2020 What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

Thomas Gale: While I was beginning my career, an older gentleman suggested that I read this book. The author encourages the reader to identify in detail exactly what he/she as a job-seeker wants from a potential employer by several categories like salary, fringe benefits, work environment, company culture, etc. Because I had no professional experience at the time, I didn't have a lot of bargaining power with potential employers, which made the exercise of making a long, detailed list of wants pointless. At that stage in one's career, one has to be very flexible in order to convince a company to give one a chance to work with them. I'm not saying job-seekers shouldn't evaluate what they want out of a job/career and perhaps even do a little soul-searching, all I'm saying is that early on it is not helpful to perform an evaluation to the scope and specificity the author would have us do. Companies are more willing to accommodate the wants of more experienced professionals.

United States on Dec 24, 2021

Amazon Customer: I gave it as a present. The person who got it really enjoyed reading this, and it inspired them to make a career change. The "flower petals" exercise kept them occupied for a long time, but helped them switch career paths from a research-oriented position towards a people-oriented position, based on the skills and values they uncovered when doing the exercises laid out in the book.

United Kingdom on Oct 28, 2021

romi milo: My friend suggested sms this book. She swore by it and helped her achieve her goal and found her way into the working world.
Let’s see

Italy on Jun 11, 2021

Mel C: This book really helped me figure out my life path. It was recommended by a friend. I’ve been stuck in the same career path for a while now and wanted to switch gears, but was feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. I really feel like the way this book approaches the career process is unique and helpful. It’s great for getting you out of your own head and figuring out what you really want. Highly recommend using it in conjunction with the workbook too.

United States on May 24, 2021

Robin WRobin W: A thick but light book. My friend recommends this to me. So many versions of it and I found this has more pages than the upcoming 2021 edition so I assume this 2020 has more content. Many practical ways to rethink the career based on the fact that we are all born different; different talents and personalities. This definitely will take me some time to read.

The printing quality is generally fine. The first a few pages are a bit messy and cursed, like hand-written with blood. (Don't blame me I think its a joke)

Australia on Feb 23, 2021

Pet: I enjoyed this book, it looks at job hunting through a positive lense and manages to convince the reader that there are thousands of employers out there, waiting to hire you. I gave it four stars as it is orientated towards the US job market but otherwise, the book is stellar for anyone who has started to doubt their skills, knowledge and employability due to unemployment or employment in the wrong job/industry. Plenty of useful tips, so not just a wishy washy self-help book.

United Kingdom on Jan 16, 2021

projectsjh: Deserves its reputation as a classic, especially good for first time job seekers. Start with this book and use it as a benchmark for any others you consider. One comment is that personally I would emphasize the military option more -- some great training for future civilian jobs, especially from the Air Force and Navy (stated by an ex-Marine). The lifetime medical coverage at the VA for even a short term of service is an amazing benefit. Even if one has no immediate interest in serving, doing the interviews with the recruiters about various programs will enable you better to judge the quality of the civilian job/career you are considering.

United States on Sep 03, 2020

Saam: It's a nice book give you different perspective,
The quality of the paper and covers is nice.
Good for job hunters, I will recommend it even to those who are not searching for the job.

Germany on Jul 02, 2020

Katherine: So many people suggested this book to me. I thought it was really interesting that it was updated for 2020 but honestly, about 80% of the book is common sense. It's basically the quote "do what you love and love what you do" mixed with the outdated bootstrap theory. Starts off with statistics before telling you generic advice such as make your job work for you and how not to bomb an interview. I still honestly can't tell if this is more for 17 year-olds who have no experience or middle aged people trying to get back on the horse so to speak (though the book claims to be for both, and everyone in-between). I have no doubt it's helped people and no book is for everyone so if this sounds harsh, don't let it deter you completely. For me, I feel like I could've gotten just as much out of a wiki-how article about doing well in a job interview and watching a ted talk on self confidence. I'm going to gift it to my younger sister who is still in college in hopes it'll help her more than it helped me :)

United States on Jun 30, 2020

Jada: You could probably save money by buying the previous year's edition. Either way, helpful book to inspire you to take your future and ideal dream job into your own hands. Techniques for approaching the job market at large are helpful, as they insight into the psychology of people's motivations for working with you or not. Self-evaluation also helps the reader organize his or her priorities in life. Very encouraging and comforting book for those who are insecure about their capabilities. Best suited for those who are not naturally go-getters or independent. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants to take more charge of their choices in the work field. Thanks again!

United States on Apr 08, 2020