John Douglas's Guide to Careers in the FBI

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Summary: Author is out of his element
Review: After reading the author's "Anatomy of Motive" and "Mind Hunter" books, I can tell you that he is a much better storyteller than a career book author. This is unfortunate and disappointing, because his other books are much better written than "Guide to Careers in the FBI." It appears that he tried to apply his storytelling style of writing to his career book, and it does not work.

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Summary: John Douglas's Guide to Careers in the FBI
Review: I found the book informative in regards to history and examples from former and current agents. However, it did not prepare me for the application process. I actually think it hindered me, in that, I went into certain phases of the process with preconceived notions of what to expect. My expectations were WRONG. I did make it to Phase II before I floundered in the Bureau's eyes. I wish I had found something more informative in detail regarding each phase of the selection process.

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Summary: Great Information
Review: I have enjoyed many of John Douglas's other book such as, Mindhunter and Obsession, so I bought his book on the FBI. This seems to be a great book for aspiring law-enforcement officers. I hope to be in law-enforcement one day and I found the information in it to be great.

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Summary: Not a realistic career guide ¿ I've seen better.
Review: If you want the history of the FBI you might be satisfied with this book, but for a career guide it's a big disappointment. Federal law enforcement aspirants need to know that the FBI isn't the only game in town, and that it's nearly impossible to compete with the countless thousands who apply each year. An outstanding book that covers 225 careers with more than 130 agencies - including the FBI - is "Guide to Careers in Federal Law Enforcement" by Thomas H. Ackerman. This book not only has details on FBI Special Agents, but also on FBI Fingerprint Examiners, Intelligence Specialists, Biologists, Chemists, Forensic Specialists, Document Analysts, and others. Ackerman even includes details on FBI Police Officers, who patrol the FBI Academy and Headquarters building, a position many job-seekers don't know exists. Most important, Ackerman's book covers prestigious careers with more than 130 other agencies that are virtually unknown to most job-seekers. If you need details on the history of the FBI and major cases solved, I recommend "The FBI" by Ronald Kessler. If you really want to serve in federal law enforcement as a special agent, police officer, intelligence specialist, communications technician, corrections officer, or in some other capacity, I recommend Ackerman's book.

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Summary: What Guide?
Review: John Douglas's Guide to Careers in the FBI is geared more toward curious middle school students than adults who want to work for a federal law enforcement agency. Besides, 100 percent of the content of the book is available from any criminal justice career counselor or professor at any college in America.

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Summary: Don't expect inside info
Review: The title implies multiple careers in the FBI. I was not interested in the special agent process or position and was disappointed to receive information on only the special agent career. This is not a guide to careers in the FBI. It is a guide to A special agent CAREER in the FBI.

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Summary: What Guide?
Review: There is very little guidance in this book. Douglas spends more time telling stories than actually giving guidance. He gives no help about the interview process or any detail about the different phases of testing. I am sure his profiling career was exciting but I think the times have changed to much for him to give advice for present candidates.

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Summary: Good Information about the FBI but NOT A GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT
Review: This book serves a good purpose by giving the reader a general history of the FBI and some war stories of some agents. But the title is MISLEADING. Fully 2/3 of this book have nothing to do with a guide to employment with the FBI. The 1/3 which does deal with this subject is almost taken verbatim from the FBI's employment website and consists of generalized statements. Not too much help here.