Recommended Reading List

One of the side benefits of being in transition (unemployed) is the ability to set aside time to read. In the past, I read because I needed to for job purposes. Now I have the time to not only read up on latest job search techniques but also improve my knowledge. I also manage to read a few books for fun as well.

Here is a list of books by category that I recommend for job seekers as well as those looking to better their lives.

Networking

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. This book is for both the novice and seasoned networker. Lots of life relationship advice.

Little Black Book of Connections by Jeffrey Gitomer. If you are familiar with Gitomer, he is mostly focused on helping salesmen. Very good networking tips are provided in a very easy to read style and format.

Life Style Change

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. This is the how to do manual on how to change the way you work and live. Many of us may find the concepts presented here impossible to achieve. The latest version of the book published in 2009 has added material from his blog and website as well as testimonials. The pursuit of the “New Rich” lifestyle might seem foreign to most but he provides some very good tools and time management concepts which are helpful in today’s corporate workplace.

Job Hunting

The Job-Hunter’s Survival Guide by Richard N. Bolles. If the name sounds familiar, Bolles is the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, but this book is focused on the here and now. This is an essential job hunter’s guide. This small book is packed with valuable tools and techniques for helping people find their dream job in tough times.

Over 40 & You’re Hired by Robin Ryan. This is a great book for those a little long in the tooth and who haven’t been a job search in the new internet environment. This has information on the how and where of the internet resources as well as resume tips, networking and interviewing.

This is my short list. Let me know what you think or recommend.