Adam sees his friend in a new light. He can’t take his mind off of her and realizes they could make beautiful music together. But seven years is a long time and Saroj is ready to move on. Adam will have to hit the right note if he wants to prove to Saroj he was worth the wait.

MY REVIEW:
If you like stories of your friends that become more this book might fit the bill.  You have two friends who meet seven years earlier on their first day at college.  You see it turns out at 18 they were going to be living in a co-ed dorm.  Surprise!  At least for Saroj Shah and her parents.  Adam Harper already knew about it.  She saw him for the first time in the restroom washing his hands and he walked her back to her room.
     Saroj was from India and Adam from here in the States.  Saroj fell in love with him on that first day Adam found her interesting, introducing himself to her and her parents.  Even offering to look after and protecting her.  Not making points with her parents but okay.  This being part of the problem for the set up with their one sided relationship.
     As he very well did over the next 6 years.  Saroj is 24 years old now and a reporter covering local bands in the music scene.  Adam plays in a band one that Saroj writes about a lot, he’s a bartender, and he saves to continue his extended college courses that he still takes.
     Saroj is tired of waiting for Adam to notice her.  She has started sending out resumes to Chicago and other states to remove her from the pain in her heart of being around Adam.  She loves him and he doesn’t even know she is.  He loves her like a half-sister and half friend.        I enjoy conflict in stories to begin with it makes it interesting but for me after a while I got tired of Saroj and her whining.  At one point Adam says he knew she had a crush on him then he says he didn’t.  And they are such great friends, she’s his constant, she believes in him, can’t live without her, he has a crush on her, and yet he can’t say those 3 little words to her?  But, he can go to bed with her and have wild monkey sex with her?  Really?  Wow!!! But you have to read to find out for yourself what happens but for me the read was good but I was just mad at the story.  So, 3 stars for the story outcome. And, 4 stars for the overall.  Provided by netgalley.com  Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com

GIMME SOME SUGAR

GIMME SOME SUGAR                                  KIMBERLY KINCAID
Posted:  May 30, 2014

Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!

Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she's running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter...

Jackson Carter wasn't looking for love. But he's not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits...

It's the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds... and thirds... and fourths...

MY REVIEW:
Chef Carly de Matisse was cheated on by her husband of five years.  So she has serious trust issues but not just in the home front but in her professional arena too.  You see her husband was not only a local boy from the neighborhood she fell in love with they also went to culinary school with him, she had secured a chef and co-chef jobs at a new up and coming trendy restaurant.  He was riding her coat tails.
     Then she was being courted by a cable company for a cooking show that her ex-Travis turned into a couples cooking show.  Once they were the talk of the town in New York.  Travis has an affair with the owner’s daughter who’s the manager.  Carly walks in on them in her marital bed.  She files for divorce and in turn she gets fired and has her mom mad at her for she is a Catholic girl who is not supposed to divorce.
     This story picks up with Carly now the exclusive chef at the Blue Ridge Mountain Resort.  Some four hours from New York.  When the life her sous chef left with her and came to be her right hand again, Adrian.  She is renting a cabin there with her friend Sloan who is a romance writer.  Well, there is a mad storm that comes through and knocks down a tree that takes out the back porch.  So, she calls the land load who calls a contractor who sends Jackson Carter, 6’4”, blue eyes and all muscle.
     The thing is Carly doesn’t know he’s coming.  When he arrives the music is blaring so loud Carly doesn’t hear the doorbell he rings twice.  So, he goes around back, where he hears her singing like two skinned cats on her short robe in a thin see through tank he knows he shouldn’t be starring but she is just so beautiful to him when she sees him.  Before, he can say the first word all he can do is duck…
     So, starts this story which is very cute.  The characters are all very well developed, interesting, and funny.  The problems are true to life to where anyone can relate.  Like want to please our parents to the point of lying even as adults.  Or denying our hearts what it wants for fear we might get hurt so we bail first or we just don’t try for it at all.  Sometimes our hearts want what it wants.  We just have to be smart enough to listen when it is time and follow with a clear and honest spirit and heart.  I give this story 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. 
Find us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
She can't decide if Jackson is the oldest or the youngest of the family is my only gripe with this author.

MISUNDERSTOOD

MISUNDERSTOOD                                          KATHRYN KELLY
Posted:  May 30, 2014

John Donovan has been left in charge of the Death Dwellers' MC while the club president is on his honeymoon. With six days left till Outlaw's return and smooth sailing so far, trouble suddenly bubbles up. As the clock ticks, he's determined to bring everything under control.
Kendall Miller, an attorney and the ex-girlfriend of another MC president, is in deep problems. When her little sister is taken by her ex, she needs to supply information to a man who is frantic for information on the highest ranking members of Johnnie's club. When she suddenly shows up at the clubhouse and arouses the suspicions of a very handsome blond biker, she finds herself being taken as his prisoner. 
Evil is all around them. To save herself and her sister, Kendall has to rely on the man she betrayed. To save his club, Johnnie has to trust Kendall's story. Before it's too late. Because lives will be lost and hearts will be broken. 
WARNING: This isn’t an easy or light read. Please be advised. The way to Johnnie’s and Kendall’s resolution involves death, violence, destruction, a sexual assault scene and suicide.

MY REVIEW:
     OMG!  Talk about an intense book.  I can’t believe how jammed packed detail Kathryn Kelly brings to the table.  If you are squeamish you might want to pick another book.  If you are?  Look at one woman’s view of the biker life style you won’t be disappointed.  I know any guy would enjoy this book too that is for sure. 
     Please note though this is a very graphic brutal look at some of the most unpleasant happenings in the life of a Motorcycle Club.  There is a heinous, degrading rape, beating of a woman, brutal heartache, murders, sex, and bad moral behavior.  There is also love, joy, laughter, family, and as well as a romance.  Not typical to most still a romance.
     I know that just blows your mind because it did mine, but somehow Kathryn just makes it all work.  I was talking with the hubby about the book and the saddest part is this stuff is happening somewhere for sure.  No different than the mob.  Reading this happening in this context does bother me yet I was able to put my emotions and thoughts to a place of knowing it was the MC.  So, the anger was at bay, than had it been against women in a regular love story.  I hope that makes sense if not it does to me in order to do this review. 
     The writing has you spell bound waiting to see what would happen next not unlike a movie.  She somehow makes Johnnie Donovan a sexy hot biker soon to be 34 year old.  Who has a heart of gold but in a heartbeat would kill for you, to protect you or what he believes in.  In this book we meet, Kendall Miller a 30 year old, lawyer.  She comes in to spy on the Dwellers’ MC.  She is sent there to seduce Outlaw/Christopher, Johnnie’s cousin and the head of The Dwellers’ MC, at his bachelor party.  She is nude when she walks in and lap dance on Outlaw.  Which angers him since he is madly deeply in love with Megs.  Johnnie knowing this removes her and takes her to his room.  They engage in sex several times never kissing her because you see he lost his heart to Megs.  Before Outlaw had Megs Johnnie had been with her for some petting.  But, loving Outlaw and Megs he let them both have that and stepped back the best he could.  He wanted Christopher to have the happiness he never had as a child and he knew he had it with Megs.
     That night with Kendal though had done something to him and since he was in charge while Outlaw and Megs were on their honeymoon he really had no time to dwell on her but she was in his dreams.  Then his wet dream walks back into the compound to apply for a job as the MC’s attorney 5 days before Outlaw’s to return.
     Man Johnnie thought just when he thought things were going so smoothly.  And things were so quiet she walks in she’s either a snitch with the Feds or a snitch with another MC.  DAMN!
     I can’t tell you how I loved this book.  I was glued to my seat reading this book.  It was a real page turner.  Any guy would like it too that is for sure.  Wasn’t sure about this one when I read the excerpt from the last review I did.  It was pretty bloody and graphic.  I had to put it in contexts to the lifestyle like a mob movie.  And wow, I could read it, but I had to grit my teeth and skip some areas where the rape happens I have to admit.  Was tough to handle.  Kat is a wonderful emotional writer who brought me to my knees a few times.
I give this 5 stars.  Provided by Author for honest review.
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