Unwritten HR Rules: 21 Secrets For Attaining Awesome Career Success In Human Resources

There are many books which one refers back from time to time. I purchased this book with a bit of skepticism since I was aware that this book will not be enriching me with 'so-called' HR knowledge as I gathered from author's blog.Book is divided into 3 different categories containing a total 21 subcategories. Basically these 3 categories are:1) What your Boss can't/won't tell you (9 subcategories like: what after you mess up, 5 minute weekly career investment, how to ace your own review etc.)2) Attract better HR opportunities (6 subcategories like: Leading & not waiting, how to use everyday meetings etc.)3) Engaging other for your HR career (6 subcategories like: how to for HR networking, HR Godfathers etc.)I found myself going back to this book more often because this book was the only 'mentor' I could find at times for a honest truth. Many a times anecdotes themselves made understanding some processes much simpler. It helps to have practical tips and guidance on day to day issues like how to handle meetings, or how not to speak up. Then books also beautifully captures actions an HR professional needs for a fulfilling long term career.I got my worth of book from 1 small anecdote in the book wherein one HR Manager was complaining about laid-back attitude of her Boss. And she was advised that 'you have many brilliant ideas which actually doesn't require senior mgmt approvals, so what are you waiting for?'I recommend this book.

I spent 12 years in HR and am now a full time, tenured professor of MGMT/HR. I largely agree with the suggestions offered in this book, particularly with the introduction that says you won't find this information in most books*. It is practical, real world, and solid. At times it is rightfully cold-hearted in pointing out things that don't help your career that many HR folks do or get stuck with.There were many things that Alan suggested that I had done, and I agree that they were successful. There were also things that Alan mentioned that I wish I had done / known about when I was in the "real world."My only criticism is that I tend to find acronyms cheesy (P.O.W.E.R.). However, I can't dispute that what he recommends as his POWER approach is indeed valuable.Please keep in mind - perhaps you aren't hoping to be the next VP of Southwest Airlines. However, I bet you still want to move up and have more responsibility and respect, perhaps even at a small to midsize employer. This book remains applicable nonetheless.* Collins indeed values and recommends reading books on HR Metrics, executive leadership, talent development, etc. However, this book is for managing YOUR CAREER IN HR.

I absolutely love this book. I am currently getting my Master's degree in I/O Psychology and have an internship in an HR department. Not being overly familiar with HR, I decided to read a few books about the topic. At the time I purchased Mr. Collin's book I was also reading two others. However, this book stood out among the rest and I couldn't put it down. I purchased it yesterday on my kindle, and finished it this afternoon. Not only was the writing style easy to read, the content was extremely informative. I felt like I had met Mr. Collin's before after hearing about his personal experiences in HR. He closes the book on a powerful note. I have to say, I never thought I'd cry reading a book about HR! Mr. Collin's, thank you for sharing so much of yourself so that other's can benefit from your knowledge. It was encouraging, motivating, inspiring, and helped me see just how much I want to be a part of this field.

Very informative. Similar to the books Cynthia Shapiro wrote. I like when HR execs are detached from corporate and can reveal how things really are. Top-notch book, and I'll re-read for sure. Only 4-stars due to price (paid $25 used), should have waited for the price to drop. I've read that his "winning big in HR" book is strung together blog posts, so I'll avoid that one. But I sampled his "Leaders First 100 days" and I saw some gems already, so I'll likely purchase that one when the price drops to a more reasonable $15-$17 range.

You may not think of a qualification like "page-turner" when you refer to a Human Resources book, but this is precisely what Alan Collins' Unwritten HR Rules is! Whether you are a novice or an already established professional in the field, you will benefit from it tremendously, both short- and long-term. The book is not a "quickly advance your career" kind of guide, but rather a meaty, thoughtful approach to how one should view his or her HR career and never lose sight of the big picture: bring true meaning to this profession, be a valuable contributor to the bottom line, reach out for educated advice, nurture your networking relationships, recognize your mistakes and learn from them. Unwritten HR Rules is well-written, offers practical advice, and simply inspires one to achieve the best that one can reach in his or her HR or general business career. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I have over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and this book provided advise on things that I never took into consideration at the beginning of my career. I ended up learning all these things over the years and I was able to obtain additional tips and advise that can help in the future of my career in HR. I recommend this book if you want to be a successful HR Business Partner or in general to have some good advise in your professional career in Human Resources. Alan Collins provided great advise on this book.

I just picked up this book and HIGHLY recommend it. Mr. Collins give us plenty of straight talk that HR professionals often forget to give as mentors. "Unwritten HR Rules" gives it to you in straight English with no BS which is refreshing in this politically correct world we as HR people have created for ourselves. If you are just starting out in HR and wondering how to get to the next level, GET THIS BOOK! It will serve as a guide for you. If you are the SVP of HR at your company GET THIS BOOK! It will make you a better mentor.

What an eye opener! I sat down and read this book from cover to cover, made lots of notes and now week later am already putting some ideas into practice. A fantastic practical advice for HR people!

Hard truth of the profession presented in a very nice/candid manner.Lot of new information's and perspectives being the essence of the read i would suggest this as a must read for HR professional at any level of their career

Thank you very much :)