Clock In: No-BS Advice for Getting Ahead in Your Career (Without Losing Your Mind)
Emily Durham. Tarcher, $29 (256p) ISBN 979-8-217-17691-5
Durham, a career coach and influencer who posts as Emily the Recruiter, debuts with a straightforward guide to navigating the corporate job market. Drawing on her 10-plus years of experience as a recruiter, Durham aims to help the “not-yet-rich bitch” identify the right career path and thrive in it. She begins by advising readers to emotionally detach from companies, explaining that “dream jobs” do not exist and “your job will never love you back.” Instead of fantasizing about a job, she encourages readers to develop a deep understanding of what makes them feel validated, what gives them purpose, and the lifestyle they want. Pulling back the curtain on hiring, she explains that on average a recruiter spends six seconds looking at a résumé; job descriptions are often “wish lists,” not requirements; and some companies post fake listings to make it look like they are growing. After walking readers through perfecting their résumés, networking, and interviewing confidently, Durham details how to develop a strong personal brand (“confidence + being decent at your job + making others feel good”) and advocate for promotions (treat “your career development like it’s a regular part of your job”). Throughout, Durham intersperses her practical advice with comedy and personal anecdotes. It’s a down-to-earth resource for those seeking to level up. (May)
Details
Reviewed on: 02/18/2026
Genre: Nonfiction
Paperback - 208 pages - 978-1-0390-1589-0

