Clock In: No-BS Advice for Getting Ahead in Your Career

by Emily Durham

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Lauren Bean · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tiana Wooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 twice and physically read through it once taking notes and annotating. 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. I would LOVE to have some advice on applying for promotions and what to do when we don’t get them; such as how to navigate asking for more responsibilities in the interview assuming we get the promotion but not getting stuck with the extra responsibilities after being passed up by someone more senior or negotiating a raise when a company already knows what you make and don’t really negotiate very well so they know they can low ball you.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Faria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Prescilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Khwahish Khan]

ARC 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.

[maria herrera perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Alex-Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sara Yassawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kate G · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Charlotte Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Emily Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nicole P · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Briana Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kaitlynd The Hopeless Romantic]

As someone who has an established career this wasn’t a very helpful book for me and that’s okay! Hope the girls starting out love it!

It was fun to support a Toronto author and it was still a good read.

[allegory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading for anyone starting out a corporate job.

[Tomas Pankovcin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the tangible insights and humour!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. well Worth the time and buy!

[Matilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t expect to love this as much as I did!

[Frank Paolini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational, entertaining and captured my attention from first page

[Matt D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I always listen to her podcast so I knew I had to try the book.. didn’t disappoint.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars I would.

I wish this book existed when I was first starting my career, but honestly the advice is just as impactful and important now.

[Micah Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly helpful! Fun voice and audiobook. Not groundbreaking but I probably will return to select parts.

[Jaclyn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an HR Professional, I couldn’t agree more.

As someone who attaches their sense of self & accomplishment to work, I also, couldn’t agree more.