For decades, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” has stood as a beacon in the often-turbulent waters of career navigation. Praised by leading publications and career experts alike, this book continues to guide individuals toward fulfilling and meaningful professional paths. Its enduring relevance is underscored by accolades from USA Today, who notes its consistent presence on top-selling book lists, highlighting its practicality and trustworthiness. Indeed, Jacqueline Blais from USA Today affirms, “Parachute still soars with practical advice. This book is a steady seller, always making the USA Today annual list of top-selling books. No wonder: Parachute is practical and trustworthy.”
The book’s comprehensive approach sets it apart from less ambitious guides. As Barbara Presley Noble of The New York Times points out, “Parachute remains the most complete career guide around . . . It covers all the ground less ambitious guides do, as well as some the others don’t, mostly in the realm of the psyche.” This depth delves into the psychological aspects of career fulfillment, offering a holistic perspective beyond just job-seeking mechanics. The New York Times recognition emphasizes its thoroughness and its consideration of the individual’s inner needs in career choices.
The profound impact of “What Color Is Your Parachute?” is further emphasized by Anne Fisher of Fortune, who suggests its timeless wisdom is valuable at every stage of professional development: “Ideally, everyone should read What Color Is Your Parachute? in the tenth grade and again every year thereafter.” This recommendation speaks to the book’s ability to provide continuous guidance and adapt to evolving career landscapes throughout one’s life. Fortune‘s endorsement highlights its long-term value and applicability across different career stages.
David Murphy of the San Francisco Chronicle aptly calls it “the job-hunting classic for decades,” further stating, “It’s virtually always the best-selling career book, and with good reason.” This recognition as the best-selling career book underscores its widespread reach and effectiveness. The San Francisco Chronicle‘s review points to its consistent top performance and the solid reasons behind its popularity, suggesting its methods and advice are consistently effective for job seekers.
Beyond just sales figures, The New York Post elevates its status to a cultural phenomenon, labeling it “A career-advice juggernaut. The best-selling career guide in history…. Parachute has sold over nine million copies… and was named by the Library of Congress as one of the 25 books that have shaped readers’ lives.” This prestigious recognition by the Library of Congress places “What Color Is Your Parachute?” among books of profound societal influence, alongside figures like Malcolm X and Robert Louis Stevenson. The New York Post‘s powerful statement emphasizes its historical significance and transformative impact on readers’ lives.
Amy Lindgren, a Working Strategies Syndicated Career Columnist, reflects on its foundational role in the career advice industry, noting, “What Color Is Your Parachute? . . . has been around so long we forget the author . . . helped define not only an industry, but a national perspective.” This perspective highlights the book’s pioneering influence, establishing it as a cornerstone of modern career guidance and shaping a national approach to career development.
Joyce Lain Kennedy of Tribune Media Services simply calls it “An extraordinary annual book,” capturing its consistent quality and enduring appeal year after year. This succinct praise underscores its remarkable and consistent value as an annual resource for career seekers.
Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, personally attests to its transformative power, saying, “I would trace back a lot of my accomplishments to doing [the exercises in Parachute]. . . . Bolles’s ideas have served the highly mobile American workforce well. His book just becomes more relevant in time.” Lencioni’s testimonial, reported in U.S. News and World Report, offers a personal success story linked to the book’s practical exercises, highlighting its real-world applicability and continued relevance in today’s dynamic job market.
Career World succinctly summarizes its overall excellence, declaring it the “Best Overall Career Guide,” reinforcing its position as a top choice among career resources. This straightforward accolade directly positions it as the premier career guide, emphasizing its comprehensive quality and effectiveness.
Finally, The Toronto Star acknowledges the enduring legacy of Richard Nelson Bolles and his creation: “Like the Energizer Bunny, Richard Nelson Bolles keeps on going . . . Throughout this iconic book, Bolles gives sound advice to people looking for employment and those attempting to build meaningful careers.” This concluding remark celebrates the author’s lasting impact and the book’s iconic status, reiterating its commitment to providing sound advice for both finding employment and building fulfilling careers.
“What Color Is Your Parachute?” is more than just a career guide; it’s a time-tested companion for anyone seeking direction and purpose in their professional life. Its continued acclaim and relevance solidify its place as an indispensable resource in the ever-evolving world of work.
