What Color Is Your Parachute? has been the bestselling job-search book in the world for more than three decades, in good times and bad,...
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Aug 18, 2011
Rachel
rated it: 
I picked up this book at a time in my life when I was like, "ok, Rachel, it's time to figure some stuff out." Along came Richard Bolles, like my own sweet little Grandpa giving me life advice. He actually had me doing all the cheesy exercises -- lists, graphs, venn-diagrams, even a flower chart for Pete's sake. And in the end, gosh darnit, I knew I was going to move back to the Midwest and become a librarian!
FYI, this book does have some serious Christian overtones, but Gr More...
FYI, this book does have some serious Christian overtones, but Gr More...
Jan 11, 2009
misstippin
rated it: 
3.5 stars, truly.
So, I'm jobless at the moment and this book has had rave reviews in all its incarnations for many, many years as an invaluable resource for "job-hunters and career-changers." I certainly can't argue with that. I thought the most useful thing about it was Bolles's repeated insights into the minds of employers. He makes a point of helping the reader understand that they're not the only one facing risks and fears in a new position; employers also have myriad conc More...
So, I'm jobless at the moment and this book has had rave reviews in all its incarnations for many, many years as an invaluable resource for "job-hunters and career-changers." I certainly can't argue with that. I thought the most useful thing about it was Bolles's repeated insights into the minds of employers. He makes a point of helping the reader understand that they're not the only one facing risks and fears in a new position; employers also have myriad conc More...
Nov 09, 2011
Patty
rated it: 
I've read this book and completed the exercises twice during my adult life, and it has helped me tremendously in answering the age-old question, "What is my mission in life."
For those of us who live to work, and not work to live, this is the book for you. I highly recommend completing the exercises, or "homework" as I call it, and you will uncover your talents and dreams that have been buried over the years.
It will take a little bit of your time, mayb More...
For those of us who live to work, and not work to live, this is the book for you. I highly recommend completing the exercises, or "homework" as I call it, and you will uncover your talents and dreams that have been buried over the years.
It will take a little bit of your time, mayb More...
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Aug 31, 2011
Feras
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This book finally made me swear off one-size-fits-all career books, which is a good thing. I'll admit that my infatuation with acquiring books that promise to "boost your career in 28 days", help you find your "purpose in life", or jump out of bed in the morning skipping merrily to your job, is akin to that of a fat kid with cake. Make that a stale cake, the one with Technicolor icing and texture that looks (and probably smells like) Play-do!
In any case, this book More...
In any case, this book More...
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Jul 09, 2010
Lauren
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This book offers tips and advice on how to choose a career and how to get a job. The author, Richard Bolles, says that determining what you want out of life and realizing what you are most passionate about is extremely important. He includes lots of exercises, such as lists, charts and diagrams, for the reader to do. He also recommends going out and talking to people who are already doing careers that interest you.
It should be noted that the author is a former minister and he include More...
It should be noted that the author is a former minister and he include More...
Jan 07, 2009
Erik
rated it:
Take advice from someone in the workforce development field: this book and some degree of common sense will take you pretty far. No, this man did not teach me how to write a resume or interview. No, he didn't show me a shining new path in life. What he does do though is illuminate those all-too-easy to overlook things known as "the employer's thoughts and needs."
Job seekers rarely have the opportunity or background knowledge to appreciate the employer as not only a repre More...
Job seekers rarely have the opportunity or background knowledge to appreciate the employer as not only a repre More...
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Jan 11, 2012
Filip
rated it:
The good thing is that this book offers a methodology and some tools to help people define what kind of job they could next go for. There also are some useful pieces of advice in there (such as: the only goal of a resume is to get you invited).
It is a very American book which assumes that job-seekers and potential employers work from an American mindset in a highly-developed and transparant capitalistic society. 'Personal re-invention' isn't a strong value in Europe, and employers might not More...
It is a very American book which assumes that job-seekers and potential employers work from an American mindset in a highly-developed and transparant capitalistic society. 'Personal re-invention' isn't a strong value in Europe, and employers might not More...
Oct 15, 2011
PoligirlReads
rated it:
Note: I actually read the 2012 version, but I didn't see it listed under the available versions to review.
I had been aware of this book for quite awhile, but never had any desire to read it. I figured it was one of those "I'm okay, you're okay" touchy-feely find yourself sort of book. And, well, it is that. But it's a lot more, too. There is a reason this book has been published in one form or another for the past 40 years: it's an excellent guidebook for thinking not just ab More...
I had been aware of this book for quite awhile, but never had any desire to read it. I figured it was one of those "I'm okay, you're okay" touchy-feely find yourself sort of book. And, well, it is that. But it's a lot more, too. There is a reason this book has been published in one form or another for the past 40 years: it's an excellent guidebook for thinking not just ab More...
Mar 15, 2010
Kevin
rated it: 
Seriously, this book is one of the best selling career self-help guides? I find that hard to believe. My issues with this book:
1) Awkward, and at times incomprehensible, sentence syntax. Dick Bolles comes across as a doofus with too much time on his hands who just decided to sit down and write a book, and not as a job-market-savvy consultant.
2) Seriously stupid advice. "Try a search engine, like Google, or Yahoo, or your favorite one if you have one." Yeah, More...
1) Awkward, and at times incomprehensible, sentence syntax. Dick Bolles comes across as a doofus with too much time on his hands who just decided to sit down and write a book, and not as a job-market-savvy consultant.
2) Seriously stupid advice. "Try a search engine, like Google, or Yahoo, or your favorite one if you have one." Yeah, More...
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Jul 09, 2009
Scott
rated it:
Why I Read this Book: I wanted to get a firm understanding of the career direction in which I wanted to head and how to go about it after finishing my university work. This book provided a wonderful road map.
Review:
This book, or I should say a version of this book has been on the best seller list for many years now. Bolles spends the majority of each year putting together the updated version for the year to come. This is not the type of book you buy once for one search an More...
Review:
This book, or I should say a version of this book has been on the best seller list for many years now. Bolles spends the majority of each year putting together the updated version for the year to come. This is not the type of book you buy once for one search an More...
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Jun 15, 2011
Brian
rated it:
During my annual review my supervisor suggested I read this book. Normally I wouldn't have read anything like this. Frankly I thought it was a book on retirement (golden parachute's are things retiring businessmen get). It was an ok book. I've heard that its a life changer for some. Not for me. I learned alot of things that I need to do when looking for a job that I didn't do when I got hired at the library. Really I'm shocked I got hired, I didn't do anything the guy said. I must have blown the
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Sep 16, 2010
Alyssa
rated it:
I find this book vastly over-rated.
I got it my Sr. year of college, at the recommendation of an academic advisor (the need for which I also found to be highly over-rated), and it did nothing for me. Yes, I ended up in an industry I LOVED, in a job that fit me well, but with no thanks to this book. It taught me nothing about myself I didn't already know and gave me little useful knowledge to go about my job hunt.
I suppose it could prove quite useful for someone who 1) lac More...
I got it my Sr. year of college, at the recommendation of an academic advisor (the need for which I also found to be highly over-rated), and it did nothing for me. Yes, I ended up in an industry I LOVED, in a job that fit me well, but with no thanks to this book. It taught me nothing about myself I didn't already know and gave me little useful knowledge to go about my job hunt.
I suppose it could prove quite useful for someone who 1) lac More...
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Mar 16, 2011
Wendi
rated it:
I wish this book would have told me something other than it did. I knew I was an artist with day jobs in everything from bar tending to accounting, married to another artist with a day job in civil service, trying to survive and feed our kids. I guess this book can't help someone make it easier financially in this world that makes no sense to someone who might have autistic tendencies. I had a hard time taking the time needed to focus on working on the flowers.
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Jan 17, 2012
Kenn
rated it:
There's a great wealth of information in this book (the 2012 version), but like most things written about finding and pursuing your purpose in life -- there's a certain disconnect with making those dreams happen in the real world.
The solution to that problem here seems to be asking God for help. The whole last section of the book -- the pink section -- is about prayer and Christianity, and most of the information is already covered in the book so I am not sure the need for it. It's a More...
The solution to that problem here seems to be asking God for help. The whole last section of the book -- the pink section -- is about prayer and Christianity, and most of the information is already covered in the book so I am not sure the need for it. It's a More...
Oct 15, 2011
PoligirlReads
rated it:
I had been aware of this book for quite awhile, but never had any desire to read it. I figured it was one of those "I'm okay, you're okay" touchy-feely find yourself sort of book. And, well, it is that. But it's a lot more, too. There is a reason this book has been published in one form or another for the past 40 years: it's an excellent guidebook for thinking not just about how to find a job, but how to find a career that can offer fulfillment. It's chock-full of web resources and has
More...
Aug 31, 2011
Victoria
rated it:
I originally checked this book out from a local library because I heard about this book consistently over the past few years and also because I, myself, have been doing a lot of job searches and contemplating careers as of late. While that may be the case, I recommend this book to everyone, even those who have a comfortable, very cushy job that they love. Bolles used a metaphor for life that I think will stick with me for the rest of mine. He wrote that life is similar to floating down a rive
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Sep 17, 2011
Debbie
rated it:
What Color Is Your Parachute? was so helpful in the mid-80'swhen I was trying to figure out what to do with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a special interest in mysticism in the arts.
In 2005 I started my job crisis. Hated my job or hated the bureaucracy of my job. We live in MI, so my husband lost his machinist job and retired. So my family is dependent on me. It just told me that I had picked the right profession. I just had to put my big girl panties on, distance from the stu More...
In 2005 I started my job crisis. Hated my job or hated the bureaucracy of my job. We live in MI, so my husband lost his machinist job and retired. So my family is dependent on me. It just told me that I had picked the right profession. I just had to put my big girl panties on, distance from the stu More...
Sep 07, 2011
RBella
rated it:
I was given this book many moons ago by my sister when I graduated high school; it was highly recommended; I thumbed thru and knew there were some fascinating but lengthy personality tests on what to do with your career/life; I since have bought this book for everyone I know graduating high school and college; I couldn't say if they ever read it or passed on the torch. Fast forward years, I am out in the job market and hit a standstill on where and how to look for work and this book occurred to
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Jun 01, 2011
Adrienna
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I've read many career books, resume writing, and even online resources for job-hunting and sources; yet, this is one of the best books I've read thus far. It not only gives you the 5 best ways and 5 worst ways to find jobs but also the main questions they ask and the actual meanings of these questions. It also tells us the difference between luck, intuition, and step-by-step procedures when seeking employment. All of this in the first 100 pages, still got more to review/read.
"D More...
"D More...
Aug 31, 2011
Crystal
rated it:
I read this book again each time I ponder a career or job change. Although the times constantly change, and the technology for job searching does at well, the advice offered is always timeless.
A must read for every college graduate.
A must read for every college graduate.
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Dec 16, 2009
Abby
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This book REALLY helped me think about what I wanted to do after teaching. It has great advice for people at all places in a job search or career change. Still not sure the color of my parachute though . . .
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Mar 26, 2010
Kirsti
rated it:
I hate the title. I hate many of the cartoons and illustrations. I really hate the writing style. But I love the information in this book (and its previous incarnations). It's filled with practical information on job searching and careers. The author has useful tips and strategies for people of all ages, interests, abilities, and income levels. And the later chapters focus on the search for meaningful work, not the highest grossing/most prestigious/easiest to find job.
I have read thi More...
I have read thi More...
May 19, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
This is the best job-hunting book I read so far! What makes it better is the author Richard Nelson Bolles is also a Christian. By reading this book, I understand more about the new job search techniques. I guess the hard part is really practicing it cause networking IS hard. I really appreciate the chapter about job interviewing, letting me know how it is like a "date," so I won't be as nervous. I think either way, you will still be nervous since our natural tendency is for the other p
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Dec 09, 2008
Elaine
rated it:
It's a constantly updated source. I have the 2009 edition. He is convincing that he updates - he even mentions Twitter which is a website I only heard about several months ago. I think it's a site more for young people and Facebookers (if that's a word). He starts with first things first: get some rest. I liked that idea; it has appeal and everyone needs it before they can embark on something new. He doesn't give lots of rules. He shares the information and you can take it or leave it. He is non
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Mar 08, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
Although I have not completed all of the exercises in the book at this point, it has served me well over the past few years in times of frustration. Full of helpful advice, resources, and exercises to gain insight into your personality and passions. I also appreciated the author's perspective, as he had been an Episcopal priest for years before changing careers to career counseling. His tone in the book is very ecumenical, but it speaks to the unique abilities and perspective of each individu
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Sep 09, 2011
April
rated it:
I guess I've read enough career advice that there's very little that could be new to me.
The prose is amusingly written, so I'll give it that.
The God stuff was a bit much, but mostly found in the Appendix. I do wish that appendix session on finding your mission wasn't so religion-based, so it may have been more widely applicable.
I didn't do the exercises, but I thought through them a bit, and they do seem potentially useful for some.
I appreciated the recomm More...
The prose is amusingly written, so I'll give it that.
The God stuff was a bit much, but mostly found in the Appendix. I do wish that appendix session on finding your mission wasn't so religion-based, so it may have been more widely applicable.
I didn't do the exercises, but I thought through them a bit, and they do seem potentially useful for some.
I appreciated the recomm More...
Aug 30, 2011
Johanne
rated it:
I have no idea who has my copy -- will buy a new one, I think, not so much for myself, as I am as happy as can be with my current life situation, but in order to point others to this fabulous resource.
It's a great way to think about choices and how they impact where we end up living: in career, family, geography. And the book not only explains the theory, it also has lots of hands-on exercises that help one see the undercurrent in our own thinking. And help match conscious decisions t More...
It's a great way to think about choices and how they impact where we end up living: in career, family, geography. And the book not only explains the theory, it also has lots of hands-on exercises that help one see the undercurrent in our own thinking. And help match conscious decisions t More...
Aug 31, 2011
Deneen
rated it:
Having taken an entire college class about marketing yourself, I was afraid "What Color Is Your Parachute?" would only offer me a few new insights into the world of job hunting. However, by time I finished reading I had bookmarked nearly the entire first half of the book! I recently graduated from college and picked up the book because of its job hunting tips, so I admittedly only read up to the chapter on salary negotiation and skipped the career change chapters. I also did not take t
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Aug 31, 2011
Mallie
rated it:
I am so glad I read this book. I had it sitting on my shelf for two years but really wasn't ready to receive its message until now. I am so excited to embark on the next phase of my career!
Favorite quotations:
"It is instantly recognizable as that moment when you decide that this time you're not going to do just a traditional job-hunt; you're going to do a life-changing job-hunt or career-change: one that begins with you and what it is that you want out of life. ...
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Favorite quotations:
"It is instantly recognizable as that moment when you decide that this time you're not going to do just a traditional job-hunt; you're going to do a life-changing job-hunt or career-change: one that begins with you and what it is that you want out of life. ...
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Aug 31, 2011
Marshall
rated it:
A very detailed and specific guide to job hunting and career changing. The guidance it gives is very sound. The exercises are designed to quantify all of your feelings and values, to help you narrow down to a career that is most in line with them. Unlike most "business self-help" books, it isn't long-winded and full of cliche pop psych advice. I also like that it defies the standard advice given to high school grads: "go to college and good grades." He only mentions degr
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