Whether you’re a college student or seasoned professional, there are plenty of books to help you achieve your career goals. You may want to choose a career path, get a raise or transition to a new career. And the new year is a perfect time to start working toward whatever goal you wish to achieve. Even if you aren’t an avid reader, try to make a resolution to read at least one book to further your career this coming year. We’ve compiled a list of the best career books to read in the coming year, so read on for our 2018 book recommendations.*
10 Best Career Books to Read in 2018
What Color is Your Parachute 2018: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers is an update to the classic career guide that has sold millions of copies around the world. It is updated each year to reflect changes in the economy and culture. It covers a wide range of topics, from salary negotiation to dealing with handicaps. Whether you want to change careers after decades in the same field or are just starting out in your career, this book is a must-have.
For those looking to match a passion to the needs of others, The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What Your Were Meant to Do is a great start. According to author Jeff Goins, we begin living for a larger purpose when when our interests connect with the needs of the world. He uses personal experiences, case studies, and current research on motivation and talent to help readers find their ideal career paths.
Intimidated by the job search process? Job Hunting: The Insider’s Guide to Job Hunting and Career Change: Learn How to Beat the Job Market, Write the Perfect Resume and Smash it at Interviews takes the mystery out of finding a job. You’ll find exclusive tips and tricks from human resources professionals, cover letter and resume guides, and advice on creating a strong LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have time for a long read, this practical and easy guide is ideal.
Lean in for Graduates is an updated version of Sheryl Sandberg’s 2013 best-seller Lean In. The graduate addition includes six additional chapters written by experts in various fields. New material includes job search advice, best interviewing practices, owning who you are, resume writing, and leaning in for millennial men.
Motivation appears to be the key to success in any industry or endeavor. You may feel that some are just born with more motivation than others. But The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win claims that motivation isn’t what we require at the beginning of any major change. Actually, according to author Jeff Haden, motivation is a result of process rather than a cause. In Motivation Myth, Haden shows readers how to reframe thinking about the relationship of motivation to success.
Many college graduates experience a quarter life crisis, wondering what they want out of life and feeling unfulfilled in their careers. If you’re experiencing a quarter life crisis, read The Quarter-Life Breakthrough: Invent Your Own Path, Find Meaningful Work, and Build a Life That Matters. Author Adam Smiley Poswolsky shares the stories of twenty- and thirty-somethings who are discovering how to find meaningful work (and still pay the bills).
Internships are the new entry-level job, so it’s important to make the most of your internship. Your performance as an intern can mean the difference between having a great job lined up after graduation and no job prospects at all. All Work, No Pay: Finding an Internship, Building Your Resume, Making Connections, and Gaining Job Experience not only shows you how to find an internship but also how to maximize your experience while working as an intern. You’ll learn how to network, get good recommendations and turn your internship into a full time job.
Networking is something you know you should be doing, but don’t really want to do. But successful networking is possible, even for those who hate socializing. Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected shows you how to network without faking it or trying to change your personality. “I have never met a person who did not benefit tremendously from learning how to network—on his or her own terms,” author Devora Zack writes. “You do not succeed by denying your natural temperament; you succeed by working with your strengths.”
Considering a career change this year? Career Change: Stop hating your job, discover what you really want to do with your life, and start doing it! should be on your 2018 reading list. The book helps you identify why you hate your current job, how to cope with a stressful job, how to find what you really want to do and how to get to where you want to be in your career.
Job hunting is intimidating enough for seasoned professionals. For those just starting out, it’s particularly scary and confusing. Knock ’em Dead Secrets & Strategies for First-Time Job Seekers helps first-time job seekers navigate the tricky employment market. The book is filled with ideas such as how to create a search engine optimized resume and how to build meaningful career networks.
For more best career books to read in 2018, visit Amazon.com.
*Amazon links are affiliate.