Rating: 
Summary: A "can have" Book
Review: For a point of reference, I purchased this book only days before my Phase I exam. Like a previous reader, I too believe this book was not that great as a "test preparation" guide. However, I don't believe this to be the objective of the author, Ackerman. Had it been, I would have given it a 2 out of 5. You're best bet for cognitive test preparation is to search for other guides or download similar (or harder) math exams, like I did.That being said, as a tool for those interested in a career with the FBI, I believe this book to be an excellent buy, hence my 4 out of 5 review. Although there were plenty of sections that I found very useful, such as the Selection Process Flowchart and the "Standing Out from the Crowd" chapter, there is a good deal of information in this book that would be very interesting to read, AFTER I finish my Federal Appliation for employment. Again, like a previous reader, I would say that the forms in the appendices are superfluous.
Rating:
Summary: A "can have" Book
Review: For a point of reference, I purchased this book only days before my Phase I exam. Like a previous reader, I too believe this book was not that great as a "test preparation" guide. However, I don't believe this to be the objective of the author, Ackerman. Had it been, I would have given it a 2 out of 5. You're best bet for cognitive test preparation is to search for other guides or download similar (or harder) math exams, like I did. That being said, as a tool for those interested in a career with the FBI, I believe this book to be an excellent buy, hence my 4 out of 5 review. Although there were plenty of sections that I found very useful, such as the Selection Process Flowchart and the "Standing Out from the Crowd" chapter, there is a good deal of information in this book that would be very interesting to read, AFTER I finish my Federal Appliation for employment. Again, like a previous reader, I would say that the forms in the appendices are superfluous. In all, I would call this book a "can have", or "wouldn't hurt to have" book, but not "must".
Rating: 
Summary: Totally inaccurate
Review: I am in the process of applying to the FBI ... and bascially this book is entirely wrong about the flow of the application process amoungst other things. It has some good advice and some accurate facts, but those are taken directly from the Special Agent Application Handbook, which is free to download from [local website] Save the [money amount]and download the best parts for free.
Rating: 
Summary: Get this book BEFORE you apply
Review: I bought this book before I submitted my application to the FBI on-line and it was the smartest investment I could have made. Thomas Ackerman explains much more about FBI careers and the hiring process than you'll find on the FBI web site or anywhere else, and he guides you through the application forms, the exams, the interviews, and the background investigation in a straightforward no-nonsense manner. Every position, every form, and every step in the hiring process is broken down and analyzed in detail, which is precisely what you need to know whether you're interested in a career as a special agent or in any other position with the FBI. This book has given me the information and the confidence I needed to put my best foot forward.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing New Here
Review: I bought this book expecting it to offer more insight into the actual tests administered by the FBI during the Special Agent selection process. Sort of like a Kaplan's or Princeton type reference. This book is more of a hybrid between a flowchart on how one becomes an employee of the FBI (about half of the book is devoted to non-agent positions) and general good practices for applying for any job or grad. school program. The key here is common sense and preparation. Also, MOST if not all of the information contained in this book is available at the FBI website and literature you can request. However that being said, it isn't really the author's fault. The FBI is VERY secretive about the questions on the actual tests so that it remains as fair as possible. I just finished the FBI Phase 1 testing today and between the FBI website and the prep material the FBI gives you, this book offered nothing new for me. Most questions are not complex at all, they are almost silly. BUT, some of the math (although not terribly complex) takes a little more time than you are given without a calculator. I would suggest brushing up on your math skills before taking the test. Do yourself a favor and take a college algebra refresher at a local community college before taking the first round of exams. You will be glad you did. I was lucky that I had just finished a physics class, so the math was fairly easy for me. However, I don't recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal book
Review: I cannot imagine attempting to land a job with the FBI without reading Ackerman's phenomenal book first. Even though I thought I knew what to expect and how things worked, it turns out I was completely in the dark. Not any more.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for transition from the military
Review: I recently purchased this book because I plan to make the transition from military intelligence work to the FBI. I wanted to do my homework and get as much information as possible before jumping into the fire. This book has it all. It is not only the best book on landing a career with the FBI, it is the best job-hunting book I have ever seen. Anyone who is qualified, focussed and dedicated should be able to turn the information in this book into a career with the FBI.
Rating: 
Summary: Save your money
Review: I should note that I purchased this book AFTER phase one in the Special Agent selection process and can only speak for that and not for professional support. Also of note is the fact that I am currently in the background investigation phase, awaiting a class date at Quantico. The test preparation material for phase one *may* have been beneficial had i bought the book in time, the material I was issued by my applicant coordinator was the only guide I used and was obviously sufficient in preparing me. Tips on how to obtain the info necessary for the 'Long Form' application would have been beneficial. Not everyone knows you can get a copy of your social security records (about $40) that details most of the places you've been employed, for instance. The material in the book pertaining to phase two selection was the next best thing to worthless. I realize there are restrictions imposed by the Bureau on the confidentiality of test materials and due to the nature of the testing itself it's ambiguous, but a few sample type interview questions and points to consider in answering interview questions would've been valuable. As far as a resource for the steps involved and the process itself, the book has proven accurate. On a number of occasions I have referred to the book to see what's going to happen next, etc. One major problem I have with the book is the fact that a large portion of it is nothing more than blank application documents that are readily available online, not to mention the fact that when you get to such a stage in selection you'll be provided with the forms necessary. I can only speculate as to why the authors included all of these forms, but 'fluff' to make the book respectably thick is the best answer I can arrive at. As a whole, the book does NOT live up to its title "...Guide to Landing a Job...", but simply tells you alot about the Bureau itself as a reference guide and all the cool units you can work on AFTER you get in(at least for SA applicants).
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: I will put this as simply as I can. This book is fantastic. It tells you everything from the different salaries, to copies of application forms. This book is a big help! The only downside is it doesnt provide information on how to be the chalk-outline guy. Oh well.
Rating:
Summary: Truly the ultimate guide
Review: I would highly recommend this book - or any book by this author - to anyone who wants to crack the code and land a position in federal law enforcement. As with his "Guide to Careers in Federal Law Enforcement," the author presents pertinent information in a complete, in-depth, and organized manner. You can't go wrong here.
| 
