What Color Is Your Parachute? 2005: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

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Summary: Revelance in every changing times
Review: "What Color Is Your Parachute" is the best weapon in a job seeker's arsenal. "Parachute" provides tips and insight for the first time job seeker as well as those who have been displaced, downsized or found shifting careers. And especially in these times of economic hardship, this book will help the job hunter inventory their skills and talents. With so many seeking so few positions, this book can be the difference maker for you.

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Summary: This book works!
Review: As a career coach and trainer, I'm constantly looking for resources that will give clients an edge - and "What Color Is Your Parachute" always delivers. This updated 2005 version offers an extremely relevant overview of the current economy and the motivating reminder that there are always jobs out there. While reinforcing the best of the proven "Parachute" job search methods, this year's edition also offers new and expanded exercises to help you discover what you love to do and target where you'd love to do it. And the process of positioning yourself as a proactive problem solver, not just a "job beggar", helps you to stand out from the competition and become a magnet for reaching your goals.

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Summary: Consistently Helpful
Review: Bolles has done it again with his 2005 update of his best seller What Color Is Your Parachute. I first used this book in the 90's and found it immensely helpful then as a recent college graduate. Now, as I struggle to redefine my interests and my career choices, I have revisited W.C.I.Y.P. and found it the job-searching bible I recalled. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that Bolles has stayed current and kept the book up to date with our ever changing world.
DEFINITELY a must read for anyone who is job seeking, career changing or simply wishing to learn more about themselves.

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Summary: Terrific. Just Plain Terrific.
Review: Bolles pulls no punches with this "the way it really is" look at the job world. It is right on with what it takes and where people are at in this world. (I know, I am one) I wish I would have picked it up 13 months ago. I problably would have a job by now! Thanks

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Summary: A Worthwhile Journey - Essential for Career Direction
Review: I researched Bolles' updated for 2005 and it is still a classic. My review below still stands, but updated as follows.

Bolles' advice on the new realities we are struggling under is very pointed. There are jobs and ways to find them if you know what you want and where to find them.

I still think if people were to use this book as a workbook it they would discover so much about themselves.

Bolle's book is still 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

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Summary: Bolles has done it again
Review: I've been writing an internationally syndicated business advice column, Working Wounded, for nine years. "What Color Is Your Parachute?" has been head and shoulders above any other career book over the last decade. But with this edition Richard has taken his efforts to a new level. I especially like job hunting tips for smarties. That's the most remarkable part about the book, it works for both novice job hunters and the long term unemployed. Don't believe me? Chew on this. "What Color Is Your Parachute?" has averaged 20,000 books sold a month for the last 27 years! No other career book comes close to the eight million copies of Parachute that have been sold. Finally, even if you have read Parachute in the past, remember each year Bolles substantially rewrites it. Although this book has the same title, the book substantially changes from year to year.

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Summary: The single best book in the field
Review: 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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Summary: This book is THE one.
Review: No Question...if you want one book that lets you know all there is no about the jobs environment today...this is the one to buy!! All other books basically owe their existence to this writer...it is well organized, easy to read, and easier to find exactly what you need to know. I bought this new edition after buying an earlier edition and I think it is entirely new and updated.

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Summary: Of little practical value
Review: Parachute is the best book in the world of its type - but only if you are looking to transition into a new career. This is very definitely a book for job-changers (the flower exerise is still a marvellous resource for this), it is of almost no use to real people on here-and-now job-hunts.

If you know what you want to do next in life, this book has very little of value for you. Bolles spends almost no time on the two elements in the mix where most job-hunters fail to succeed: the written stage and the selection interview. There is no breakdown of how to put yourself across on paper and a very abbreviated, almost philosophical, discussion of how to sell yourself at interview.

Given the changes in the marketplace, I was hoping to read Bolles' ideas on behavioural and competency interviewing, but he has NOTHING on either of these subjects in the 2005 Parachute. In fact, there is virtually no difference between the 2005 edition and the 2002 one. He has slotted in a few paragraphs about the market being tougher, but none of the 'practical' material has changed since 2002. The "new edition every year" concept seems to be a marketing tool rather than offering anything really new.

As ever, his ideas on networking and informational interviewing remain useful, but there is nothing new in these sections. If you need practical advice on securing a great new job, try D'Alessandro's CAREER WARFARE or Manahan's WHERE'S MY OASIS.

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Summary: A book you can count on
Review: The first time I read the book I wasn't sure of its value to me, I was cntent in what I was doing. Then there was a sudden career change, and What Color Is Your Parachute became my reference book. following the steps allowed me to gain confidence and garner the best job I have even had. This is a must read book for anyone who is changing jobs, or seeking their dream career. Thanks Richard.