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Starting a new job feels a lot like showing up to the first day of school—except no one tells you where to sit, what to wear, or how to not sound awkward in the group chat.
For recent grads, it’s exciting… and kind of overwhelming.
They’ve worked hard to get the offer. But once they step into that new role, there’s a whole new learning curve:
How to communicate with coworkers and managers
How to navigate conflict
How to read between the lines in meetings
How to be seen as someone who gets it—even if they’re the most junior person on the team
Here are 4 books I recommend to every student I coach who’s about to start their first “real” job. They’re easy to digest, packed with value, and help smooth out the jump from college life to professional life.
I’m Ramon Santillan, and I’ve helped over 100 students secure more than 300 job offers.
My experience has shown me how impactful the right mindset can be, as I specialize in coaching young adults with autism spectrum disorder.
If my approach resonates with you after reviewing this book list, let’s connect.
4 Books to Read When Starting a New Job
Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It
Are you an incredible talent, but cringe at the thought of talking about your accomplishments? Do you feel like you're constantly overlooked because you just can't bring yourself to "toot your own horn"? Then you need to read "Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It" by Peggy Klaus.
This book seeks to reshape your perspective on bragging, as the author doesn’t see it as being arrogant or obnoxious.
She proposes bragging as a way to empower you to authentically communicate your value and ensure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves. Klaus, a leading communication expert, teaches you:
How to articulate your achievements effectively in a way that resonates with others.
The art of the "short brag," a concise and compelling way to share your successes without overdoing it.
Strategies for overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion and owning your accomplishments.
How to leverage your unique strengths and contributions in networking, interviews, and everyday conversations.
"Brag!" will transform your perspective on self-promotion, showing you that it's not just okay, but essential for career growth and personal confidence.
If you're tired of being a best-kept secret and ready to stand out for all the right reasons, this book is your practical, empowering guide. Read it, and finally get the credit you deserve!
The Charisma Myth
Do you believe charisma is something you're born with, not something you can learn?
"The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism" by Olivia Fox Cabane will shatter that belief and completely change how you interact with others.
Cabane, a renowned executive coach, reveals that charisma isn't magic; it's a learnable skill built on specific behaviors. This book distills complex psychology into actionable techniques, teaching you how to:
Boost your presence, power, and warmth—the three pillars of charisma—in any situation.
Conquer self-doubt and awkwardness by managing internal discomfort and improving your focus.
Master non-verbal cues that instantly make you more likable and influential.
Connect deeply with others in ways that make them feel heard, valued, and captivated.
Whether you want to be a more effective leader, excel in networking, improve your relationships, or simply feel more confident in social settings, "The Charisma Myth" provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap.
If you're ready to unlock your natural magnetic appeal and genuinely connect with anyone, this book is an absolute game-changer. Stop wishing you had charisma and start building it today!
Never Eat Alone
Want to supercharge your career and life by building an incredibly powerful network, but feel awkward or unsure how to do it effectively? Then you absolutely must read "Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" by Keith Ferrazzi.
This book goes beyond the concept of networking, and actually focuses on practical and brilliant tips and strategies for authentic relationship building. Ferrazzi, a networking guru and successful entrepreneur, shows you that your professional and personal success hinges on the genuine connections you cultivate.
You'll discover how to:
Transform casual acquaintances into powerful allies and mentors.
Move beyond surface-level exchanges to create deep, meaningful relationships.
Proactively "ping" your network in ways that are generous and mutually beneficial, not transactional.
Leverage conferences, social events, and even everyday interactions to expand your reach.
Build a robust "relationship action plan" that ensures you're always connecting and contributing.
"Never Eat Alone" is packed with actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and a philosophy that proves true generosity and genuine interest in others are the ultimate keys to unlocking opportunities.
If you're ready to stop just "knowing people" and start truly connecting with them to achieve your biggest goals, this book is your indispensable blueprint. Read it, and never navigate your career or life alone again.
Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge
You want to get ahead in your career, but you're tired of feeling overlooked, unheard, or like you're constantly battling miscommunications with your boss? "Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge" by Melody Wilding is your secret weapon.
And if you’re thinking this is about being a "suck-up" or manipulating your way to the top, don’t worry. Instead, Wilding, a highly respected executive coach, reveals the powerful truth: your relationship with your manager is the single most critical factor in your professional growth and well-being.
In this book, you'll learn how to:
Understand your boss's unique communication style and priorities, even if they're completely different from yours.
Proactively shape their perception of your work, ensuring your contributions are seen and valued.
Navigate tricky situations with confidence, from giving difficult feedback to advocating for your ideas.
Transform a challenging boss relationship into a partnership that propels your career forward.
"Managing Up" is packed with actionable strategies, psychological insights, and real-world examples that will empower you to stop reacting and start proactively steering your career trajectory.
For that moment when you're ready to take control of your professional narrative, reduce workplace stress, and truly thrive, this book is an absolute must-read. It's time to build the career you deserve, starting with the most important relationship at work
Achieve the Right Mindset for Success
Books are a great way to learn. But confidence? That’s built through experience—and knowing how to show up ready.
If your college student is trying to start their first job and still feels unsure about how to carry themselves, how to speak with confidence, or how to make a great impression in interviews…
I can help.
I coach students through this process, so they walk in not just hoping to succeed, but knowing how.
You can read more about my approach in my blog or directly book a call with me to see how we can align.