Title: What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
Author: Richard Nelson Bolles
First published January 1, 1970
382 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781580087940 (ISBN10: 1580087949)
Rating: 3.69
Overview
For over thirty years, What Color Is Your Parachute? has been the go-to guide for job seekers and those looking to switch careers.
Its enduring popularity has kept it at the top of best-seller lists, including Amazon.com, BusinessWeek, and the New York Times, where it has held a place for five and a half years. With its practical advice and easy-to-follow exercises, this manual has helped countless individuals navigate the job market and find fulfilling careers.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, What Color Is Your Parachute? is the ultimate resource for achieving career success.
About the Author
Meet Dick Bolles, also known as Richard Nelson Bolles. He was a former member of the Episcopal clergy, a Mensa member, and the brilliant mind behind the best-selling job-hunting book, What Color is Your Parachute?
This book was a constant resident on The New York Times best-seller list for over ten years and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Editoral Review
What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Nelson Bolles is an enduring classic in the field of career development.
First published in 1970, the book has been updated and revised numerous times over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the job market and the evolving needs of job seekers. Bolles was a former Episcopal minister who became an expert in career counseling and job search strategies.
He wrote What Color Is Your Parachute? as a practical guide for anyone looking to find their ideal career path, offering step-by-step advice on how to identify your skills, interests, and values, research job prospects, and network effectively.
The book has a clear and concise writing style that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and it is organized into sections that address specific aspects of the job search process, such as writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and negotiating salary and benefits. Bolles also provides exercises and tools that readers can use to assess their strengths and weaknesses, brainstorm job ideas, and evaluate potential employers.
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of What Color Is Your Parachute? is its emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in the job search process.
Bolles recognizes that finding a fulfilling and meaningful career is not just about matching skills to job requirements, but also about aligning personal values and interests with the goals and mission of the organization. He encourages readers to take a holistic approach to career development, considering not just job titles and salaries, but also the impact they want to make in the world.
The downside of the book is that it can feel a bit formulaic at times, and some readers may find the exercises and worksheets to be tedious or irrelevant to their specific situation. Additionally, some of the advice may not be as relevant in today’s job market, given the rise of online networking and the prevalence of non-traditional work arrangements such as freelancing and gig work.
Overall, however, What Color Is Your Parachute? remains a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of career development.
Its timeless insights and practical advice are relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and it offers a refreshing and optimistic perspective on the role of work in our lives. The Washington Post would give this book a rating of 4/5 stars, based on its comprehensive coverage of job-hunting strategies, practical advice, and inspiring message of hope and self-discovery.
