Whether your career is just starting out, or you have been working in the same job for years, we all have something in common: that elusive search for the “perfect job”.

Varying from person to person, the “perfect job” comes down to personal choice, perhaps money is your motivator, or maybe it coincides with a passion or is one that just makes you feel valued, respected and rewarded. The “perfect job” is each to their own.

While only you can fill in the details of the “perfect job”, finding it is a different matter. The career landscape is a big open space and knowing how to navigate it can be difficult, especially if you have never done it before or if you are in a difficult situation due to financial or time constraints. It can be a draining process.

Fortunately for you I love to read, and I love to read about the recruitment industry (I know, it’s a geeky thing to do), so below are my top 5 recommendations for those looking to max out their job search and career advancement activity in 2023. Check out my 5 best book recommendations for job seekers.

What Color is Your Parachute?

This book is one of the most tried-and-true career books available. Just surpassing their 50th Anniversary, the authors have released a 2023 edition with more relevant information than ever!

As stated on the cover, Time Magazine calls it “one of the all-time 100 best non-fiction books”. This edition is a testament to great advice that holds its own and continues to rise above the rest, while maintaining relevance throughout the changing times. It’s a hit for both new grads and established professionals.

Richard N. Bolles is well educated and has been a master in the field for decades. With a Harvard degree, a master’s degree, and three honorary doctorates, as well as being a member of Mensa and the Society for Human Resources Management, he has made this his passion.

The editor, Katherine Brooks, also has a stacked resume and currently serves as the Evans Family Executive Director of the Career Center at Vanderbilt University. She is not only a licensed counselor, but also a career coach (like me). In other words, they know their stuff.

This book goes into detail on modern job hunt strategies, how to create a resume, and using online tools like social media to your advantage. It also addresses how to do online interviews, since that is more of a possibility in this day and age.

And, to address the elephant in the room, this book goes into detail about how COVID-19 has affected the job market. As easy as it would be to feign ignorance, 2020 has thrown the world as we know it askew, with major changes that may be long-lasting.

Understanding how to navigate the job search in those circumstances can give you a leg up as you’re able to adapt better than your competition. You may now need to better understand your remote work capabilities, and how to negotiate different benefits than before.

What Color Is Your Parachute? Also contains job interview tips, and common mistakes made in interviews, for you to learn and avoid. This is definitely a priority to check out, whether you’re contemplating changing careers, or needed a new job yesterday!

What Color Is Your Parachute?

You Are A BadAss Every Day

I first came across Jen Sincero a few years ago, and caught one of her books on audiotape. Her approach and positivity hooks you in - needless to say, I was hooked! If you’re wondering “But what does this have to do with a job search?”, hear me out.

When you are searching for a new job, rarely is it because life is grand, and you are happy and fulfilled with what you do. “Job Search Depression” is a real thing - real enough that there are a slew of articles regarding how to recognize and deal with it.

You may be caught in a toxic workplace, stuck like a fly in glue just for the salary, or you may have lost your job due to layoffs, or unforeseen circumstances. It could be you have just graduated but are faced with limited opportunity and a job market that scares you, these feelings can weigh you down and put you in the mindset that is “I don’t know where to start”.

Even though you know you are not alone in any of these situations, it’s very easy to feel alone. And with that isolation, you can struggle with confidence. Why should you start looking for a job when you just do not feel like you can get the job you want?

So, this is where Badass comes in. You need to feel confident, assertive, and amazing (because, you are!) as you start searching for that next big career move. Sometimes, you need a little inspiration, and Jen Sincero delivers just that, sitting on your shoulder feeding you the positivity you need to hear.

This book is a handy tool in helping you identify your end goal and staying motivated to get it. You need to realize you are worth looking for the job you really want, and going after it with all you have!

If you need a push in the right direction with realising what you bring to the table.

You Are A Badass Every Day!

Pivot

From a former career development program manager at Google, this book is brought to you by a professional that pivoted herself and started her own business. Jenny Blake created the Pivot Method, which is a company that helps others prepare for change accordingly.

Who better to write a book on career changes than someone who’s done it successfully? Pivot has also won a prestigious Axiom Best Business Books award, and is a cornerstone for the Pivot Podcasts, also hosted by Blake.

Pivot is a book that helps you plan your next move, and how to capitalize on your strengths and interests. This book also provides steps on how to find opportunities and pounce, without over analyzing or getting stuck in a holding pattern.

It will also help you learn how to start small so you’re not overwhelmed either. She advises on how to make smart decisions, no matter your next step. Pivoting requires a plan, and Blake has just the formula to help you do it triumphantly!

First published in 2017, the principle is still valid today, I’d recommend if you want to achieve quick results start with this book.

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One.

Switchers

Another professional in the realm of career changes and job seekers, Dr. Dawn Graham delivers an impactful book on how to make your change successfully. Described as a “former recruiter turned job seeker advocate”, she leads a successful national radio show called “Dr. Dawn on Careers”.

This book is specific to career changes, and aims to help you chase your dream job. It’s easy to feel intimidated when switching careers, as you may be competing for jobs against peers with years of experience under their belts, but you shouldn’t let that stop you!

While there are considerations you should be aware of, this book helps you to understand ways to promote your skills and create an edge that others do not have. Switchers delves into how to understand hiring managers, what they’re looking for, and how to create an impactful resume.

Rebranding yourself and highlighting your talents is necessary, as is learning how to communicate and present yourself so that employers find your skills as a necessity for company success. Switchers can also help you prepare for tough interviews and how to emerge shining like the star you are!

Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers And Seize Success

Art of the Job Search

If you’re looking for a job, there really is no better book than a how-to guide on getting it done right. Heather Hund helps to deliver that book, based on years of experience working at Goldman Sachs and other corporations.

She taps into her network to incorporate advice from people at Fortune 100 companies, as well, from a variety of industries. And, this book is applicable to you whether your dream job is at a corporation, non-profit, or startup. Heather utilises her experience to provide guidance we all could use.

Art of the Job Search will help you to figure out your next steps, build up your confidence, and improve your resume. This book helps you to improve your negotiation skills to get the salary you really want, as well as how to start off successfully in your new position.

Finding a job you love can really add value to your work-life balance, and help you carry forth your values into a pursuit you find worthwhile. Not only can this improve your wellbeing, but can rub off on others, also. That positivity is worth getting excited about!

Art of the Job Search: A Step By Step Guide to Finding a Job You Love

Conclusion

Now that you’re armed with a few great resources to help you along on your job search, I hope you’re thrilled at the prospect of what’s to come. You have a chance to make a real change for yourself for the better! Grab your opportunity with both hands - You’re awesome!

My blog posts do occasionally include affiliate links which award me a small commission, this goes towards the upkeep of my website and helping those who need it.

Thanks for reading x

Article Updated: 27th February 2023