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Clock In: No-BS Advice for Getting Ahead in Your Career
Career advice that actually works from a straight-shooter recruiter
Did you know the average job search takes more than five months? That’s because today’s job market is more challenging—and more confusing—than ever. How are we supposed to get hired, get paid, and get ahead in our careers? Why is everything so complicated and gatekept?
That’s where Emily the Recruiter comes in. Using her years of experience as a recruiter and career coach, she pulls back the curtain on everything employment-related and tells you all you need to know about job hunting, networking, and not letting your boss drive you crazy. A much-needed antidote to the “gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss” ethos, this guidebook gives you the real talk you need to lock in when you clock in.
You’ll learn how
Optimize your résumé and LinkedIn profileNetwork like a proStrike a healthy work-life balanceCrush job interviews and salary negotiationsDefeat impostor syndrome and communicate with confidenceSucceed in your career without making it your whole identity
If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, Clock In is the no-filter, no-fluff resource you need to thrive in your nine-to-five—and beyond.
Did you know the average job search takes more than five months? That’s because today’s job market is more challenging—and more confusing—than ever. How are we supposed to get hired, get paid, and get ahead in our careers? Why is everything so complicated and gatekept?
That’s where Emily the Recruiter comes in. Using her years of experience as a recruiter and career coach, she pulls back the curtain on everything employment-related and tells you all you need to know about job hunting, networking, and not letting your boss drive you crazy. A much-needed antidote to the “gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss” ethos, this guidebook gives you the real talk you need to lock in when you clock in.
You’ll learn how
Optimize your résumé and LinkedIn profileNetwork like a proStrike a healthy work-life balanceCrush job interviews and salary negotiationsDefeat impostor syndrome and communicate with confidenceSucceed in your career without making it your whole identity
If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, Clock In is the no-filter, no-fluff resource you need to thrive in your nine-to-five—and beyond.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 26, 2026
Great book for people just getting started and are actively looking for a job (which duh, Emily has experience in this so it makes sense this would be a larger portion of the book)!
Overall an enjoyable read but a lot of it did not apply to me as someone wanting to grow in their current role. Some good eye opening data shared and good exercises to go through for people trying to figure out what their next steps are.
Overall an enjoyable read but a lot of it did not apply to me as someone wanting to grow in their current role. Some good eye opening data shared and good exercises to go through for people trying to figure out what their next steps are.
June 18, 2026
I just finished the audio for this book while working on a project at work and I’m going to buy the physical copy right now. There’s so much good information in this book and the entire tone is conversational. I’m learning and trying to pick up habits but I don’t feel like I’m being lectured or just told what to do which I find to be the case in many self help books. I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend who is a well versed corporate girlie. I really enjoyed my listen of this book and what I got from it but looking forward to getting my physical copy so I can highlight and take more notes. Don’t mind me while I casually update my resume.
I’ve officially listened to this book three times and physically read through it once taking notes and annotating twice. The only thing I wish this book had more of is info on moving up or excelling in your current role while staying at the same company. It does have some info on this but I was just left craving more.
Somehow this book has become my comfort read lmao which is convenient since my job is currently doing mass layoffs so it found me at just the right time.
I’ve officially listened to this book three times and physically read through it once taking notes and annotating twice. The only thing I wish this book had more of is info on moving up or excelling in your current role while staying at the same company. It does have some info on this but I was just left craving more.
Somehow this book has become my comfort read lmao which is convenient since my job is currently doing mass layoffs so it found me at just the right time.
June 10, 2026
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Emily Durham says "no BS," she means it. Reading Clock In is like talking to your bestie and having them give you a slice of humble pie. It may crush some of your hopes and "dreams," but Emily doesn't leave you shattered; instead, she provides meaningful strategies and teaches you how to shift your mindset.
If a book can make me laugh, I will always remember it—and this book did that a lot!
When Emily Durham says "no BS," she means it. Reading Clock In is like talking to your bestie and having them give you a slice of humble pie. It may crush some of your hopes and "dreams," but Emily doesn't leave you shattered; instead, she provides meaningful strategies and teaches you how to shift your mindset.
If a book can make me laugh, I will always remember it—and this book did that a lot!
June 16, 2026
Sometimes an advice book finds you when you need it most, and this was one of those books for me. Emily’s advice was straightforward and practical. I learned helpful tips about interviews, negotiations, and career growth. I will be returning to the audiobook whenever I need a reminder about work-life balance
June 7, 2026
Creo que es un buen libro para personas de la generación Z, que podría ayudar a entender un poco de cómo funciona el mundo corporativo. Este es un lindo libro para alguien que tiene 21-25 años aprox, acaba de salir de la universidad y está en su primera o segunda chamba (trabajo).
La verdad es que termino el libro con un sentimiento de gratitud a Dios porque en mis 20s nunca me sentí “perdida” “sin saber qué hacer”. Será que estudié una carrera que alimentó mi “agencia”, “resourcefullness” y mentalidad. Será que tuve la fortuna de vivir y trabajar en ambientes internacionales desde antes de graduarme de la universidad, (gracias Work & Travel y mil gracias AIESEC), que realmente los 20s fueron un lindo tiempo de contribución, trabajo, viajes, salir de mi zona de confort muchísimas veces, de aprender y también fallar, caerme y levantarme de nuevo.
Yo viví de primera mano la crisis financiera global del 2008-2009 y eso no me hizo desconfiar tanto en las empresas, sino en el sistema financiero. También he visto (y estamos viviendo) el auge de los metales, la gran bonanza que hay en el mundo; y a su vez, la crisis de valores que existe en todas las generaciones.
Este libro me ha hecho reflexionar sobre mi rol como coach.
De un lado las empresas obviamente quieren obtener la mayor utilidad posible, para eso fueron creadas; pero de otro lado las generaciones más jóvenes no están poniéndosela fácil a las organizaciones. Las personas que trabajamos en empresas podemos saber toda la tecnología del mundo, AI puede ser nuestro nombre de pila; pero si no hay habilidades humanas para comunicar, conectar, articular; los resultados se quedan en lindas presentaciones que no sirven para nada.
Creo en el poder de la diversidad de talentos, de generaciones, de nacionalidades; pero también creo que hay que saber moverse en el juego corporativo, hay que aprender algunas habilidades que van más allá de caerle bien a tu jefe y a tus compañeros llevándoles pie de limón.
La verdad es que termino el libro con un sentimiento de gratitud a Dios porque en mis 20s nunca me sentí “perdida” “sin saber qué hacer”. Será que estudié una carrera que alimentó mi “agencia”, “resourcefullness” y mentalidad. Será que tuve la fortuna de vivir y trabajar en ambientes internacionales desde antes de graduarme de la universidad, (gracias Work & Travel y mil gracias AIESEC), que realmente los 20s fueron un lindo tiempo de contribución, trabajo, viajes, salir de mi zona de confort muchísimas veces, de aprender y también fallar, caerme y levantarme de nuevo.
Yo viví de primera mano la crisis financiera global del 2008-2009 y eso no me hizo desconfiar tanto en las empresas, sino en el sistema financiero. También he visto (y estamos viviendo) el auge de los metales, la gran bonanza que hay en el mundo; y a su vez, la crisis de valores que existe en todas las generaciones.
Este libro me ha hecho reflexionar sobre mi rol como coach.
De un lado las empresas obviamente quieren obtener la mayor utilidad posible, para eso fueron creadas; pero de otro lado las generaciones más jóvenes no están poniéndosela fácil a las organizaciones. Las personas que trabajamos en empresas podemos saber toda la tecnología del mundo, AI puede ser nuestro nombre de pila; pero si no hay habilidades humanas para comunicar, conectar, articular; los resultados se quedan en lindas presentaciones que no sirven para nada.
Creo en el poder de la diversidad de talentos, de generaciones, de nacionalidades; pero también creo que hay que saber moverse en el juego corporativo, hay que aprender algunas habilidades que van más allá de caerle bien a tu jefe y a tus compañeros llevándoles pie de limón.
July 13, 2026
As a recruiter and Human Resources professional, I can confidently say that "Clock In" by Emily Durham is spot on.
Emily has a gift for breaking down the often-confusing world of job searching, interviewing, and building a career into practical, actionable advice that's both approachable and engaging. Her fun, conversational style makes the book easy to read while still packing it with valuable insights that can truly help someone stand out in today's competitive job market.
What I appreciated most is that her mission isn't just about helping people land a job—it's about equipping them to build a successful career by understanding what employers are really looking for and how to present their best selves with confidence.
Whether you're a recent graduate, a college student, or someone preparing to enter the workforce, this book gives you a genuine advantage. It's the kind of resource I wish every new professional had before sending out their first résumé.
If you're looking for a meaningful graduation gift or something to help a young professional get a leg up as they begin their career, I highly recommend *Clock In*. Emily has created a resource that's practical, encouraging, and incredibly relevant for today's workforce.
Emily has a gift for breaking down the often-confusing world of job searching, interviewing, and building a career into practical, actionable advice that's both approachable and engaging. Her fun, conversational style makes the book easy to read while still packing it with valuable insights that can truly help someone stand out in today's competitive job market.
What I appreciated most is that her mission isn't just about helping people land a job—it's about equipping them to build a successful career by understanding what employers are really looking for and how to present their best selves with confidence.
Whether you're a recent graduate, a college student, or someone preparing to enter the workforce, this book gives you a genuine advantage. It's the kind of resource I wish every new professional had before sending out their first résumé.
If you're looking for a meaningful graduation gift or something to help a young professional get a leg up as they begin their career, I highly recommend *Clock In*. Emily has created a resource that's practical, encouraging, and incredibly relevant for today's workforce.
June 8, 2026
2.5 rounded up. After being familiar with Emily's social media for some time, I read this entire book in her voice which was enjoyable. Not applicable to me right now but I can see how life changing this book can be if you're 21 entering the job market. Most of the chapters validated what I THOUGHT I knew so it was nice to hear it from a professional.
May 20, 2026
I feel like this was the support/advice I needed to actually get my career where I want it to be. It was super clear/actionable and didn't feel overwhelming or basic advice. But honestly my fav part was it's just really funny.... like I enjoyed the whole thing. Loved.
May 30, 2026
I've enjoyed Emily's content for years on social media, and I'm always ready to support a Canadian author. It was lovely to see her advice synthesized into this short, shrewd book. Great advice for the current job market, delivered without sounding super corporate.
June 6, 2026
Reading this just as I'm starting a new job lol.
This is genuine advice, has practical application, and great templates to help you in your career. This is very much for someone 'just starting' in their career, but also for those job seekers. Overall solid read.
This is genuine advice, has practical application, and great templates to help you in your career. This is very much for someone 'just starting' in their career, but also for those job seekers. Overall solid read.
July 8, 2026
I checked this out from the library because it was pink and in the recommended non-fiction. It was a great pick though! I recommend it to new grads (or soon to be grads) trying to find their footing in their first job search.
Good advice, especially on negotiations!
Good advice, especially on negotiations!
July 11, 2026
Just the job hunting advice you need if you are also a humble, non-confrontational person in this brutal job market. So funny and so encouraging!
June 2, 2026
This was very easy and enjoyable to listen to.
I think there were some really good nuggets of info here that are genuinely helpful and important to hear.
That being said, it felt mostly targeted at people building their career from the start and not as much for those further along in their career.
But the pieces that were good were really good, and I will always need a reminder that my job doesn’t love me back, no matter what they preach. Thank you for that.
I think there were some really good nuggets of info here that are genuinely helpful and important to hear.
That being said, it felt mostly targeted at people building their career from the start and not as much for those further along in their career.
But the pieces that were good were really good, and I will always need a reminder that my job doesn’t love me back, no matter what they preach. Thank you for that.
May 25, 2026
Easy to read. Could be useful for people just starting their careers but nothing earth shattering. I like Emily Durham’s videos more plus she says there verbatim most of what she says in the book anyways.
May 23, 2026
This should be required reading for anyone starting out a corporate job.
June 19, 2026
Clock In by Emily Durham 🩷
Mini Review ✨
Quick Vibe
A practical, confidence boosting career guide that cuts through the bs and actually tells you what you actually need to know.
What I Liked
As someone who has worked in HR for over 10 years, I really appreciated Emily’s direct, no bs approach. The advice felt realistic, actionable, and easy to apply whether you’re preparing for an interview, negotiating a raise, navigating your career, or simply trying to build more confidence in the workplace. I also loved that the concepts weren’t overly complicated (VPL? Yes, girl). The book is accessible and useful for people at all stages of their careers.
What I Did Not Like
At times, some of the concepts felt familiar if you’ve already spent a lot of time consuming career related content, but Emily’s delivery kept it engaging and easy to follow. It really was like talking to a girlfriend.
Final Take
Clock In is a practical career guide packed with valuable advice. If you’re looking for a book that helps you feel more confident in your professional life without overwhelming you with corporate jargon, this is a great place to start. It packs a punch and unveils some of the secrets behind the corporate curtain that can be so helpful!
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Mini Review ✨
Quick Vibe
A practical, confidence boosting career guide that cuts through the bs and actually tells you what you actually need to know.
What I Liked
As someone who has worked in HR for over 10 years, I really appreciated Emily’s direct, no bs approach. The advice felt realistic, actionable, and easy to apply whether you’re preparing for an interview, negotiating a raise, navigating your career, or simply trying to build more confidence in the workplace. I also loved that the concepts weren’t overly complicated (VPL? Yes, girl). The book is accessible and useful for people at all stages of their careers.
What I Did Not Like
At times, some of the concepts felt familiar if you’ve already spent a lot of time consuming career related content, but Emily’s delivery kept it engaging and easy to follow. It really was like talking to a girlfriend.
Final Take
Clock In is a practical career guide packed with valuable advice. If you’re looking for a book that helps you feel more confident in your professional life without overwhelming you with corporate jargon, this is a great place to start. It packs a punch and unveils some of the secrets behind the corporate curtain that can be so helpful!
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐️
July 10, 2026
I’ve followed Emily on social media for a while now, and one of the things I love most about her is how candid she is. She’s direct, refreshingly blunt, and honestly just gives off “your cool best friend” energy. So when I found out she’d written a book, I knew I had to pick it up.
Before reading it, I came across quite a few reviews saying it was best suited for people fresh out of undergrad or just starting their careers. As someone who’s firmly in the middle of my career, I wasn’t sure how much I’d get out of it, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The advice in Clocked In felt timeless. While some examples may resonate more with early-career professionals, the lessons themselves apply no matter what stage you’re in. Navigating your career isn’t something most of us are ever formally taught, and that’s especially true for people from different socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds, where access to this kind of knowledge isn’t always equal. This book helps bridge that gap with practical, honest advice.
I won’t spoil anything, but I found myself highlighting far more than I expected. There were plenty of reminders I needed to hear and a few perspectives that genuinely shifted how I think about my own career.
An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
Before reading it, I came across quite a few reviews saying it was best suited for people fresh out of undergrad or just starting their careers. As someone who’s firmly in the middle of my career, I wasn’t sure how much I’d get out of it, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The advice in Clocked In felt timeless. While some examples may resonate more with early-career professionals, the lessons themselves apply no matter what stage you’re in. Navigating your career isn’t something most of us are ever formally taught, and that’s especially true for people from different socioeconomic or ethnic backgrounds, where access to this kind of knowledge isn’t always equal. This book helps bridge that gap with practical, honest advice.
I won’t spoil anything, but I found myself highlighting far more than I expected. There were plenty of reminders I needed to hear and a few perspectives that genuinely shifted how I think about my own career.
An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
Read
May 25, 2026ARC reader here 🙋🏽♀️
A huge thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book.
Right off the bat, this book had an incredulous amount of detail. It felt like picking apart a recruiter’s brain and it had me annotating and tabbing every alternate page.
While the advice was incredible for someone just starting to build out their application portfolio and for the ones planning a transition, in my opinion, the book fell short on advice for immigrant job seekers. Durham does acknowledge the continued existence of discrimination in the recruitment process, but there wasn’t a lot of detail on how to make it past that discrimination.
Nevertheless, the book is a great resource and I have it on my desk as a reference point for every job application I put through.
A huge thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book.
Right off the bat, this book had an incredulous amount of detail. It felt like picking apart a recruiter’s brain and it had me annotating and tabbing every alternate page.
While the advice was incredible for someone just starting to build out their application portfolio and for the ones planning a transition, in my opinion, the book fell short on advice for immigrant job seekers. Durham does acknowledge the continued existence of discrimination in the recruitment process, but there wasn’t a lot of detail on how to make it past that discrimination.
Nevertheless, the book is a great resource and I have it on my desk as a reference point for every job application I put through.
May 23, 2026
I absolutely loved reading this book and how relatable it felt to my own career in the corporate world. The author’s tone of voice felt like a close friend who gives you the hard truth or your work-bestie who you gossip with.
The book was digestible and felt authentic. Many career books are out of touch or unrealistic - Clock In is one that all women in the workforce should read or even students looking to land their first job.
The advice about resumes, networking and promotions was so insightful and helped me navigate my own career goals and has provided guidance on showing up for myself while also maintaining healthy work-life balance.
I love the pink cover!
The book was digestible and felt authentic. Many career books are out of touch or unrealistic - Clock In is one that all women in the workforce should read or even students looking to land their first job.
The advice about resumes, networking and promotions was so insightful and helped me navigate my own career goals and has provided guidance on showing up for myself while also maintaining healthy work-life balance.
I love the pink cover!
May 26, 2026
This book is a gem 💎 whenever you are in your career, whether you are landing your first job out of university (I wish I had heard half the stuff she says about that then!) or have 10+ years of experience.
It gave me a fresh perspective on my value in the workplace. Emily is like your work therapist, she’s a straight shooter, will kick your but and give you the best advice to get back up and be better.
🎧 I bought the paper copy to take notes + listened to the audiobook because she’s is hilarious.
Spoilers, you will :
- have a good laugh
- reframe your narrative and feel more confident
- upgrade your CV
- be left wanting more.
It gave me a fresh perspective on my value in the workplace. Emily is like your work therapist, she’s a straight shooter, will kick your but and give you the best advice to get back up and be better.
🎧 I bought the paper copy to take notes + listened to the audiobook because she’s is hilarious.
Spoilers, you will :
- have a good laugh
- reframe your narrative and feel more confident
- upgrade your CV
- be left wanting more.
June 2, 2026
A must read for anyone under 40 if you ask me. Emily did a great job cutting through the noise, telling it like it is, and helping both the currently employed and job seekers get ahead. Not simply in their current workplace but in their career.
As someone who recently spent 6 weeks in the madness that is the 2026 Canadian job market I appreciated the content and lessons. Honestly if I read this beforehand I would’ve only spent 4 weeks and gotten to my destination of a new job in my field sooner. Thanks Em, great debut book but hopefully not the last.
PS: the most engaging nonfiction audiobook I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to.
As someone who recently spent 6 weeks in the madness that is the 2026 Canadian job market I appreciated the content and lessons. Honestly if I read this beforehand I would’ve only spent 4 weeks and gotten to my destination of a new job in my field sooner. Thanks Em, great debut book but hopefully not the last.
PS: the most engaging nonfiction audiobook I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to.
May 21, 2026
I love Emily’s videos so when I saw she was coming out with a book I knew I had to read it. For my work in nonprofits not all the advice is applicable and I don’t need help with confidence- but all the resume stuff was fantastic. And the discussion in the first chapter about stereotypes and gender bias was really eye opening and good knowledge to have an empower people. I listen to the audiobook and loved it but I do recommend the physical book since she has a lot of writing exercises in the beginning.
May 25, 2026
3.5
I found I really enjoyed the writing and there were some helpful tips and tricks but I found that especially with the getting a job part there wasn't enough for that and I also found it awkward to promote purchasing LinkedIn Premium when those of us who are unemployed don't have the money to spend it on it to help me get a job. As well as changing a job every 2 to 3 years, I can appreciate that but I go yes increasing earnings is important but sometimes it's not always feasible or realistic to do that.
I found I really enjoyed the writing and there were some helpful tips and tricks but I found that especially with the getting a job part there wasn't enough for that and I also found it awkward to promote purchasing LinkedIn Premium when those of us who are unemployed don't have the money to spend it on it to help me get a job. As well as changing a job every 2 to 3 years, I can appreciate that but I go yes increasing earnings is important but sometimes it's not always feasible or realistic to do that.
May 31, 2026
If you’re in your early 20s like me and spiraling about your future career, read this book!!!
I’m a fan of Emily’s podcast, and this book carries the same witty tone that feels like a bit sister pep talk. A lot of the information in this book feels “well of course”, but it’s the pep talk you needed to hear from someone who’s walked the walk already. If you struggle with imposter syndrome, workplace confidence, and navigating any stage of the workforce (from applying, to negotiating, to quitting), this book is a great resource with concrete steps and scripts to use.
Snaps!!
I’m a fan of Emily’s podcast, and this book carries the same witty tone that feels like a bit sister pep talk. A lot of the information in this book feels “well of course”, but it’s the pep talk you needed to hear from someone who’s walked the walk already. If you struggle with imposter syndrome, workplace confidence, and navigating any stage of the workforce (from applying, to negotiating, to quitting), this book is a great resource with concrete steps and scripts to use.
Snaps!!
June 13, 2026
It was nice hearing career advice from someone who gets it and has been on the other side of recruiting. I am in my late 20’s, and job advice I got growing up was to walk into a place and hand them your résumé. That won’t work now because job applications are online. So it was nice to hear advice on how to adapt to the current job market with LinkedIn and online job applications. I also liked how Emily reminded us that we shouldn’t tie our entire identity to our job and it’s okay to set boundaries and advocate for yourself.
June 20, 2026
I have been in a reading funk for a min so I listened to this while working and it was such an easy listen. Love the verbiage Emily uses bc it sounds like she is having a conversation with us and the content is as dense.
I came across this book in perfect timing. I was in interview processes with a few companies and used this book to get advice which was so helpful given the situation I was in.
It was sooo helpful. I have the physical copy and will be using it to use some of the templates for my own use.
Great read highly recommend
I came across this book in perfect timing. I was in interview processes with a few companies and used this book to get advice which was so helpful given the situation I was in.
It was sooo helpful. I have the physical copy and will be using it to use some of the templates for my own use.
Great read highly recommend
June 2, 2026
I won't lie maybe I'm just not capable of finding career books more than 2-3 stars because I think a lot of it's just the same BS?
She got me with a reel promoting the book talking about the fact that women are 1.5x more likely to have personalities called out in their performance reviews, etc. my interest was piqued and this book ended up being mostly resume and interview tips I've heard a hundred times.
Womp 2.5
She got me with a reel promoting the book talking about the fact that women are 1.5x more likely to have personalities called out in their performance reviews, etc. my interest was piqued and this book ended up being mostly resume and interview tips I've heard a hundred times.
Womp 2.5
May 31, 2026
5/5
this has been so helpful for me. a no bs guide to learning how to get ahead in my career, this dropped into my hands at the right time. the tips are so helpful and it’s nice to see all of it condensed into a book that is easy to read, witty, and all around helpful. such a great read!!
a huge thank you to Random House Canada for the ARC!!
this has been so helpful for me. a no bs guide to learning how to get ahead in my career, this dropped into my hands at the right time. the tips are so helpful and it’s nice to see all of it condensed into a book that is easy to read, witty, and all around helpful. such a great read!!
a huge thank you to Random House Canada for the ARC!!
May 31, 2026
A lot of good advice in here! With scripts for negotiating salary, how to format a resume or cover letter, and practical tips for doing well at work. I don't think this advice works for every field or person (which she acknowledges) but I walked away with a lot more confidence around the process of finding a new job.
June 3, 2026
I found that Clock In by Emily Durham was very informative and had great advice. It had many great ideas that were easy to follow which can lead to success. I loved that it was quick read and not too long. Thank you so much to Penguin Random House Canada and Emily Durham for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews