13 books to help you in your job search
It seems that many aspects of our lives are on hold or have been cancelled. weddings, graduations, long-awaited and well-deserved vacations. the list goes on. and even though states are slowly starting to open up again, it still feels like we’re walking on shaky ground. it’s hard to imagine what life will be like next week, let alone a few months from now.
You are reading: Best job hunting books
All that said, it might seem like a horrible time to look for a job, but I’m here to tell you that it most certainly isn’t. the wheels you set in motion today could present opportunities in the future. And, believe it or not, there are still quite a few companies hiring right now.
If you started looking for a new job before the pandemic shut down most of the country, or were sadly laid off as a result, you can (and should) be actively involved in your job search.
Of course, finding a job that’s right for you takes some strategy, and that’s more true than ever in the new world we live in. To tackle your quest on the right foot, these 13 books will provide you with not only tactical action steps, but inspiration that the right job is out there, and within your ability to get it.
1. pivot: the only move that matters is the next one by jenny blake
In the game of life, there are many possible endings, and it’s easy to get too caught up in what the end result will be. Blake, a former Google Training and Career Development Specialist, shows you how to focus on one step at a time, leveraging your strengths and interests to figure out what’s the right next step for you and your career.
2. reinventing yourself, with a new preface: define your brand, imagine your future by dorie clark
It’s okay if you’re not exactly where you want to be in your career: it’s never too late to dig in and reimagine how you’d like your professional life to be. Clark’s step-by-step guide includes powerful personal anecdotes and interviews to help you identify his strengths and build a strong personal brand. because knowing what you should be doing with your life is hard if you don’t know who you are and what you’re good at.
3. Designing Your Life: How to Build a Happy, Well-Lived Life by bill burnett and dave evans
burnett and evans strongly believe that your career should be designed in the same way that designers develop innovative solutions to problems. in this case, your problem is living a life that leaves you unhappy, frustrated and bored most of the time. this book will help you solve it step by step.
See Also: Donna Leon – Book Series In Order
4. What color is your parachute? a practical handbook for job seekers and career changers by richard n. buns
This is one of the most popular job search books in the world, and for very good reason. Inside, you’ll find comprehensive advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and everything else you need to land your dream job. Plus, it includes a self-inventory activity to help you identify your transferable skills, true passions, and more.
5. So good they can’t ignore you: Why skills trump passion in finding the job you love by cal newport
Contrary to popular belief, newport posits that “follow your passion” is horrible advice. in fact, he thinks he can lead people astray. therefore, he spent time with people from a variety of industries, such as farming, investing, and writing, who truly love the work they do. at So Good They Can’t Ignore You, describe the strategies these workers used to get to where they are today, so you too can implement them in your own life.
6. Be Who You Are: Discover Your Perfect Career Through Personality Type Secrets by paul tieger, kelly tieger, and barbara barron
Personality test results are more than just another label. they help you understand yourself (and others) better. Tieger, Tieger, and Barron will help you take advantage of one of the most famous tests, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, to select a list of careers that best fit your personality. And believe me, having that list will make it much easier for you to narrow down your job search.
7. knock ’em dead: the definitive guide to the job search by martin yate
As I’m sure you already know, there are many things that go into a job search, from forging meaningful professional connections to crafting well-written resumes and cover letters to expertly answering a host of interview questions. yacht provides practical ways for you to tackle each component successfully.
8. start now: because that meaningful work is out there, waiting for you by reynold levy
No matter what your situation, whether you want to give your name to get an opportunity at your current company, change careers entirely, or return to the workforce after being laid off or laid off, this book will guide you through through the entire job search process so you can land a career you love.
9. the art of the interview: the perfect answers to all interview questions by james storey
See Also: Jonathan Tropper – Book Series In Order
Your (potential) future employers probably won’t ask you to regurgitate bullet points on your resume. rather, they are going to ask a series of questions that will help them judge whether or not you are right for the job. And while you can’t predict every question, Story will give you strategies on how to answer each type, including the dreaded “what if” situations.
10. The only job search book you’ll ever need: Using the marketing mix to beat the competition by curtis jenkins
The chance that you’ll be the only candidate to submit their resume to a job posting is, well, incredibly small. the ability to stand out is crucial. In this book, Jenkins gives you tips on how to do it. he also explains how to use the four “p’s” of marketing (product, price, place, promotion) to show that you are the candidate they were looking for.
11. Changers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success by dr. alba graham
Changing careers is no easy task, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. if there is a different field or industry that is calling to you, one that you think is a better fit for your skills, interests, and personality, than it absolutely should. Graham, a psychologist and career coach, will teach you how to get inside the hiring manager’s mind, highlight and communicate your transferable skills, transform your personal brand, and much more.
12. The 2-Hour Job Search, Second Edition: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster by steve dalton
Efficiency is important, even during quarantine, when we theoretically have more free time (although we working parents would strongly question that, wouldn’t we?). no one likes a long drawn out job search. So it’s a good thing Dalton’s book outlines three quick and easy steps to take advantage of technology and speed up your job search.
13. the art of the job search: a step-by-step guide to finding a job you loveby heather hund
I’m a firm believer that your work, for the most part, should excite you. and so is hund, who interviewed more than 50 fortune 100 employees for this book. When he reads it, he will gain important insights into what his career should look like, be more confident in his search, land interviews, optimize his networking strategy, and more.
Bonus: The Genius Habit: How One Habit Can Radically Change Your Work and Life by Laura Garnett
Finding your dream job requires discovering the kind of thinking you’re best at (your genius) and the work that’s most meaningful to you (your purpose). combined, these create your genius zone. my book will help you discover these components, which will be endlessly helpful in helping you determine your next career move.
See Also: The Lost Fleet Books in Order: How to read Jack Campbell&039s series? – How To Read Me