Career-Related Reading List (Reference 1.2)

During my job and career change and during the course of writing 12 Steps to a New Career, I researched many books that helped me make career decisions and helped my clients make better career decisions. Before you think I just sit around reading other authors' books, remember, I was doing research. Some I have read and some I just reviewed but I often refer my clients to one or more that I think would be appropriate for their particular circumstances. Rather than tell you to do your own research, I thought it would be helpful if I listed the ones I read or reviewed and include my opinions on them with the hope that it will save you a lot of time doing your own research.

When working with my clients in areas I think they could be more effective, I often refer them to a particular book because I think that book is best at covering the subject matter. For example, I might refer them to one of the StrengthsFinder books to compare what their achievement stories (in Chapter 2) are telling us or I might sense that they need to be more effective at listening to others, in which case I refer them to a particular book I think is excellent at that.

Books that I researched did not all make this list. I excluded them if I felt they were not appropriate for those in mid-career, I didn't think the information was helpful or correct, or I didn't feel the book added anything of value. I'm sure I've probably missed a book you found useful and, if so, please contact me to tell me about it. I'm open to adding to the list.

I've divided the books into the following three categories (click on the title to go to that page):

• Career Strategy and Advancement - These books focus on helping you to better understand what you are best at doing and want to do. I've also included some that deal with promotion and career advancement.
• Motivational - These books will inspire you, enhance your self-esteem, or help you to be more energized and effective in your career search or a job.
• Career Transition - These books will help you to see that your career transition is a unique opportunity for you to get out of the box think about what you really want to do with the rest of your life.

If you would like to download a PDF file containing the entire list of books (Refernce 1.2 - Career-Related Reading List) referred to in 12 Steps to a New Career, click here.