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The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career

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The world of work has changed.

People in previous generations tended to pick one professional path and stick to it. Switching companies every few years wasn't the norm, and changing careers was even rarer.

Today's career trajectories aren't so scripted and linear. Technology has given rise to new positions that never before existed, which means we are choosing from a much broader set of career options--and have even more opportunities to find work that lights us up. However, we don't discover and apply for jobs the same way anymore, and employers don't find applicants the way they used to. Isn't it about time we had a playbook for navigating it all?

Kathryn Minshew and Alexandra Cavoulacos, founders of the popular career website TheMuse.com, offer the definitive guide to the modern workplace. Through quick exercises and structured tips, you will learn:

- The New Rules for finding the right path: Sift through, and narrow today's ever-growing menu of job and career options, using the simple step-by-step Muse Method.

- The New Rules for landing the perfect job: Build your personal brand, and communicate exactly how you can contribute and why your experience is valuable in a way that is sure to get the attention of your dream employer. Then ace every step of the interview process, from getting a foot in the door to negotiating your offer.

- The New Rules for growing and advancing in your career: Mastering first impressions, the art of communication, networking, managing up and other "soft" skills - and make it obvious that whatever level you're at, you're ready to get ahead.

Whether you are starting out in your career, looking to advance, navigating a mid-career shift, or anywhere in between, this is the book you need to thrive in the New World of Work.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

231 people are currently reading
2610 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra Cavoulacos

4 books32 followers
Alexandra Cavoulacos is the co-author of “The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career” (Crown Business, April 2017) and co-founder & COO of The Muse, a career platform used by 50+ million people every year to find a job, learn professional skills or advance in their careers, and by hundreds of companies looking to hire or grow their employer brand.

At The Muse, Alexandra focuses on the product, engineering and operations of the fast-growing business. She spends a lot of her time on hiring, people development and management, growing employees in their careers to hit their full potential.

Alexandra has been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Media, Inc’s 15 Women to Watch in Tech, Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women Under 30 in Tech, and was recognized as a SmartCEO 2016 Brava Award winner.

Before founding The Muse, Alexandra worked at the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, primarily focused on growth strategy for Fortune 500 companies. Alexandra is an active member of the NYC tech community, and a champion for women in tech. A self-taught coder herself, Alexandra was an inaugural advisor for Hackbright Academy, the leading software engineering school for women, and is currently on the Scholarship Advisory Board for HackReactor.

Originally from Paris, France, Alexandra now lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Anthony. Alexandra holds a BA from Yale University and is a Y Combinator alum.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Jossie Solheim.
Author 2 books17 followers
April 24, 2017
This book is not for everyone and it definitely wasn't for me. I won this in a goodreads competition and hoped it might give me some ideas for finding a job that I could do at home alongside looking after my son. Pretty quickly I felt as if I was out of my league with this book. It seemed to be aimed at people who've had better opportunities in life than I have. People who have been to university. Not those who worked in everyday sort of jobs such as animal care, waitressing, or working in a corner shop or fast food restaurant. Maybe I'm wrong and others will disagree but this book really wasn't for me. I do however see how it could help people who like jobs with a bit more prestige and a better pay packet, as it's very detailed and guides you step by step through the process of deciding and finding the right job.
Myself personally, enjoy a more rural and laid back approach to life and nothing I have done in the past could, to my mind, even fit into the categories in this book. In fact most of the time I was left staring blankly at the book thinking "what the hell do you do if your one of them." So in short, if your looking for any old job, just to pay the bills and not a high rolling career this book probably isn't for you.
Profile Image for Lorilin.
761 reviews233 followers
April 17, 2017
This book is written by two of the three founders of the major job search website, www.TheMuse.com, and it is absolutely packed with helpful information on finding and keeping a job.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 helps you figure out what type of job you actually want. It walks you through a three-part process where you 1) reflect on your values and interests, 2) research jobs that match up with those values and interests, and 3) finally refine your understanding of what you're really looking for. Part 2 shows you how to most effectively communicate who you are to potential employers (through personal branding, social media, networking, and a killer resume and cover letter) so that you can land that job. Part 3 gives advice on how to act in a modern workplace and covers soft skills like making positive first impressions and giving strong presentations, etc.

Part 1 is, by far, the most mind-blowing section of this book. I've read a lot of career and business books (ironically, mostly for fun, since I'm a stay-at-home mom...), but this is the first book I've read that asks you to so concretely consider not just job interests (like writing, coding, accounting, etc.), but also values (such as flexibility, prestige, influence, independence, financial reward, predictability, etc.). In the research phase of the job search journey (which, yes, takes a while to complete), the authors have you create and fill out a table that actually focuses mostly on those values. In the end, you may be surprised (like I was) to find that your "dream job" isn't the one that is in the field you are most passionate about, but rather is the one that lines up most consistently with your values. Is this old news to everyone else? Because, to me, it was revolutionary. I've never read a job book that speaks so honestly about the big picture and helps you identify ALL the aspects of a job that are important to you.

Ultimately, The New Rules of Work is a crazy comprehensive and valuable guide for finding your dream job. As much as I love the tried-and-true job searching classics like What Color Is Your Parachute? 2015, I can't help but think that The New Rules of Work is the job hunting guide for the modern workplace. If you're already searching or even just considering changing things up, I would absolutely recommend reading this book.

See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com!

Advanced review copy provided through Amazon Vine.
Profile Image for Glenn.
19 reviews9 followers
February 26, 2017
I received an Advanced Reading Copy via Goodreads giveaways.

This book will change your mindset towards your career. Perfect gift book for new graduates entering the working world and a refreshing read for those of us in the midst of navigating our current careers.

Every chapter presents a shift in the old ways of thinking about your career. The authors provide you with "The New Rules" and guide you step-by-step through the process of finding your path--with plenty of tips along the way. If you feel stuck in your job, learning these new rules may be exactly what you need to break out and find the next chapter of your career.

The book is structured into three parts: Part One is on figuring out where you want your career to go (creating a matrix of possibilities); Part Two tackles the art of making the move to a new job (job search, interviewing, negotiations); and Part Three looks at strategies for navigating your way in your current job (communication, building skills).
Profile Image for Dana *.
1,020 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2018
For 2017, this book seems to be a little late to the game. This advice is all valid still, but would seem to be more valuable about 5 or 8 years ago. It sounds very familiar to me since i just went through a job change. But a lot of this I already knew, and then I had a job transition team to work with that filled in some of the rest. There haven't been career workers in the last 20 years, so some of the advice and explanation seems dated in that sense.
However, everything in the book is still good for workers of a certain age. I imagine young workers entering the workforce from college don't even know how the old rules of work , worked?
Profile Image for Sophia.
361 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2017
There's only a few chapters really worth reading. For the rest, it's better to go to their website and read their many great articles.
1 review
April 18, 2017
There's so much useful, actionable advice in this book; it's like having a really relatable, personable career coach of your own. Loved the worksheets and exercises for you to write in– I find that "giving it a try" helps me retain and process what I've just read, and lets me own it– as well as context and disparity between the "old rules" and the "New Rules." Not just what to do, but why, and how. Some of it should be obvious, but most of it's not– and all of it's vital.

The advice is really practical- they don't just tell you, for example, to negotiate; they show you how to, and break it down. There are examples of cover letters that have WORKED and risen to the top of hiring managers' pile, templates of emails to send, resumes for different type of jobs and levels, etc. Overall, there's so much actual advice that you can easily and effectively put into practice.

The book keeps you structured and very much on task if that's what you're in need of, but it's also written in a very conversational style, so while you might choose to jump between sections and focus on what's right for you (depending on where you are in your career or in your search), it's really easy and pleasant to read. Hits the right balance of straightforward/informational and casual/interesting.

I'm in the middle stages of my career, and it's totally relatable: there's so much here for me. I love my career path and what I do, but I'll admit that there's plenty for me to learn about negotiation, personal branding, how I can communicate effectively– I'm a bit meandering when I offer information– and how I interact with different coworkers. If I were changing paths or new/returning to the workforce, this book would never leave my side. As it stands now, it's invaluable.
Profile Image for Coleen.
1,022 reviews52 followers
February 25, 2019
For anyone looking for her first job or career, or anyone seeking a new job or career, this book is worth the time and effort to thoroughly peruse.

Styled as a 'playbook', the format is such that first an OLD rule is presented and then a NEW one. In my opinion, both the old and the new rules are worth some considerable thought. And with each of the ten or so old/new rules, there are lists, charts, summaries, questions, and lots and lots of ideas. In my opinion, the more time and attention the reader spends on the various topics, the more he or she will profit. I've already recommended it to someone who is considering a career change!

I won this Uncorrected Proof in a Goodreads giveaway.
Profile Image for Natalía Papadopoúlou.
88 reviews25 followers
October 29, 2019
This book is written by the founders of http://www.themuse.com/ a career advice and job search portal. I've been following their content online for some years now so I thought the book would be similar. The thing is the book is similar but it is more addressed to newly grads and junior levels. I found the way the first steps of a job search it is addressed quite helpful as there are some steps visualised through exercises and canvases. That might help job seekers put their thoughts into a rational process and work them out. As the book progressed it was more about common sense strategies on how to network, how to behave at work etc and I personally missed the point. I'm sure it can be helpful to many others to read.
Profile Image for Lloyd Downey.
745 reviews
July 10, 2024
I’ve only read this as the Blinkist summary...not the whole book. So any comments need to be seen in this light. I must say, that I got the impression that the two authors were still fairly young and maybe this work was based on limited experience...though, admittedly, up to date for young job seekers. I also got the impression that it was developed, partly, or in whole, to advance their business rather than as a contribution in it’s own right. But maybe I’m just being mean. Anyway, I’ve extracted some snippets that stood out for me as follows:
Authors Cavoulacos and Minshew recognize that finding your niche in the modern world of work can be overwhelming. Using their experiences running a career consultancy, they’ve come up with a list of New Rules to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape. These rules encourage you to think about what you value most and to let those values guide you all the way from job search to job interview.
Identifying your personal values will help you differentiate between the job you think you want and the role you’ll actually enjoy. Every person’s idea of happiness is different. Think about what you need to feel happy and fulfilled. Perhaps you need a creative outlet, the opportunity to travel or the ability to make a positive impact in the world. These are your values, and they should determine what you look for in a job.
Kathryn majored in international relations and French and dreamed of a career in the foreign service. But a few weeks into her dream job at the US embassy in Cyprus, Kathryn realized the pace at which policy changes could be implemented wasn’t what she’d expected. [I remember advising a friend of my daughter about a diplomatic career and making a similar comment....worse still than the slow pace of policy development is having to implement your Government’s policies when you find them abhorrent.]
Alex grew up in France where school pupils must select a course of study–either science, literature or economics–at age 15. It was only after relocating to the United States to study genetics that Alex realized she didn’t enjoy the everyday lab work that would be a large part of her job if she were to continue in the field. She was faced with the challenge of reassessing what she thought she wanted. She ended up pursuing a career in consultancy, where she met Kathryn, and cofounded their consulting company, The Muse.
Find surprising career options through strategic research, and explore potential areas of interest before diving in. [My own observation is that you never truly know what a job is like until you’ve worked in it for a while...and it’s often the people that you arfe working with that can make or break the job. Also jobs morph over time...they don’t stay the same].
To be truly satisfied in your work, you should consider your interests, skills and values all together.
Sarah wanted a career with authors and literature but year at a traditional publishing house disabused her of these assumptions. Sarah spent more time at her desk than engaging with authors. So she researched roles that would combine her literary interests with her need to interact with those producing literature.
But how can you know if your chosen field is going to work for you
The Muse suggests making a grid. Down the left-hand side, list six roles or industries you may be interested in. At the top, write down your three most important values. Now consider how–and if–each role and industry will enable you to live by those values....If you’re not sure what each role involves, look at the LinkedIn profiles of people with that job at companies you’re interested in. It’ll show you which skills you need....When you’ve got a clearer idea of which role and industry best matches your values, you’ll be ready to show employers that you’re the perfect fit for their values.
Developing a personal brand that showcases your best attributes will enable you to guide how others see you.......The authors suggest requesting feedback from your peers on the qualities that make you stand out. [I’ve actually found this technique very insightful in applying it on a team basis......people were universally surprised at what others considered they were good at]. Take the three most commonly used descriptors and communicate them in a way that presents you as a good employee, not just a nice person.
When introducing herself to employers, Jennifer might phrase her attributes in a way that demonstrates their value to the employer, such as, “Relationship builder, strong follow-through and motivated to collaborate.”.....Your attributes will form your unique brand, and every interaction you have should support the image you put forward. {Somewhere I have a book called “Brand you” ...which is all aboput building a personal brand}.
To have complete freedom over how you present yourself and your work, the authors recommend setting up a personal website....Rethink how you network: build long-term relationships and use those contacts to find opportunities before they’re advertised.
Formal networking events are no longer the most efficient way to expand your professional circle. Social media, in contrast, can put you in instant touch with interesting people within your industry......Traditionally, networking has focused on finding people who can help you out immediately, but it’s just as important to nurture relationships over time, as you never know when that relationship will pay off.......If cultivating your network this way sounds time-consuming, just remember that you don’t need a huge network, just the right one. Most job postings are never advertised,
First impressions are crucial, so put just as much effort into your application as you did into your job search......Did you know that 55 percent of hiring managers won’t even read your cover letter? That’s what a September 2015 Jobvite survey found. So why should you bother writing one? Well, because 45 percent of managers will read it!.....[Hmm that’s a good point].
If it sounds like a chore to rewrite your résumé for every application, keep a master document of your achievements and employment history. Then all you have to do is copy and paste the most relevant examples into each version of your résumé.
Try starting your letter with a relevant anecdote. It will grab the hiring manager’s attention and let your personality shine through. That’s what Abby Wolfe did when she applied to intern at The Muse, and the authors remember her letter to this day.
So what if you send off your perfectly tailored application and hear nothing back? You should check in after about a week. If you can make your follow-up memorable, too, it’ll give your application an extra boost.
The hard work doesn’t end with a job offer; recognize your worth and negotiate a contract that fits your values and lifestyle......Once you’ve been offered the job, you’re finally the one in a position of power. The contract can’t start without your signature, so be sure the role and industry align with your values before accepting.......Maybe you’re planning a big trip, but the vacation pay isn’t great. Maybe you’re ready to start a family, but the parental leave is unpaid. These things can all be negotiated.
Perhaps you can’t negotiate the salary, but it doesn’t cost you anything to negotiate your title–something that could make a world of difference when it comes to your next job search.
Choosing the right communication channel and nurturing relationships across the company will help you thrive.
It’s worth thinking about who you communicate with, too. In the workplace, you would traditionally only build relationships with people on the same level or maybe the next level up, but the New Rules place importance on nurturing relationships at all levels.....Don’t forget: everybody has valuable wisdom to share–including you.
Take charge of your personal growth by identifying and developing the skills you need to move forward as your values evolve.....Keep adding to your skills, and you’ll not only become more efficient in your current role; you’ll also be well prepared for your next challenge.
In 2012, a LinkedIn survey showed that 90 percent of professionals admit they’re unable to accomplish all the tasks on their to-do list by the end of the day. If you’re in that 90 percent, there are strategies to help.
Entrepreneur Robyn Scott suggests thinking about how completing tasks will make you feel and grouping tasks under the emotion you will experience on completion. Focus on the motivation behind each task. Finishing your tax return will ease financial worries, phoning a friend will lift your spirits and exercise will leave you feeling fit and ready for anything.
Your job will also change as technology evolves. You have to be proactive to acquire the new skills required to keep up.
Looking beyond your own responsibilities not only shows that you’re dedicated to your development, but it also makes clear that you care about the company as a whole.
The key message: Exploring and understanding your personal values is the key to a happy and fulfilling work life. For a lifetime of satisfaction, assess these values every few years. Meanwhile, strive to keep learning new skills and building meaningful relationships at all levels in the workplace. {Seems pretty sound advice really}.
Treat staying in touch with people as part of your job. When you’ve only met somebody once at a conference, it can seem daunting to try and turn that brief connection into a long-term relationship. So here’s one way to get started. Send a short, friendly email within 48 hours of meeting. Include a link to an article you think they’d enjoy, or a joke about the event you were at, and let them know you’d be keen to meet again. That’s all it takes to get the ball rolling!
My overall take on the book. Yes fairly good advice and it’s interesting to see all these old techniques (like networking) dressed up in modefn format using social media and personal websites etc., Though much of the advice is not especially new. I was debating whether it’s three or four stars from me. But I’ve decided on four stars.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,035 reviews77 followers
March 12, 2017
One of the most comprehensive guides to finding and getting the job that's right for you I've ever come across. Perfect for those who are leaving school and looking for their first job but also useful for those who've been working for a while and want to change direction or get that promotion they've wanted for years.

It's split into three parts, what do I actually want, making your move and charting your course through the modern workplace so you're almost guaranteed to find something useful regardless of where you are in your career. There's lots of practical advice, templates and resources provided in a very straightforward and readable style and lots of real life examples are given to illustrate the points made.

Personally I'm approaching the mid point in my working life, have been in the same job for over 10 years and have been feeling like I'm in a bit of a rut. As I've been thinking about a change I found the first part of the book especially useful as it uses a lot of practical exercises to help you identify what you value most in a job, the skills you have (or would need) and what kind of function and industry would suit. Thinking about changing careers is a scary prospect but the authors somehow make it a doable and even exciting prospect.

The "Making Your Move" section is also packed full of useful information from how to network, write a resume and ace an interview to what to do if you're offered the job. A lot of this was already familiar to me from sitting on both sides of the recruitment process but would be of immense value to those starting out and I did still discover things I didn't know.

The third and final part, Charting Your Course, covers what you should be doing in the workplace when you land that job. How to communicate effectively, behave at meetings and get the skills and recognition you need to move to where you want to be. Again there's a lot here that's common sense but would still be useful to those starting out or even just those who aren't sure of etiquette in the modern workplace.

My only real criticism of the book was that sometimes it felt like there was a lot of promotion for the authors' careers website, not that it's a bad website (I went on and it's also packed with useful info), it just got a little repetitive. Also as someone based in the UK I think there may be a few differences between the workplaces and jobs market here than in the states where the authors are based.

Overall definitely worth a read wherever you are in your working life. It certainly gave me the confidence to be more proactive about my career.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC. All views are my own.
89 reviews
July 31, 2021
When the book was newly released, this was gifted to me by family members who knew I struggled with toxic work environments. I wasn't in the right headspace to finish the book at the time; however, a lot has happened since. When I picked it up again tonight, I dove right into the last half of the book. It validated a lot of what I needed to hear (i.e., bite-sized nuggets of actions and considerations to reflect on such as "managing up" in my current, less toxic work space in a senior leadership role.) It was a lot easier to go through one book than having to learn the hard way (like I did) and read several articles over a year's time to get similar ideas.

We are all at different stages in our learning, education, and life journey. So while others feel the book is spot on or conversely, not up-to-date and useful, I recommend this book for readers who are ready to ask seemingly small questions to consider what he or she wants out of the loads of time spent working. As with any type of coaching or venting with friends at happy hour, the more honest we are with ourselves about the answers to such questions, I do feel identifies huge insights into our value and worth to contribute meaningful work.

No matter what the career goal, circumstance, or education level, naming and listing one's values can help identify organizations who share the same vision that may lead to contacts that may then lead to learning opportunities that may lead to your purpose that may lead to the opportunity you dreamed of... #YOLO so why not give it a shot?
453 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2017
Useful Information for Planning or Managing Your Career

Whether you’re a new graduate, or someone who’s looking to advance your career, this book is packed with valuable information. The book covers what you want in a job (Part One), how to find a new job (Part Two), and skills for succeeding in your new job (Part Three).

None of the information is unique to this book, but the approach to job hunting and more important succeeding in your new job is well thought out. Many people have a vague, or not so vague, idea of what they’d like to do. Less frequently, job hunters have thought out what they value in a workplace environment. This book provides checklists and questionnaires to help you identify your values. If you want flexible hours, as opposed to being constantly on call, the requirements of your position will be a major factor in how happy and successful you are in your new job.

Although sections one and two are valuable and filled with tips for interviews and how to network, I found section three the most interesting. Too many people don’t think about how to succeed after they land the dream job. People skills are a major factor in success. Some people may be born with them, but anyone can learn them. If you’re already in a job and perhaps unsatisfied, I recommend reading section three and trying to hone your skills before looking to move on.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
Profile Image for Vanessa Princessa.
624 reviews56 followers
February 17, 2019
I read this book thanks to Blinkist.

The second half of the book is better & more interesting than the first half.

The key message in these blinks:

Exploring and understanding your personal values is the key to a happy and fulfilling work life. For a lifetime of satisfaction, assess these values every few years. Meanwhile, strive to keep learning new skills and building meaningful relationships at all levels in the workplace.

Actionable advice:

Treat staying in touch with people as part of your job.
When you’ve only met somebody once at a conference, it can seem daunting to try and turn that brief connection into a long-term relationship. So here’s one way to get started. Send a short, friendly email within 48 hours of meeting. Include a link to an article you think they’d enjoy, or a joke about the event you were at, and let them know you’d be keen to meet again. That’s all it takes to get the ball rolling!

Suggested further reading:

Why We Work, by Barry Schwartz

Why We Work (2015) exposes the flawed assumptions that govern the modern working world. These blinks walk you through the reasons why current management strategies backfire, and show you some far more effective alternatives. In addition, case studies based on company success stories illustrate just how powerful engaged and fulfilled employees can be.
Profile Image for Sierra Reed.
75 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2022
This is a good book for anyone who is in the process of looking for a new job, changing careers, looking for their first job, or managing people.

I read this after starting a new job. The last sections of the book address what to do after you’ve landed the job. Some of it was useful to my situation.

I added in that this book is good for those who manage people because it can provide tools to guide conversations about career growth. Many times, people aren’t completely sure of what they want to do next or how to get there. Managers often promote based on “hard skills” rather than the bigger picture of if a person has “soft skills”. I put those in quotes because I personally believe that “soft skills” are much harder to learn and take more time vs a “hard skill” that can be taught via a course, videos, etc. I digress…

The chapters lay out how to uncover strengths which are often translatable to different roles but people don’t think about it that way. It also helps identify passion points and areas that maybe someone doesn’t actuallly love but didn’t realize.

The book comes with a pdf for exercises that I’ll definitely use in my next job search and with my reports to help them learn about themselves (and help me to know more about them hehe).

Overall, decent book. I read this via audiobook.
Profile Image for David King.
62 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2020
With the covid 19 threatening unemployment, the rules of work are more important than ever. There were a lot of ideas that we already know such as not just looking at the salary for a job but the culture of the company is important.

"You need resources to research positions and companies—resources that will tell you not just how many employees they have or what their yearly operating budget is, but whether their culture is a fit for your work style".

Often, we wait for our boss to take of our good work, which rarely happens.

"You are not a passive employee lying in wait for that one-of-a-kind boss to suddenly discover you and your hidden talents."

Now, you have to take charge of your career.

"Like in kindergarten, you were assigned a seat, and you were required to sit there for the rest of the year."

No more. Be curious.

"Instead of assuming the path is preordained or that it will appear miraculously by simply wanting it to do so, we need to understand—and accept—that we are in charge of our own path."

And the future can always change.

"One of the rules of today’s workplace is that the industry you’re working in right now is not necessarily the one you’ll stay in forever"
24 reviews
July 6, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is the type of book that I will read through once, and then go through again, bit by bit, slowly. I have now done the initial read-through. I have to say that it is eye-opening, and a bit overwhelming. I have not tried to find a new job since the late '90s, and wow, things have changed. I think the chapters would be really useful at each stage of the process; from deciding you want a change (or entering the world of work for the first time), to figuring out what direction you want to go next, to actually applying and interviewing for jobs. There are so many more things to consider now. This book is a good guide, both for getting you ready for the way things are starting to work these days, and also for keeping around as a later reference to help you when you reach a certain stage and need some guidance. It also has chapters about the reality of the job after you have landed it, and how to approach things. It is smart and amicable at the same time; it is like your super-smart and successful friend giving you advice, using what worked for them while at the same time trying to motivate you and keep you moving forward.
137 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2017
There are three parts to this hardcover book. Good thing it is hardcover too, because I have a feeling it will be referenced a lot!

Read the full review here: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...

Part I: What do I actually want?

Part II: Making Your Move

Part III: Charting Your Course Through the Modern Workplace

The book's introduction starts out by saying that you should love your job. How many of us can truly say we love 100% of what we do all the time? I love that they also talk about what is a job that looks good on paper versus one that you actually want to do. I think many of us adults struggle with this.
Things have shifted dramatically to the point that what worked many years ago for our parents and grand parents no longer will work for us. We have to be open to a whole new set of rules on top of what we have already learned.

Read the full review here: http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blog...
Profile Image for Christine.
4 reviews
April 4, 2018
Paid to read information available for free

There was a lot of helpful information for job seekers in this book, but most of tips and advice I've read in other places online for free. Also, some advice, particularly the section on cover letters, contradicted what career coaches and other mentors told me. This book encourages you to be creative and share anecdotes which can lead to an extensive letter. Advice I was given was to keep it straightforward, concise and highlight achievements without rehashing the resume. The Muse probably has a more creative, startup feel than other companies, though, so they want cover letters that are more like storytelling. However, I found new information in the final two chapters of the book, which bumped my review up a star. You can also download copies of the worksheets if you have the Kindle edition. That's helpful. This may be a good compliment to "What Color is Your Parachute" if you prefer reading books to researching articles online.
Profile Image for Maryalene.
438 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2022
My initial inclination was to give this book four stars because I tend to save my 5-star ratings for books that really blow me away. Then, I decided that wasn't really fair because this is a very solid book, and I can't find any fault with it.

Reminiscent of What Color is Your Parachute, The New Rules of Work is all about taking a new approach to how you settle on a career and find a job. It isn't a quick-fix book, and you should be prepared to spend months putting the suggestions from the first chapters into practice.

I'm not looking for a new job and I'm self-employed so much of the book didn't apply to me (You may be wondering why I read it then -- quite simply, just about every book I see recommended makes it onto my TBR list. :-). However, the later chapters about productivity and communication did provide some good tips that I can put into practice.

Overall, not the most riveting read but a solid book that I would recommend to anyone looking to change jobs, advance their career or improve their work-life balance.
Profile Image for Jessica Crouse.
53 reviews
May 25, 2017
I received a copy of this through Goodreads Giveaways, thanks to Goodreads and Crown Business for the opportunity.

I found this book to be insightful, practical, and filled with tangible, straightforward recommendations. I particularly enjoyed the structuring of several of the activities throughout the book, as well as the suggested additional resources. I appreciate that this book covered the whole "life cycle" of a career path, from identifying and researching career opportunities, through the application and interview process, to professional development and skill planning and success on the job itself. There were certain areas of the book that I feel did a good job of addressing topics I personally feel less confident about, and I look forward to putting some of the recommendations into practice to help my own professional development and growth.

This is one of those books I'm going to keep as a resource to be able to reference in the future.
3 reviews
June 28, 2017
As a young adult wanting to explore careers, this book is a must! This book not only describes in detail, it gives many examples. This book is super easy to understand and super easy to read. I read this so fast. I took notes and highlighted, This a book for everyone. Everyone can learn from this book and everyone can and will benefit.
The way the book was formatted including the 3 parts, makes it easier for readers and reviewers. I am a visual person so when it came to this book I was a little sceptic. None the less, I went on and read the book like a warrior. Through this process I realized that I might not be such a visual reader after all.
Although, this book was a high concept book, I think it has opened many doors for me and will continue to do so as I reference it through out my life. It makes you think, what is my career?
(Disclaimer: I received this to review for Blogging for Books)
Profile Image for Stephanie.
497 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2017
I got this book from good reads first reads. I am very satisfied with my job so I didn't anticipate getting much out of parts 1 and 2 but those sections made me realize how on the spot the book would be about how the workplace is right now. Without knowing it, I can point to this book and say this is more-or-less what I did to get my job. Oddly enough I felt part 3 was the weakest of all sections...not bad just not as out of the park as the rest. The sections and layout made perfect logical sense and each was packaged in a way that you can easily jump to what you need to brush up on. The whole book was an easy and engaging read. One word of caution - some industries are still pretty analog so a fair bit of the LinkedIn stuff is not as critical as the book would have it seem. As someone totally unfamiliar with themuse.com I'd absolutely recommended this book for folks seeking a workplace change or trying to get started.
Profile Image for Jen Melham.
91 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2018
I struggled to get through the beginning of the book. I would start reading it, get uninterested and stop for a few months, then go back and reread, get a little further in it, stop again... so on and so forth.

I think the reason for this is because not a lot of this information is NEW in the sense that it's mostly all on The Muse website already. However, for someone who wants everything relevant condensed without having to go search for it, this is a great resource with a wealth of information. For that reason I would feel bad giving it anything less than 4 stars.

I also gleaned a few good networking, productivity, and communication tips from it. That is, after giving up on actually "reading" it and listening to the audiobook instead. :-)
2,127 reviews18 followers
September 23, 2021
This book is as much a written, extended advertisement for the career website the authors promote (The Muse). There is good advice and considerations for those who are either just entering the workforce or those who are in the middle of a career transition. While there are parts that are built for those with work experience, this system and book are better tailored to someone who is just starting out their professional career and trying to crack into the job market. Good advise and you can get to the website. Since there is a website, this book is best leveraged as a library resource. Maybe you feel compelled to buy, but not completed recommended. Do recommend reading and using the advise/techniques, but if there is a website, then you can probably get most of what you want from there.
Profile Image for Jen.
20 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
I found this book super helpful in reframing how I think about my career. I’m a firm believer that your job shouldn’t define you, but I also know I need to care about what I do and match my career choices to my values and personality. This book shares that mindset and gives actionable tips to help you explore your options and take more initiative in your career without overpromising.

There were moments that felt unnecessary or too obvious, especially in the workplace communication section, but overall I found the information genuinely useful. I would actually recommend reading it out of order and focusing only on sections you need, as not everything will apply to you (I will also definitely be going back to reference certain sections as needed!)
2 reviews
October 9, 2023
Practical and Insightful

If you're looking to just find a resource that'll let you quickly whip up a quick resume for a job application, then the first three chapters may feel like a waste of time.
Persevere through chapter 1 to 3 though and it will leave you armed with a great foundation on which you can really get started on putting out and maintaining a great professional profile.
The book is not just filled with 'scripts' to include in resumes, cover letters, etc, but they actually teach you the reasoning and base knowledge behind those scripts, so you can take that knowledge and tailor it to your situation.

Overall, I think that it's a good reference book I'll keep coming to as and when I need specific on certain topics on everything 'career'
Profile Image for Jennifer.
13 reviews48 followers
May 19, 2017
I received this book as a giveaway here on Goodreads.

My first inclination was to dismiss the book as being relevant only to new graduates. Early on in the book they make a reference to "your college professor" and I'm thinking to myself that I'm 20 years removed from college. But the more I read, the more I realized it really is a good book for anyone who is looking to change jobs or careers. Things have changed so much just in the past 5-10 years so if you've been in one position for awhile and are looking to do something different, a refresher course, so to speak, on The New Rules of Work might be very beneficial to you.
Profile Image for Frieda.
271 reviews
May 4, 2021
An informative, comprehensive guide to navigating the job search and workplace. While I enjoyed reading about how these modern workplaces operate, I could not really relate since the companies that I have worked for and currently work still operate in the traditional sense.

This is a great read not only for millennials and Gen-Zers but also for Gen Xers who are mid-career and seeking a career change. It also provided good ideas that could be presented to a traditional workplace in order to bring them into the 21st century in terms of procedures, technology and employee and customer experience.
Profile Image for Sonya.
53 reviews
July 19, 2018
Giving it a couple of stars for organization and for probably being a good resource for people who are either in college or just graduating.

That said, I don’t think any of this is “new” since the recession of 2008. I finished college as the market was crashing and have been navigating the working world since, and the rules laid out in this book have been standard practice for awhile already. Download the free worksheets and google job search tips, or check this book out from a library if you feel like you need to. I didn’t learn anything all that enlightening.
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