Arm yourself with knowledge for your next job
Read these selected books before you sign your job contract to prepare you for your new role
A young professional starting a new job recently contacted me.
He was starting an exciting role and requested a list of books I recommend when starting a new job.
He has my respect for reaching out to ask for these recommendations.
Why?
Because not so many people do that.
You see. Starting a new job is beautiful, especially when it’s your first job.
You begin to imagine everything you want to do with the money you earn when you finally start collecting your paycheck.
You want to get the most admirable things for yourself and show the world that you can achieve great things and have what it takes to succeed.
You forget this is a new job; you still must prove to your new manager that you are worth the chance.
You have to show the organisation that you can add value.
If you are about to accept your first job offer, here is a list of must-read books you should consider reading to help you prepare better.
1. Think Again — Adam Grant
We need to rethink our original ideas and be happy to be wrong to make better, wiser, and more informed decisions.
There are benefits to knowing what you don’t know.
While in your job, you would need to accept that you can’t always be right.
The more you are open to new ideas and suggestions, the better you become a person.
2. Essentialism — Greg Mckeown
Where should you focus your energy?
As a young professional, you will quickly realise that there is a lot of work to do, and you need to focus on what matters to you the most.
This book will teach you to be an essentialist
3. Effortless — Greg Mckeown
How can you design your work and life to make the most essential tasks the easiest to achieve?
Burnout is not fun and should be avoided at all costs.
4. Atomic Habits — James Clear
Your career is a destination, and what you do daily will contribute to who you become in future.
Success does not happen overnight.
You will learn how to work daily to achieve career success.
5. Millionaire Next Door— Thomas J. Stanley
There are patterns in the behaviour of the rich and the poor, and these patterns affect their financial life.
You will learn about simple financial principles as you start your career to achieve financial independence.
6. Influence — Robert Cialdini
Influence is a must-read Psychology book for everyone starting in their career.
Robert uses investigative research to uncover how individuals are misinformed and manipulated through the power of influence.
You need to arm yourself with the knowledge to improve how you relate and work with others.
7. How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
We are social beings, and we will always need to interact with people at work.
Learn the strategies that will help you get along with your colleagues and manager and be likeable.
8. Rich Dad Poor Dad — Robert Kiyosaki
You need to learn certain financial principles to achieve career success.
Having financial knowledge and applying it daily to your life is vital for financial independence.
These are great books to read before you start your first job.
Learning about personal finance, self-improvement, human psychology, and influence will help you achieve career success.
I have compiled these books on this page. You can view and purchase any of them here.
I wish you the best.
Banji Alo
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