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What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers [Paperback]

Richard N. Bolles
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)


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Book Description

October 1, 2008 What Color Is Your Parachute?
The #1 best-selling career book of all time, revised and updated to keep pace with today's ever-changing job market.

Still the best-selling job-hunting book in the world, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE? is the most complete guide for first-time job seekers as well as second and encore careers changers. For more than three decades, it remains 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 it has been translated into 20 languages. The 2009 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."

Visit the What Color Is Your Parachute? JOB-HUNTER'S RESOURCE CENTER for video, useful exercises, job-search advice, and more... Reviews“The newest edition has been rewritten, updated and expanded to offer tools, support and hope to help job-seekers even in the worst of economic times.”–McClatchy-Tribune News Service
 "Parachute remains the most complete career guide around . . . It covers all the ground less ambitious guides do, as well as some the others don't, mostly in the realm of the psyche." –Barbara Presley Noble, New York Times
 "'It's a Wonderful Life' isn't the only classic people will be enjoying this holiday season. Many folks–actually, tens of thousands...–will find a copy of a classic career planning book under the tree...What Color Is Your Parachute?...has been around so long we forget the author...helped define not only an industry, but a national perspective."–St. Paul Pioneer Press as featured in Amy Lindgren's syndicated career column.
“A career-advice juggernaut. The best-selling career guide in history, Parachute has sold over nine million copies, spawned a number of ancillary books (including editions for teens and retirees), and was named by the Library of Congress as one of the 25 books that have shaped readers' lives–putting Bolles in the company of Malcolm X, Robert Louis Stevenson and God, whose own Bible is a perennial bestseller.”
–New York Post

Recommended by USA Today

“The 2008 edition is full of new suggestions, along with the classic advice that continues to hold true today.”
–About.com's Job Searching Site



Testimonials for What Color is Your Parachute?


“I have three Guerrilla books on Amazon best-seller lists of one kind or another, but none are as high quality as Parachute. Hardly anything ever is.”
–Jay Conrad Levinson, author of Guerrilla Marketing


“You've done it again (for me)! Using Parachute, I've landed (1) a super job in an Insanely Great company doing wonderful things and (2) spring-boarded into an even better position just one year later within the same company doing exactly what I've always dreamed of. Make another notch in your book binding (or wherever you keep track of these things) because you've made me a runaway success. Kudos to you and all you continue to do for the job hunter/career changer!”
–Jon Copeland,
Executive Briefing Center, Apple, Inc.


“I am a U.S. Marine serving in Iraq…I have recently finished What Color is Your Parachute?, and I was pleasantly surprised how much I learned about myself. I was also grateful to learn that sending out resumes is not the least effective way to get my dream job…Thank you for your book and your time.”
–Roger D. Huffstetler, Jr., Cherryville, NC


“Two years ago I bought your book on a whim as I was feeling very sorry for myself, career-wise, and was looking for anything that would help…After going through the exercises I realized that teaching is what I should be doing for a living. My first interview after reading the book was for a job installing computers in centres for people with learning difficulties. At the interview I talked about the skills which the book made me realise I had. I was no longer saying what I thought the interviewer wanted me to say, but what I genuinely felt. I was offered and I accepted the job, which I later found out over 270 people applied for…I just wanted to say thank you for all the help your book gave me and I hope it continues to help others.”
–Kevin Hickey, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England


“First of all my appreciate [sic] of the book What Color is Your Parachute. I have worked through it alone and then decided to join the seminar of John Webb. It changed my life! I started to realize my dreams and I found the happiness I have always been searching for. Now I'd like to share my experiences with many other people. It can be so easy to find happiness, if you know how.”
–Tanja Korten, Köln, Germany


“I have bought four Parachutes of approximately 1986, 1990, 1996, and 1999 vintages…Your book remains inspirational–even after re-reading over the years. I recommend your book to all job hunters and college graduates I know.”
–Nigel Yeung, Singapore


“I have been awarded a 10-year contract with the Miami-Dade County Public School System and will be bringing the first Charter Middle School to Miami Beach. The purpose and mission behind the school so that every child knows that they do have a purpose in this world and that they know that and live that. I wonder where I got that from?! I hope this is the first of many schools for I am up to transforming the educational system ion the State of Florida wherever else I can. Once again, thank you, thank you, your work and generosity…will always be with me.”
–Gladys Palacio, Miami, FL


“I just wanted to thank you and let you know that your book and website have helped me tremendously in preparing for my career (I just graduated from the university). It is from you that I learned how and where to get an effective resume done…It is from you that I came in contact with an outstanding career coach...People like you who do good things deserve praise and blessing.”
–Saagar Prajapati


“Your book What Color is Your Parachute? had a major influence on my life back in the early 80s…as a result of WCIYP and The Three Boxes of Life I was inspired to attend the University of Oregon College of Human Development and Performance and received a B.S. in Leisure Studies and Services (1985). Today at age 48 my career path has led me [to become] a Recreation Specialist for the Department of Defense for 15 years to military bases around the world…I'd like to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your contributions towards enhancing the quality of life for me and my family.”
–Doug Buell, Portland, OR


“Your book made a big difference in our lives. My husband went through all the exercises in the 70s, made a drastic career change (from engineering to public accounting), we moved to Florida from New York State, and ended up in the Peace Corps. Now we are contemplating retirement and it seems to me that some of the principles in your career books might work in retirement. Retirement is much more daunting than a career change, so please write a What Color is Your Hot Air Balloon as You Sail Into Retirement book!”
–Marcia Nielson, Tequesta, FL


“Hello! I was first introduced to your book by a friend who knew I was unhappy in my work. I completed it as directed and it literally changed my life. I took steps to pursue a career in something I love–training–and now find myself in the role of assisting others in making career/job choices!”
–Faith Sheaaffer-Thornberry, Senior Consultant
Human Capital Consulting Group


“Thank you sir, you will always remain in my memories and prayers. And I wanted to tell you that I loved your part about [finding your] mission…I am a Muslim and I loved everything you wrote there.”
–Sadiq Lakhani, Karachi, Pakistan


“Many thanks! …You have been giving and will eternally give so much hope and self-belief, respect, and recognition to millions of human beings around the globe, including myself!
–Rudolf H. Messinger
Chief, Recruitment & Career Development
UNICEF Headquarters


“I have just got a new job thanks to you and your book. I had been the head of a professional country club in Australia for eight years and one day had enough and just walked out wanting a career change but not knowing what I wanted to do. ..The flower exercise gave me direction and some ideas of careers to pursue; at the top of my list was auctioneer. …As a result I have just landed a new career in the auction industry. Many thanks for everything that you have done for me.”
–Mitchell Hogg, Mont Albert, Australia


“Many moons ago I purchased the very first edition of What Color Is Your Parachute?, took your suggestions to heart, did all the exercised, and took action. Now, thirty years later I have my own business which provides unemployment-related support and courses. …Thanks very much for this and all your invaluable work/help over the years. I find that–even with all the information out there about searching for a job–most people are woefully unprepared for it I hope, like you, that we can do our part to change that.”
–Ed Osborne
Unemploymentville.com


...


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. * Updates and revisions throughout.

From the Back Cover

More Than 10 Million Copies Sold

New York Times and Business Week Best Seller

Chosen by the Library of Congress as one of 25 Books That Have Shaped Readers' Lives

One of the Seven Essential Popular Business Books (Today's Librarian)

Best Overall Career Guide (Career World)

"Parachute still soars with practical advice. This book is a steady seller, always making the USA Today annual list of top-selling books. No wonder: Parachute is practical and trustworthy."
--Jacqueline Blais, USA Today

"Parachute remains the most complete career guide around. . . . It covers all the ground less ambitious books do, as well as some the others don't, mostly in the realm of the psyche."
--Barbara Presley Noble, New York Times

"What Color Is Your Parachute? has been the job-hunting classic for decades. . . . Bolles always goes beyond the routine, including things like useful Internet sites and how to select a career counselor. It's virtually always the best-selling career book, and with good reason."
--David Murphy, San Francisco Chronicle

"Ideally, everyone should read What Color Is Your Parachute? in the tenth grade and again every year thereafter."
--Anne Fisher, Fortune


Product Details

  • Paperback: 456 pages
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press; 2009 edition (October 1, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1580089305
  • ISBN-13: 978-1580089302
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

If you want to know how to get a job, this is the book to have. Rosie May  |  10 reviewers made a similar statement
Your job is to find that job. Eric Wentworth  |  11 reviewers made a similar statement
A highly recommended book for job-hunters! H. S. Seow  |  14 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars It will give you hope and confidence May 21, 2005
Format:Paperback
I distinctly remember listening to a review of Parachute on the radio while in my car driving and saying to myself, "I need to buy this book." But good intentions have a way of not being put into action. It was years later when faced with a midlife career change and not knowing what I was going to do that my brother reminded me of this book.

Simply put, this book will give you hope and confidence. It will help you see what your strengths are and how to market yourself in a difficult economy. Let me share with you two ways it helped me. First, the exercises put to rest any doubts I had to where to pursue my new career. Second, the section on how to find a job was worth three times the cost of the book. To my chagrin, I discovered that the way most people look for work (including myself) is just the opposite way most employers hire people.

Now, I am beginning a new career. I love my work and look forward to a challenging and rewarding career. If you think that you may be facing a career change sometime in the near future order this book now. It will give you hope and confidence.
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46 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By Rosey
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm talking about my parachute. I'm a mid-forties Wall Street refugee, wondering what I want to be when I grow up...(Hint no jobs on Wall Street right now). So I turned to this old standard for help.

First note that this book is updated every single year, so buy the latest copy. Yes an older one will be cheaper but...don't. I first picked up the 2001 version off the bookshelf. As I read the section on the internet, I guffawed. Not the author's fault, things change drastically on the internet, especially in 8 years. So I credit the author for updating the book constantly. He also substantially rewrites it, not just changing the cover or whatever.

Second, this is not a spectator sport, you must do the exercises to make the book work. I have not yet done them, officially, on paper, but have given a lot of thought to what he asks us to do. I remember reading this book years ago (1988?) and being very annoyed. Annoyed? Yes, because I thought the author had a lot of nerve to tell me I could do anything I want to do. I could go to Hollywood? Yes. I could be an astronaut? Yes. I could be an interpreter? Yes. Pimp? Yes. Investment Banker? Yes. Yes, yes, yes. You may have to go to school, or work hard, but yes you can follow your dreams.

What if you have no dreams, like me? Well, do the exercises, and the book will help you find something to do with yourself that won't make you want to shoot yourself in the head when the alarm clock goes off. I can't wait to find out what it is for me!

Ignore the naysayers, buy the latest copy of the book, read it, do the exercises. And Good Luck.

P.S. I also recommend the workbook.
Was this review helpful to you?
39 of 44 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The single best book in the field November 15, 2004
Format:Paperback
If there is a single book out there for anyone looking for a job or thinking about changing jobs, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" is it. This book provides thorough and comprehensive advice that is both practical and relevant. It also appeals to almost any career level, from recent graduates to senior executives. The exercises helped expand my thinking about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, and definitely proved to be an asset during interviews and discussions. The entire book, in fact, provided a broader context to the process which made me a stronger candidate. And the hands-on advice also reminded me of the smaller details that are so critical but easy to forget about. If you buy any book on the topic of job hunting or career change, this has to be it. I highly recommend it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars Not sure how this becomes popular
First off I will admit, I have not actually gone through this book when I bought it a few years ago. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Jon Cody
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Job seeking Newbies
I purchased this book as a Christmas gift for a young man during his senior year in High School. I waited to provide a review on this book until I could see what affect the book... Read more
Published on January 9, 2011 by NFlagator
5.0 out of 5 stars Life Planning in a Book
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2009: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers provides an excellent structured approach to career and life changing strategies. Read more
Published on December 14, 2010 by ridgerunner
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed
I was disappointed in this product. It was recommended by a friend, so I bought a used copy for $8. Nothing to lose, I guess. Read more
Published on October 11, 2010 by R. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Book in really good shape.
I had to buy this book because the one I checked out from the library was "mistreated" by my 1year old who enjoyed chewing on the corner of it. Read more
Published on August 9, 2010 by Ceez
1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible customer service!!
I ordered this book and before I purchased it, was given an approximate delivery date of within 2 weeks, which was okay. Read more
Published on March 13, 2010 by MaryAnn D'Amore
4.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded my expectation
What was described as "satisfactory" or "acceptable condition" (I don't recall exactly how they described the condition of the book) turned out to be what I'll call "new without a... Read more
Published on March 7, 2010 by MKAD
1.0 out of 5 stars Not insightful at all, unless you are completely clueless
When I got laid off from my job some time ago, I though I would pick this book up to sort of get me in the mood for job searching. Read more
Published on October 29, 2009 by Ivan
5.0 out of 5 stars Setting the right mindset
This book has definitely given me insight on how the job market works. As a college graduate, it is definitely important to have a good overview of what to expect during the... Read more
Published on September 25, 2009 by H. S. Seow
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opener!
Essential tool for anyone out there looking for a job, or wanting to change careers. Such simple material, and yet so profound, making you say to yourself 'why didn't I think of... Read more
Published on September 17, 2009 by Rebekah Clausing
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