What Color Is Your Parachute?

What Color is Your Parachute

What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers is a self-help book by Richard N. Bolles. First published in 1970 and updated annually since 1975, the book offers readers an extensive guide to finding a career that fits their talents and passions. Bolles' manual has sold over ten million copies and has been translated into 20 languages, making it one of the best-selling career advice books of all time.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The core idea of What Color Is Your Parachute? is that job hunters and career changers need more than just advice on resume writing and interviewing techniques. Bolles emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself, one's unique talents, and how those can be applied to the job market. The book guides readers through the process of self-discovery, helping them to identify their skills, values, and interests. This approach is designed to aid individuals in finding not just any job, but a fulfilling career.

Content[edit | edit source]

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of the job search and career change process. Key sections include:

- Discovering Yourself: This section helps readers to map out their skills and interests through various exercises and questionnaires. - The Job Market: Bolles explains the nature of the job market, including the hidden job market, and offers strategies for tapping into it. - Resumes and Interviews: Practical advice on crafting effective resumes and performing well in job interviews is provided. - Negotiating Salaries: Tips on how to negotiate salaries and benefits are also included.

One of the most famous tools from the book is the Flower Exercise, a self-inventory exercise that helps readers visualize their ideal job and work environment.

Impact and Reception[edit | edit source]

What Color Is Your Parachute? has received widespread acclaim for its practical, holistic approach to career planning. It has been praised for its empathetic tone and its recognition of the emotional aspects of job hunting. The book has been used in career counseling settings, universities, and by individuals seeking to change or advance their careers.

Editions[edit | edit source]

The book's annual updates ensure that its advice remains relevant to the current job market and economic conditions. These updates often include new exercises, updated statistics, and reflections on changing job search technologies, such as the rise of social media and online job boards.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Richard N. Bolles' work has left a significant mark on the field of career counseling. What Color Is Your Parachute? is considered a seminal work in the genre of career development literature. It has inspired numerous workshops, seminars, and online courses aimed at helping individuals find meaningful work.