Linked by Garriott and Schifeling

LINKED by Omar Garriott and Jeremy Schifeling is a straightforward text offering a five-step framework to finding a job: Explore. Position. Search. Network. Research. There is a section on each with multiple screen shots and examples, plus a summary checklist. The authors subtitled this text “Conquer LinkedIn. Get the Job. Own Your Future.” They clearly encourage use of LinkedIn, illustrating how applicants on the platform are roughly twice as likely to get a callback in one of several useful charts and graphs. The text is laid out well, offers detailed, practical suggestions (e.g., cropping your photo), and makes frequent use of bold type to stress key points. While Garriott and Schifeling address an audience of new graduates through middle managers, LINKED will likely be most helpful to those new to the job market and could be a valuable resource for our Business teachers who often have a practice resume assignment.

Organization and Motivation ... part 2

These two texts are designed for high school students and older, offering suggestions about career choice, networking and juggling school and work projects. 

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 by Richard N. Bolles and Katharine Brooks is “fully revised and expanded for 2021,” the fiftieth anniversary edition (we reviewed earlier versions in 2015 and 2018). Subtitled “Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success,” this text explains that the process begins with you – not with the job market. Here, too, the authors point out the value of building confidence, taking actions, setting goals, and getting help when needed (a significant skill our students need to practice more often). In addition, Bolles and Brooks provide a self-inventory (Flower Exercise) and offer tips on creating resumes (transforming skills to action verbs) and conversing at job interviews. A valuable resource for any age, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 may be of particular interest to the many students who are contemplating a gap year after high school. (Ten Speed Press)  4 stars

HOW TO DO IT NOW BECAUSE IT'S NOT GOING AWAY by Leslie Josel is described as “An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” School Library Journal referred to this text as a “solid purchase.” I would be curious to see student reactions, but I do like the discussion of technology and frequent practical suggestions (turn off autoplay; close unnecessary windows; limit notifications) for its use.  There is a chapter on each of these topics: Time Management; Homework; Study Skills; Planning; Routines & Ritual; Organizing; Distraction; and Motivation. Josel, a human resources professional and entrepreneurial life coach, employs a conversational, inspiring tone ("to get the most out of this book, go through it at your own pace, on your own time and in your own way"). She acknowledges that students procrastinate for different reasons than adults. I thought Josel's suggestions for building habits and routines were very helpful, especially the ten questions she includes near the end (e.g., What are my priorities today? What could get in my way today? What is the smallest thing I am willing to do? How am I going to remember to remember?) And, like many Lerner publications, this one makes liberal use of diagrams, charts and images, further engaging students. Josel also offers several time management tips for students in this blog post and I was especially surprised to learn that her company’s award winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management is completely sold out. Our school chose not to offer planners for sale this year and I am not sure why as they do seem to be a helpful tool for many.  (Lerner (Zest))  4 stars