Highlights of Recently Published, Popular Career Books

A multitude of career and job-search books are available through your public library and/or local and online bookstores. Following are a few recently released and/or updated books that are generating buzz.

“What Color is Your Parachute” by Dick Bolles

Bolles and his book have been forces in the career development field for over 35 years. This 2011 edition promises to deliver practical advice applicable to the evolving job market. Designed to help you identify your interests, values, strengths, and ultimately, your true career passion, Bolles covers the job-search process extensively. A sampling of topics includes organizing and managing your job search, where the jobs are, resumes and contacts, interviewing, starting your own business, and even targeted content based on age. The book also includes plenty of worksheets and exercises.

“Shift: How to Reinvent Your Business, Your Career, and Your Personal Brand” by Peter Arnell

Brand and marketing guru Peter Arnell uses his book to advise you on how to leverage brand tactics used by some of the world’s most successful companies to reinvent yourself both professionally and personally. The book’s content is intended to help you re-think your actions in finding and maintaining a fulfilling career and achieving significant personal goals. Arnell discusses the importance of eliminating barriers to change and concentrating on the “what ifs.” He also challenges the concept of separating personal and professional lives.

“Taking Charge of Your Career Direction” by Robert D. Lock

Lock’s fourth edition focuses on making informed and wise career decisions. He presents the importance of identifying motives and needs, setting career goals, recognizing occupational trends, and developing prospects and portfolios. The book includes several exercises to help you identify your values, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and skills.

“ME 2.0: 4 Steps to Building Your Future” by Dan Schawbel

In this book, personal branding expert Dan Schawbel teaches job seekers and professionals how to use the power of online media to manage successful careers in a competitive, global market. He breaks down his 4-step process into identifying, creating, communicating, and sustaining your personal brand. His book also includes several case studies of how people have used social media to build a successful personal brand.