A few years ago I was asked to purchase 10 books to set up a new employment specialist with everything they would need to know. As a lover of books, I have shelves of books, both at home and at work. Trying to reduce that down to only ten was a challenge. An even greater challenge was the idea that these ten books had to include everything a brand new employment skills trainer would need to know. Anyone who has done this job knows that of course can't be done. So much of it is learned over time.

I did put together a list of books which I think make a very good start on an employment skills bookshelf.

These books focus on the people I work with, people with barriers to employment. That is not to say these books are only for people with barriers to employment, not at all. These books are good basics that work for anyone. I do ignore many books which others love, simply because they do not work for everyone. I also tend to ignore trendy things - in books as much else. Like your closet - your bookshelf should be filled with the basics first. Then you add one or two trendy items that you can't live without.

I will be sharing them and my reasons for including them on my limited space bookshelf in upcoming posts. I want to hear what is on your bookshelf? Which employment or job search books have you found that are exceptional?