WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE? is still the best-selling job-hunting book in the world. A favorite of job hunters and career changers for more than three decades, it continues to be a mainstay on best-seller lists, from Amazon.com to Business Week to the New York Times, where it has spent more than six years, and has been translated into 12 languages. The 2008 edition is an even more useful book, with its updated, inspiring, and detailed plan for changing readers' lives. With new examples, instructions, and cautionary advice, PARACHUTE is, to quote Fortune magazine, "the gold standard of career guides."
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
* The #1 best-selling career book of all time, revised and updated to keep pace with today's ever-changing job market. * Revisions include new strategies and quick fixes for getting unstuck during your job search; improvements to the efficiency of the exercises to yield better results; and updated resources throughout.
About the Author
RICHARD NELSON BOLLES has been a leader in the career development field for more than 35 years. He has been the keynote speaker at hundreds of conferences and has spoken to thousands of people all over the world. He was trained in chemical engineering (MIT) and holds a BA degree cum laude in physics (Harvard University) and a master's in sacred theology (General Theological Seminary, Episcopal, in New York City). He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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More About the Author
RICHARD N. BOLLES has been a leader in the career development field for more than thirty-five years. He was trained in chemical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and holds a bachelor's degree cum laude in physics from Harvard University and a master's in sacred theology from General Theological (Episcopal) Seminary in New York City. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Marci.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By John
Format:Hardcover
I am currently between jobs, and use this book every day to plan my job search. It is literally like a shot of confidence in the arm. The book is full of great insights not just on the job search, but also on the entire psychology of it all. It has great websites you can use to do career tests and personality tests. The great thing about the book is that the author has so much experience, so is able to draw on those many years, to give advice. It is like having a high-paid careeer coach. I can't recommend this book enough.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still an Ageless Classic - Take a Journey in Career Exploration
November 14, 2007
Format:Hardcover
They call it the number one career book of all time, mainly because it released annually. Parachute is really a primer in career exploration. Other books add a ton of value after you get this foundation. Because of that, Bolle's is timeless for job seekers of all kinds. I feel that his book updated each year to meet the current trends in society is critical. He needs to address those issues, like the web, downturn in the economy and the like.
The most critical part of the book is the self evaluation section. This is a very structured process that can be used intutitively as well. Bolles asks you to write a few stories about yourself, then, what did you like and dislike about those stories? What did you do well, where did you fail or feel challenged beyond your abilities? These are the critical areas of the book that take time to get through, yet you can evaluate yourself and understand what you like, it is what you do best, usually.
We excel what we are good at, according to Bolles, this method will help us discover what we are best at.
I have recommended this book to many over the years, and still do. Whether someone is in college, or someone is going through a long term transition after being in a job for a long time or moms returning to the work place, this book will be very instructive for you.
One of his processes is very simple asking you to compare who you would most like to talk with or groups of people you would rather relate with. This is a standard set of tests for some very expensive career consulting, he gives it to you for the price of his book and the time to self evaluate yourself. Then, he breaks down the possible job areas and skill sets related to these groups.
Again, a worthwhile journey for anyone not wanting to wander any longer in the world of work.
JOE SLEVIN
Job Coach
The most critical part of the book is the self evaluation section. This is a very structured process that can be used intutitively as well. Bolles asks you to write a few stories about yourself, then, what did you like and dislike about those stories? What did you do well, where did you fail or feel challenged beyond your abilities? These are the critical areas of the book that take time to get through, yet you can evaluate yourself and understand what you like, it is what you do best, usually.
We excel what we are good at, according to Bolles, this method will help us discover what we are best at.
I have recommended this book to many over the years, and still do. Whether someone is in college, or someone is going through a long term transition after being in a job for a long time or moms returning to the work place, this book will be very instructive for you.
One of his processes is very simple asking you to compare who you would most like to talk with or groups of people you would rather relate with. This is a standard set of tests for some very expensive career consulting, he gives it to you for the price of his book and the time to self evaluate yourself. Then, he breaks down the possible job areas and skill sets related to these groups.
Again, a worthwhile journey for anyone not wanting to wander any longer in the world of work.
JOE SLEVIN
Job Coach
30 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Today's job market is harsh and cold-blooded. Indeed, nothing guarantees that the job you have now will be available tomorrow. Your job (and you) may be downsized or outsourced. Plus, many people must now accommodate themselves to the status of part-time workers, even those with jobs that used to be full-time, salaried positions. Competition is fierce for good - and even mediocre - jobs. How do you manage to stay employed in such a cutthroat environment? Since the early '70s, people looking for employment or career change have turned to this bestseller by Richard Nelson Bolles. This updated classic is filled useful information. One caveat: Bolles notes that his statistical results are a "mashup of research and hunches," so take them as indicative, but perhaps not as scientific. And if not every suggestion is a gem, he still gives you plenty of options. Those who also appreciate a spiritual message amid the practicalities will find that as well, so if that isn't your cup of tea, consider yourself warned. We recommend this guide to anyone who needs to find a good job, or who wants - or needs - to make a career change.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Parachute 2008 book
This edition is great. THough it is not the newest, I believe that it still serves a great purpose. Read more
Published on November 15, 2010 by C. Curtis
5.0 out of 5 stars
the work world has changed. learn how and why
tons of useful info here for todays job hunter. todays work world is tough. learn what you need to know
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Published on December 17, 2009 by ale1964
1.0 out of 5 stars
speak to us in our shared language, please
I couldn't make it very far in this book because its grammar is so bad. The author explains in his preface that we should not complain about the grammar as he's devised a system of... Read more
Published on March 23, 2009 by slr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Some of the best career advice you will get...
No point in going into too much detail.
Simply - This book will put you in the correct frame of mind to look for a job or to change career. Read more
Simply - This book will put you in the correct frame of mind to look for a job or to change career. Read more
Published on March 4, 2009 by VR300ZX
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why didn't they tell us this before?
I think this book is awesome. The guidance, advice, and just general content is well worth the read. And it's an easy read. Read more
Published on December 27, 2008 by B. Espinosa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great, quick, clean....
This book is awesome... I have to put it down every few pages because I like to put thought and intention into the exercises.... it is hopeful, knowledgeable and encouraging...
Published on November 11, 2008 by T. J. Singleton
3.0 out of 5 stars
ALOT of meandering...
I think I have an idea of what the writer is trying to accomplish but his book could have been simpler and more concise. Read more
Published on August 9, 2008 by Vincent M. Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a lifesaver!
This book is truly a lifesaver, and it's updated every year. I have not had to look for a job in 20 years, and didn't truly know how to write a professional resume. Read more
Published on July 25, 2008 by T. M. Reed
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read for Those on the Voyage of Self-Discovery
For those unsure of what lies ahead, this book is the perfect must-read. It will guide you through the voyage of self-discovery to assist you in choosing the career/work... Read more
Published on July 23, 2008 by Careers R Us
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Too Useful
I don't understand why this book is considered such a classic reference. I found it badly written, not that useful, and WAY too religious. Read more
Published on July 17, 2008 by Kaley Quinn
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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