Whether you’re looking for a new job or just wanting to move up in your current career, there are loads of books filled with advice to help you out. Even though there are plenty of newer reads, sometimes you just can’t beat the classics.
Here’s a roundup of six old-school career books. Yes, your parents may have read them, too; but the advice is so legendary—and useful—they’re still worth downloading today:
1. The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success by Nicholas Lore
Are you looking for a new job? Maybe you’re just hoping to reignite your passion for your current position? Whichever it may be, The Pathfinder, originally published in 1998, is the book for you. Lore aims to help you find a career path that feels good and fulfills you. With over 100 self-assessments, this isn’t a book you’ll be able to read and forget about. It puts you to work! In fact, it’s pretty similar to having your own personal career coach!
Already read this classic? Read another! Try I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher with Barbara Smith.
2. Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales From the World of Wall Street by John Brooks
Did you know: Warren Buffett lent his copy of Business Adventures to Bill Gates. Gates went on to say that it was “the best business book [he has] ever read.” That means it must be good, right? Originally published in 1969, it includes many drama-filled stories about Wall Street that will keep you entertained all the way through. But it’s more than just salacious: You’ll get the inside scoop on the world of finance with a look at the 1962 stock market crash, the fall of a major brokerage firm, and more.
Want more personal work-related stories? Read Mistakes I Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong by Jessical Bacal.
3. Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement by Tony Robbins
In this book, Robbins takes readers, step-by-step, through how to perform at your best, become a leader, gain self-confidence, find the five keys to wealth and happiness, and more. Although this book was originally published in 1987, people still use it to achieve their goals and find success.
Want more tips on how to be your best? Read Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by Jocelyn Glei.
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Perhaps the ultimate career classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People is touted on its cover as the, “only book you need to lead you to success.” It’s packed with advice to teach you how to handle your relationships with others and the six ways to get people to like you without making them feel manipulated. You’ll even learn how to win people over to your way of thinking!
Have you already read this book? Try: How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes.
5. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
First published in 1990, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has gone on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide. And for good reason! Covey shares techniques to help you adopt the very traits that make others so successful. To learn these elusive habits, you must first accomplish what he refers to as a “paradigm shift.” Covey says this shift will change how you act regarding productivity, time management, positive thinking, and more.
Already read this classic? Try Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media by Aliza Licht.
6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Although this book isn’t necessarily career-specific, Think and Grow Rich is about finding success and wealth in your life. This 1930s classic—yep, your grandparents may have read it, too—shares the secret some of the wealthiest people of that time used to earn their money. If you’ve ever wondered how men like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford earned their fortunes, this book has the answer! In addition, Hill also outlines his 13-step program to finding success.
Already read the original version? Check out Think and Grow Rich for Women by Sharon Lechter.
Yes, it’s important to stay on top of the latest career trends and thinking. But in the spirit of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” I highly recommend checking out one of these classic reads. They’re still in print today because the advice is just that good.