In one of my classes a prominent former journalist talked to us about an aspiring journalist’s interview with a major daily paper. The interviewers asked the journalist what the best book she had read recently was. Not a terribly difficult question in the job search game, right? So what was the problem? Due to the busy workload that made her desirable on paper the journalist hadn’t read a book for fun in the last year. For an aspiring journalist, not reading was not acceptable. Reading can not only expand your view of the world, but the right books can help guide your job search. Here are some books to help you in your job search and career.
First, just read. If you can’t work up the will to read job-related books just yet then pick a book of your choice, sit down and read. It will get your mind going which will, in turn, make you more productive. Reading a novel can help you momentarily escape the job search and relax. A brain vacation if you will.
Once you’ve taken the dive into books, consider honing your skills or reading theory in your desired industry. I found an old marketing book in my grandpa’s library that I grabbed and started reading. While the book is void of the new processes and technology (it was written in the 1960s) it gets to the point of many techniques and the psychology behind marketing principles that are not only fascinating, but also relevant. Reading about the basic tools and techniques of your industry can help you revitalize the way you think about your skills and can help jump start your job search or career.
Forbes also has a great list of books specifically related to the job search. One is a sort-of workbook style with practice scripts for cold-calls, etc. while another gives you tips on utilizing technology. A third book offers more general career advice. These books elaborate on a lot of the advice we provide here on this job seeker blog and can be great tools as you continue your job hunt.
Checking out Amazon can also give you a great list of job search-boosting books. A couple I found include, ‘Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It’ and ‘Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 3.0: How to Stand Out from the Crowd and Tap Into the Hidden Job Market Using Social Media and 999 Other Tactics Today’. These appealed to me because of my own job search weaknesses, but resume guides, social networking tools and interview tips can also be found on a quick search.
Reading is a great exercise- even without a motive. While you indulge in some reading, it can also aid your job search in the process. Don’t want to buy a book? Head over to the library. Either way get those spines cracking!
Do you know of some great job search books that would be helpful to others? Share with us in the comments section below!
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