Looking for a job and not sure what to do between interviews? You could binge-watch Netflix or you could do your career a huge favor by reading one or two job search books. There are a lot of “job hunt” style books out there, and some are more useful than others. To save you some time, we’ve selected eight books that we think will inspire you and empower your job search.
8 Great Books to Fuel Your Job Search
1. What Color is Your Parachute? 2016: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles
This best-selling career guide appears in lots of “job search book lists”; however, it’s so good that it’s impossible to leave out! It’s updated annually and offers proven strategies on finding a job even in tough economic times, as well as a wealth of advice and wisdom from career expert Bolles.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
The old standby in books about getting it done, The 7 Habits has been a bestseller since it was first published in 1989. Even today, it continues to inspire and influence CEOs, presidents, and everyday people who want to live and work more effectively and with more integrity.
3. Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
Written as a follow-up to their successful book First, Break All the Rules, authors Buckingham and Clifton focus on discovering and nurturing strengths versus identifying and eliminating weaknesses. The bestselling book also includes a web-based interactive component, where readers can use a Gallup-developed questionnaire to identify their five innate strengths.
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4. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Originally published in 1936, How To Win Friends is marketed as a self-help book, not a book to read during a job search. Yet again, it has infinite value for jobseekers nonetheless. Why? Despite the rather dated and corny title, the book makes promises and delivers on several themes central to those looking to get hired: how to get out of a mental rut and gain ambition, how to handle conflict, and how to cultivate enthusiasm among others.
5. Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark
Are you where you want to be professionally? It’s the question that begins this book, and author Dorie Clark focuses on building a personal brand as the strategy to being able to answer that question with a confident yes. Clark offers advice for job seekers, mixing in personal anecdotes from well-known influencers like Mark Zuckerberg and Al Gore.
6. The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance–What Women Should Know by Katty Klay and Claire Shipman
Klay and Shipman offer insight and advice on what they see as the primary barrier to women achieving more at all levels of their career, a lack of self-confidence. The Confidence Code combines research in genetics, gender, and behavioral science with anecdotal evidence from successful and influential women. A very thought-provoking book to read during your job search, it weighs in on eliminating self-doubt, and knowing the difference between bravado and self-confidence, this book’s wisdom is actually applicable to everyone.
7. Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang
Unsure of how global economics truly function? There’s no better time to learn than right now. Chang’s lively prose renders economic theory accessible and even entertaining. Will it help you get a job? This book falls into the “improve your mind, improve your chances” category. Reading this book during your job search will enable you to gain priceless knowledge that’ll be crucial throughout your entire life.
8. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Frustrated that you’re receiving follow-up interviews? Maybe it’s time to look inward and break a bad habit, or simply tweak it to help you move in a different direction. Duhigg uses scientific research to support his argument that the key to transforming anything in our lives is linked to changing our habits.
☀️ Want to make meaningful and lasting changes? Check out 5 steps that will help bring positive change to your life
