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As Bentley’s PreparedU research revealed, a majority of managers report that most college grads aren’t ready for the workplace. That’s yet another reason why showing up for that interview or first day on the job with new ideas could help impress. This list of “how-to” books — including new reads and old standbys — goes beyond what you (and your boss) might expect.

Rework by Jason Fried

Forget business plans, meetings, and trying to figure out what the competition is doing. Instead: Stop talking and start working. Learn how to be more productive, get exposure without breaking the bank, and consider more counterintuitive ideas that will inspire and provoke you whether you’re an entrepreneur, victim of downsizing, or simply stuck in a day job you can’t stand.

Plugged In: The Generation Y Guide to Thriving at Work by Tamara Erickson

Gen Ys, it’s time to draw on your strengths to understand and influence professional relationships, to determine your definition of success, and to navigate the workplace. Guidance includes:

  • A framework for developing criteria for making career choices
  • Unique assets and strengths Ys bring to the workplace
  • How Xers and baby boomers view Gen Y and how the different generations can collaborate more effectively at work
  • 10 rules that can help Gen Ys succeed in the corporate world

Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen

Instead of zoning out, learn how to transform evaluations, advice, criticisms and coaching into productive listening and learning. Feedback and “suggestions” from colleagues, family and friends can equal conflict: learning and growing versus being accepted for who we are. Learn how to gracefully field off-hand comments in the workplace and in life.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

An oldie but goody. Time-tested advice for your business and personal lives includes:

  • Three fundamental techniques in handling people
  • Six ways to make people like you
  • 12 ways to win people to you way of thinking
  • Nine ways to change people without arousing resentment

StrengthsFinder 2.0  by Tom Rath

Are you honing your natural talents? Instead of focusing on fixing shortcomings, use the StrengthsFinder assessment to develop your strengths. A special access code included with each book gives you access to:

  • A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
  • A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month and year
  • A more customized version of your top five theme report
  • 50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)

Kristen Walsh is a freelance writer.