Introduction: Getting the Most from this Resource.

CHAPTER 1: “Yes” Is a Success That Doesn’t Happen by Accident.

Career Kitting.

Why Money Gets Left on the Table.

There Are Many Paths to the Top.

Sidebar: How to Break In.

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Paul Bianchi, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, PeopleSoft, Inc.

INTERVIEW: Susan Bowick, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Workforce Development, Hewlett-Packard Corporation.

CHAPTER 2: Every Choice Tells a Story.

Life Is Long; Your Options Are Many.

Your Three Basic HR Career Choices.

Sidebar: Why Do Non-HR Professionals Get the Top People Seat?

Education.

The Environment(s) in Which You Want to Work.

Human Resource Organizations.

Planning Your Career Path.

Don’t Let Your Past Get Away from You.

What Interviewers Will Be Listening For.

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Mary Jean Connors, Senior Vice President, Knight Ridder.

CHAPTER 3: The Power of the Planned Transition.

Reasons for Your Next Change.

Take Care of the Path You’re On.

Take Care of the Path Going Forward.

Sidebar: Quick and Easy Steps You Can Take Today to Springboard Your HR Career.

Manage the Old Relationships After You Say Good-Bye.

Plan to Help Others as You Settle In.

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Debra Engel, Former Senior Vice President, Human Resources, 3Com Corporation.

INTERVIEW: Eva Sage-Gavin, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Gap, Inc.

CHAPTER 4: “Hey, I Know Someone . . .”: How to Make the Market Come to You.

Your Circles of Influence.

Sidebar: Building Relationships That Make a Difference.

Now What?

Sidebar: How to Get Published.

How to Break into Completely Unknown Territory.

Now That You Have a Reputation, What Does It Say

About You?

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Mary McLeod, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Charles Schwab & Co.

CHAPTER 5: Recover from Your Missteps.

1. The Wrong Fit.

2. Bad Timing.

3. Poor Judgment.

4. The Wrong Friends.

5. The Wrong Company.

6. Political Mistakes.

7. Inappropriate Age.

8. Derailing Priorities.

9. You Didn’t See the Handwriting on the Wall.

10. Your Reputation’s Ruined.

11. Move Too Fast or Move Too Slow.

Wrap-Up.

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Ann Rhoades, President, PeopleInk.

INTERVIEW: David Russo, President, Eno River Associates.

CHAPTER 6: Control What You Can; Let the Rest Go.

The Allure of the “A Player”.

Other Aspects Within Your Control.

Sidebar: What Every Leadership-Bound Résumé Should Have.

What You Can’t Change Overnight.

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Audrey Boone Tillman, Senior Vice President and Director, Human Resources, AFLAC.

CHAPTER 7: The Interview Process: How to Handle the Hot Seat.

How the Interview Environment Changes.

Sidebar: Interview Questions Top Executives Are Asked.

How Will the Interviews Vary?

Do You Understand the Business?

Do You Understand Your Own Career Path?

They’ll Be Judging You on the Questions You Ask.

Sidebar: Essential Questions You Must Ask Recruiters.

The Fine Points of Managing Your Interview.

After the Interview.

Money.

The Offer Process.

Counteroffers.

Should You “Go for the Offer,” No Matter What?

Summary.

INTERVIEW: Jim Wall, National Managing Director, Human Resources, Deloitte & Touche.

INTERVIEW: Sherry Whiteley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Intuit.

CHAPTER 8: Prepare Yourself for a Future You Can’t Imagine Today.

Sidebar: Exit Strategy: How to Break Out.

Getting There.

Summary.

Appendix A: Career Preparation Self-Assessment.

Appendix B: Certifications, Tools, Training, and Associations.

Index.

About the Authors.