Required Reading (Top 10 Books for the Unemployed)

This blog is about being positive, and sometimes that is hard to do. I recently was sent a flyer for my 15 year college reunion. It just so happens that my picture is front and center on the mailing. The flyer was personalized with my name and a special url. It was a fantastic marketing piece. The truth is, I honestly don't want to go...the first question everyone asks you is "Where are you working these days???" Ugggghhhh.

Sometimes I need a little boost of positivity. I find comfort in books. They reinforce positive vibes and give you another perspective on how to look at the situation. Here's my list...

TOP 10 Books for the Unemployed


1) THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne
This book focuses on the LAW OF ATTRACTION and how you are in control of what happens to you. If you think positive, positive things will happen to you. I believe this with all my heart and try to put this into practice in everything I do, including this blog. Whether you believe in God, or a higher power in the universe, it never hurts to be positive. A friend once told me, "If you think THE SECRET is crap...that's exactly what you get...right on your head."




2)WORLD WIDE RAVE by David M. Scott
Everyone that knows me knows that I love the internet more than anything in this world. I saw David M Scott at his book launch at NYU. It was incredibly inspiring. David make me remember why I love the internet so much and recognize its incredible power to make things happen worldwide.







3)WHO MOVED MY CHEESE by Spencer Johnson, MD
This book is written like a children's book, but it is a world-wide bestseller for adults. You can plow though it in about an hour, but the message is very powerful. Either you find new cheese, or you will starve. You can apply the message to the world, your business or your life. I read this book first in grad school and even assigned it to my team members in a workshop about change. I like to refer back to it again and again. This is a time as good as any.





4) WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE by Richard N. Bolles
This is a practical guide to job hunting and has been updated to reflect the current environment and challenges we all face on our job search. If you get even one tip from this book, it is worth the cost. I am sure you will find many.









5-6) KNOCK 'EM DEAD COVER LETTERS and KNOCK 'EM DEAD RESUMES
Now you can get a lot of information online about writing the perfect resume or cover letter, but I like to take a break once in a while from my computer, sit on the couch and look at a book. These books give you great samples to look at and guidance on how to write the perfect resume and cover letter.


7) ACING THE INTERVIEW by Tony Beshara
I don't know about you but I hate that question at the end of the interview, "Do you have any questions for me?" I've been asked 100s of times and I always feel like I missed an opportunity if I can't think of something to ask. And now, with all the phone interviews I have been having, I realize that I need to be that much more on to get the job. This book is an excellent resource to have in your arsenal as you start landing those interviews.




8) JOY'S LIFE DIET by Joy Bauer
You might think this is a silly book to put on an unemployment reading list, but here's the thing: I am in Panera every day surrounded by bread and cookies, and if I am not here, I am at home inches away from the kitchen. If I don't stay on top of my health, I will be fat AND unemployed, which leads to miserable. It is that easy. Joy Bauer is the ultimate cheerleader, not only that, she is an incredible business women and I find her absolutely inspiring and on top of that, her diet WORKS. That's why she is on my list.



9) THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN by Mitch Albom
This book touched me so deeply the first time I read it, I go back to it again and again. This book just makes you realize that every person you meet has an impact on your life and you on theirs. I believe that everything happens for a reason, including unemployment. It is your opportunity to take stock in who you are and how you are contributing to the world in general. If nothing else, this book will make you think.



10) THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLAN by Rhonda Abrams
Well, if you can't find that dream job, how about starting your own business? My friends and I have been using our time to throw around ideas. I honestly believe one will stick and we will move forward. Having a good business plan is a good start. Rhonda Abrams will help you think of all the details and get on your way.





So that's my Top 10 reads...And no, I still really don't want to go to my reunion, but I am thinking about it.