Summary of What Color Is Your Parachute? 2007: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles

Uncover the essential insights from 'What Color Is Your Parachute?' by Richard N. Bolles and transform your job search with creativity and confidence!

Ah, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" - the career bible for the uncertain wanderers of the job market. Imagine a self-help book having a midlife crisis while dressed as a job interview coach. Richard N. Bolles decided that finding a job should be as colorful as a box of crayons. if those crayons also had existential crises.

In this book, Bolles takes you on a wild ride through the twists and turns of job hunting, career changing, and, let's be real, a healthy dose of soul searching. He's like that friend who always knows the right thing to say, only he's way less annoying because he printed it all in 382 pages.

We start off with the famous question: _What color is your parachute?_ - which, spoiler alert, is not about your preference in skydiving gear. It's actually all about figuring out what you really want in life. Bolles emphasizes the importance of self-reflection; it's like therapy but with more worksheets. By digging into what you love (and loathe) about work, you can eventually find the perfect job that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out.

Next, we venture into the job market jungle, where Bolles reveals strategies for job searching like it's a treasure hunt. (X marks the spot, folks!) He introduces the idea of "informational interviews," which is a fancy way of saying you should totally exploit your network under the guise of casual coffee chats. Need to know if your friend's cousin has a job opening? Just ask them to brunch!

Bolles shines when he dives into the "hidden job market" - the jobs that no one ever talks about, probably because they're too busy drinking overpriced lattes to post on job boards. He advises readers to get crafty and be proactive. It's time to schmooze, baby! Get out there, start networking, and avoid looking like a socially awkward turtle.

Then, as if that's not enough, he gives you the lowdown on résumés. Bolles provides nuggets of wisdom like how to make your résumé pop - think of it as a fireworks show where you are the grand finale. He also suggests turning your experiences into stories because who doesn't love a good tale? Just remember to include the parts where you saved the day and not the moment you spilled coffee all over your boss's laptop.

Finally, he addresses interviewing, where the stakes feel as high as a reality show elimination round. Bolles shares tips on how not to sound like a robot while you answer "Tell me about yourself." Spoiler: being a human helps.

In summary, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" is more than just a guide to getting a job; it's a wake-up call for anyone feeling lost in their career. Bolles makes you think about what truly matters (besides paycheck, obviously) and pushes you to dig deeper into what makes you tick.

So, whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or need a career change after realizing your dream of becoming a professional napper isn't exactly viable, Bolles has got your back. Grab a highlighter, channel your inner rainbow, and prepare to parachute into your next adventure with confidence!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.