Books and databases to help those seeking a career change

Finding the right job can be daunting, whether patrons are looking to advance in their current field, starting a new career, or figuring out what kind of work they might enjoy. These resources will appeal to job seekers at any career stage.

BOOKS

Bolles, Richard N. & Katherine Brooks. What Color Is Your Parachute? 2021: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful
Work and Career Success. rev. ed. Ten Speed. 2020. 352p. ISBN 9781984857866. pap. $19.99.

This revised edition of a timeless classic shepherds readers through the job search process based on an understanding of their strengths and preferences.

Braswell, Porter. Let Them See You: The Guide for Leveraging Your Diversity at Work. Lorena Jones Bks. 2019. 218p. ISBN 9780399581403. $19.99.

Braswell, a CEO and cofounder of Jopwell, a career advancement platform for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students and professionals, presents strategies for overcoming barriers that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face in the hiring process and the workplace.

Finkle, Jane. The Introvert’s Complete Career Guide: From Landing a Job, to Surviving, Thriving, and Moving on Up. Career Pr.: Red Wheel/Weiser. 2019. 240p. ISBN 9781632651310. pap. $15.95.

The need for self-promotion can make the job hunt especially challenging for introverts. Career coach Finkle offers advice on how fellow introverts can get comfortable with being the center of attention as they search for jobs and build careers.

Husain, Mishal. The Skills: From First Job to Dream Job: What Every Woman Needs To Know. Harper Business. 2019. 304p. ISBN 9780062933355. $27.99.

Husain draws on her experience developing a career in journalism and provides words of wisdom from successful women such as Malala Yousafzai to guide those just starting out.

Louis, Matthew J. Mission Transition: Navigating the Opportunities and Obstacles to Your Post-Military Career. HarperCollins Leadership. 2019. 304p. ISBN 9781400214754. $27.99.

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel discusses how to choose a career and thrive after leaving the military.

Pollak, Lindsey. Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work. Harper Business. 2021. 320p. ISBN 9780063067707. $17.99.

The pandemic rewrote all the workplace rules, and Pollak (Becoming the Boss) assists readers as they adjust their job search and reassess career goals in a post-COVID work world.

Siegel, Ian. Get Hired Now: How To Accelerate Your Job Search, Stand Out, and Land Your Next Great Opportunity. Wiley. 2021. 224p. ISBN 9781119794424. $19.95.

The CEO of ZipRecruiter offers guidance on finding job opportunities, writing résumés and cover letters that make hiring managers take notice, interviewing successfully, and negotiating a starting salary.

E-RESOURCES

JobNow. Brainfuse. brainfuse.com/JobNow/demopage.asp

Users will find self-assessment tools, help from live interview coaches and résumé editors, and information on crafting a résumé, preparing for interviews, developing skills, and finding available jobs.

Peterson’s Test and Career Prep. Gale. gale.com/c/petersons-test-and-career-prep

In addition to featuring practice versions of standardized tests and a database of schools and colleges, this resource provides preparation for certification and licensing exams,
career choice guidance, résumé creation tools, and a database of searchable jobs.

Sara Holder is Director of Reference and Research Services at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.