What Color is Your Parachute?

I read an earlier edition of this book in 1995 when I graduated from college, as I was searching for my first job.  It was an incredibly valuable tool that greatly shaped my understanding of my strengths and desires.  I’ve been recommending it to career seekers ever since.  What I didn’t realize is how much the book has evolved over the last two decades.  It’s rich with improvements, focusing on how the internet and social media has changed the whole job seeking process. 

The most practical and inspiring piece of the book, to me, is chapter 7 - the process of building your flower – that one piece of paper that highlights your mission, your preferred colleagues, your skills, your interests, your preferred living location, your preferred responsibilities, your working conditions and your salary range.  It’s 90 pages of self-discovery – and I still refer back to the flower I created 20 years ago!  Other chapter highlights include tips and tricks for building a resume, interviewing, negotiating salaries, changing careers, starting your own business, and overcoming personal obstacles in your field of work. 

I would highly recommend this book to college seniors, to people changing careers, and to people searching for a job.  Take time to reflect on who YOU want to be instead of letting the pressure to find a job define who you are.  I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.