The Job Hunter's Bible

Richard Bolles' What Clolor is Your Parachute is called the Job Hunter's Bible. Published annually since the 70's, Parachute provides complete information about how to go about finding a job, making a career change, and more. One source says it is one of the 20 most influential business books ever published. Although it's updated annually, very little changes except some of the statistics on the best and worst job search strategies change a little.

Most people in America have heard of the book, many have a copy on their book shelf, some have read a little of it, and only a few have followed what it says to do. I routinely recommend it to people between jobs. And it is the foundation of my work with clients who want to make career changes. Bolles was one of the people who developed much of what we know about career counseling and coaching -- he's the source of much of the knowledge we have about the field.

I can't help but see a strong parallel with the Bible. The Bible provides complete information on having a relationship with God and living life the way He designed it to be. Most people in America know about the Bible, many if not most have one or more copies on their book shelf, some have actually read it, and a few actually follow what it says to do.

Why is it that even when we know about sources that can make all the difference in our success in life, most of us ignore them? Even those of us who read them tend to say, "That makes perfect sense," but refuse to follow the instructions. What is it that makes us want to look for an "easier" way?