Book Review: Making the Case by Kimberly Guilfoyle

Kimberly Guilfoyle, author of Making the Case: How to be Your Own Best Advocate is a former prosecutor, a single mom, and currently co-host of the Five on Fox News. No matter what your goals in life are, “Making the Case” is a must-read “self-help” book. Not just for career driven people, Kimberly teaches you how to build and present “your case” in the strongest way, and apply this strategy to every area of your life.

Kimberly divides her book into two primary parts, in part one she teaches you how to advocate for yourself in the career world. In part two, she teaches you how to apply these same skills on a personal level and advocate for yourself, in friendships, in dating and marriage relationships, and in similar realms of life.

Kimberly states in her book that a prosecuting attorney is one of the best examples of effectively advocating. This no doubt, is why Kimberly is such an exceptional advocate and so qualified to write about advocating, as a former prosecutor herself.

In the first chapter of her book How to Land the Best Job in the World (For You). She talks about how important she believes an internship can be, and she talks about her own internship, and how it helped her in her career. Internships are often viewed as victimizing for the intern, however, Kimberly disagrees and believes that if anyone is being taken advantage of it is the employer in the relationship.

Later on in the chapter Kimberly talks about making the case for yourself, when negotiating for your first salaried position. She calls this, Make the Case Boot Camp. She also talks about how to develop a “one-minute spoken memoir” which can be shared during an interview. “It should sum up who you are and how you wish to be viewed by your future employer and peers.”

Kimberly says she doesn’t believe in “faking it till you make it.” “B straight with yourself about what you still need to learn and commit instead to grow until you knows,” says Guilfoyle.

“To get the position on the team you are obsessing about, or the role in that company you have your heart set on, you’ve got to impress the powers that be. Want it. Believe it. Earn it. Show it. Only then will you get it. Follow these simple guidelines and you will have the necessary tools to build a case the way the most effective prosecutors do,” says Guilfoyle.

In chapter 2, Guilfoyle talks about how dressing for the job you want applies to advocating for yourself. In the third chapter she applies the principles for advocating for yourself, to asking for a promotion or a raise at work, and emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth as it translates into dollar signs.

One of the most important chapters that I think Guilfoyle includes is where she emphasizes the importance of working as a team, and the qualities that are needed in team players, while it is important to advocate for yourself, Guilfoyle balances this with the importance of working as a team.

In the second part of her book, Guilfoyle applies these skills to friendships, dating and marriage and other realms of life, teaching you how to advocate for yourself on a personal level. She also teaches you how to advocate for others including your spouse, your children (and teaching your children how to self-advocate) and your aging parents.

Lastly, she teaches you how to ask for help, as well as give it. Asking for help is extremely difficult for some people, they feel like it shows weakness. “The real weakness, however, is failing to make or take the opportunity to fast track your growth by seeking out those who can help you.” Lastly, always remember to pay it forward. “As you become better and better at advocating for yourself, please take time out to help people seeking your knowledge, experience, advice, or comfort, or nurturing in some way.” Remember to thank those who helped you make it, and remember to pass it on.

By learning how to advocate for yourself, you not only help yourself, but you learn how to help others as well. Teach others how to advocate for themselves, especially your children, and by doing this you pay it forward.