Rating: 
Summary: Makes you think about job hunting in a different way...
Review: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality test based on Jungian theory. In a nutshell, it states that every person falls into one of sixteen categories, and each one of these categories or "Types" has distinct needs, ways of interacting with others, manners of processing information, etc. "Do What You Are" attempts to help individuals plot their own careers based on their own Myers Briggs "Type." Before finding this book, the only other career-related thing I had read was "What Colour is your Parachute," which was terrific. But I loved "Do What you Are" because it stated something that is so rarely said today... that you should find a job and career that suits who you really are. I passed this book around to all my friends and family, and most (but not all) loved it, too. Something I found particularly delightful was that it affirmed a lot of things I had been thinkingabout my own situation, but had considered "unimportant." My type is "ENFP" (I know it might sound like jibberish to you now, but it will make sense if you read the book). This is a type that thrives on creativity, feels confined by rigid rules, and needs lots of friendly social interaction on the job. But, since I have a high IQ and did well at school, others have constantly tried to push me into "status" fields like medecine and litigation. In my heart, I had always felt those kinds of careers would kill me, but I couldn't really articulate why. After reading "Do What you Are," I was better able to accept my instincts and explored PR, fundraising, and finally settled on a job in publishing. I LOVE my job, and although I think I would have arrived here eventually, I do think that it would have taken me twice as long to arrive had I not read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: 2.9 stars ~ possibly useful for you
Review: This book is a well-written and highly accessible introduction to the Meyer-Brigg's 16 personality type system. As an INFP type, it was a relief to read in print a reflection of my own sentiments I've expressed to others about my own views (in lieu of my personality): how I can't get a job doing just ANYthing that's "hot"; that I have to feel I'm fueling something I believe is truly meaningful; etc. So, this book can help with issues like self-acceptance through this validation. But, I am another INFP among many that is a bit tired of being portrayed as the Human Resources type or that social occupations are generally a best fit. This is may help you identify some of your general needs from your career. But, if you truly have a problem with vocational guidance then you will probably need a heck of a lot more than this book.
Rating:
Summary: Want to be happier at work?
Review: This book is a wonderful tool for those just starting to get into the workplace, for those that have been in the workplace and for anyone looking to make a career change. It is well origanized/written. The chapters move along at the right pace, giving you information and examples right at the same time. The examples really help clear up which personality type you feel/think is you. It is also very objective, letting you decide on everything. Without a hint of opinion from the writers. The writers do not waste your time by talking about themselves, and also are not condescending in any way as some self-help books can be. This book will help you understand more about yourself and those around you. The job list could be a bit more robust, but is enough to give you an idea on what you should be looking for in most fields. Start your journey to the right career, right here!
Rating:
Summary: Useful and easy to read, but not stand-alone
Review: This book is well written, fun, and a great source of ideas if you already know your Myers-Briggs type. If you don't, the section on identifying your type is weak; I recommend Kiersey's "Please Understand Me" instead (or inquire at your local educational institutions: I took the Myers-Briggs, had it professionally interpreted, and got loads of helpful reference material from a $40 seminar at a community college).
The book is most useful if you're discontented with your present career (or have qualms about the career you're preparing for, if you're a student). I was railroaded into a career that didn't suit me because of my family's expectations, although I was determined and intelligent enough to become moderately good at it. But I never felt comfortable with it, and it was only after many unhappy years that I realized I was in the wrong job and broke away to find a more congenial career path. I wish this book had existed 30 years ago!
I agree with other readers that the book is short on practical guidance as to WHICH career you should choose -- I've found Barbara Sher's books much more helpful. Nonetheless, this is a good place to start, at a reasonable price, and it's excellent as far as it goes.
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful approach
Review: This is a great book for those who are trying to figure out their Myers-Briggs type. It has very detailed descriptions for each type complete with workplace examples, and wisely instructs the reader to read each type's description before deciding which one they fit. This is much more accurate and interesting than if the book just had the MBTI test. The book also goes in-depth, explaining to the reader which functions of the type are most dominant and how this makes a difference in problem-solving in an occupation. However, the book does have quite a lot of reading just to get to the career information (about half of which I skimmed). The career information is not very in-depth, but with only 16 types this is understandable. The reader should know that other things factor into choosing a career, which will help in narrowing down the large listing of career possibilities under their type.
Rating:
Summary: rehashing what many of us already know
Review: Those of a certain type-say, ENFP will enjoy, but not really get anyhting new out of this book. If you don't know what an ENFP is, than this book may be for you.
Rating:
Summary: Fun, but not enough
Review: Wow, what a mixed bag of reviews we have! It seems that DWYA is one of those books you either love or you hate; there is not much in between. I would like to give a career counselor?s point of view and hopefully address some of the reviewer complaints.
The Tiegers make a sincere effort to put personality typing and careers in layperson?s terms. That is not an easy task. However, in the interest of time and space, much is glossed over or left out completely. Thus, it would seem that the Tiegers want the reader to be intrigued by personality theory and do additional research. I would personally recommend books like "Gifts Differing" or "Please Understand Me." However, I also realize that many are less interested.
For that reason, I use handouts that condense sections of DWYA to provide some clarity for those taking the Myers-Briggs. Those interested in the MBTI should go to a professional counselor to take the test. The "rough indicators" that the Tiegers and others have created are not very useful. While the MBTI may serve as a good tool in understanding the self and career development, personality preference is only one factor that influences career decisions. Other things that come into play include work values, interests, education, skills?the list goes on. So if you expect DWYA to present you with THE career, you are likely to be disappointed.
With that in mind...
Before one begins DWYA, one must understand a few parameters of career development. Several readers were upset that they had no interest in the careers for their type and felt shafted. That happens more often than you might think. However, the Tiegers go to great lengths to say you are by no means limited to careers discussed. The different lists of careers only state the most popular choices for each type. Your actual choices are only limited by your imagination! You will need to explore other areas of yourself and apply them to different careers. A good career counselor can help you with that.
Someone mentioned the lack of blue-collar and "unskilled" jobs. While not as prevalent as some would like, the Tiegers DO try to give the trades fair time. However you tend to see the trades more among the "SP" types (e.g., ISTP, ESFP). This may be disconcerting to those of other types interested in blue-collar work. Again, all types may be found in blue-collar work. The challenge is to look at the characteristics of different blue-collar jobs and see if they are right for you. Sound like a lot of work? It is, but worth it.
The so-called unskilled jobs are tricky. At the risk of sounding prejudiced, the worker whose abilities are limited to "unskilled" labor is highly unlikely to be concerned with finding work that is a good personality match. Such workers tend to be much more concerned with finding work just to survive. Anything else is gravy. If DWYA appears skewed towards an educated, white-collar audience, it is because this demographic tends to be far more interested in finding personal fulfillment through career, rather than working to survive.
Aside from the weaknesses of the personality sorter and somewhat limited scope of careers discussed, DWYA does a very good job of applying the different personality type characteristics, not only to individuals, but also to jobs. The Tiegers also take another step by explaining how certain personality traits could impact the job search, as well as job functioning. Examining one?s strengths and weaknesses and how they impact the self and career is an invaluable skill. As always, keep in mind that everyone is different. What works for one person may not work for another, even if they share the same personality type. Another positive aspect: The Tiegers? infectious upbeat attitude. Nothing phony about it. Trust me.
You may also need help with implementing the information in DWYA, as well as polishing your job search skills. Thus, I recommend you supplement DWYA with books on career interests and development, as well as interviewing professionals in jobs that interest you. And don?t forget your friendly neighborhood career counselor. :)
Bottom Line: Two things--1) DWYA is enjoyable reading, but should not be your sole reference. Make a point of using other references as well. And take the full MBTI if you can. 2) Nothing and no one can tell you what your ideal career is or what to do with your life. Once you have gathered the necessary career information, the choice is all yours!
Happy Career Planning!
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