First published in 1970, What Color Is Your Parachute? is now in it’s 35th printing. This book is a detailed guide for those who are going through the agonizing process of job hunting or changing careers. This book has now sold over 9 million copies, and in 2006 Fortune magazine said: “Parachute remains the gold standard of career guides.” It’s author, Richard Nelson Bolles, has become a real guru in the job search arena, having probably advised more people through the 35 versions of his book than almost anyone in the business. Unlike many reprints, the various iterations of Parachute aren’t just a re-issue of the same text year after year. As our job market has evolved, Richard Bolles has refocused the book to address current issues of concern to job hunters, applying fresh insight and experience with each edition.

Initially a more traditionally conceived step-by-step approach to developing resumes, interviewing and job hunting, today’s version of Parachute is an in depth and very practical look at the whole job search process. Richard Bolles has moved the topic of changing jobs and/or careers into the realm of self-reflection, coupled with a consideration of the difficult and baffling factors of today’s job market.

The book looks at the best and worst ways to job hunt, to get and succeed in an interview, and how to make the most of your network of friends, family and current or former colleagues. More than that, Parachute helps you understand the nature of today’s job market, and, if you haven’t been in the “hunt” for a few years, this is an eye-opening view of the changes that have taken place over the years. Employment cycles run from too many people seeking jobs to not nearly enough people to fill the jobs available, and this book is up-to-date on where things stand in 2007. Because these cycles have a dramatic impact on the hiring behavior of employers, Parachute reflects what you are facing right now. (That’s a good reason to make sure you are using the latest edition of this book.)

The 2007 edition of Parachute helps the reader look at the process of job search and career change as a personal evolution, moving beyond finding work to looking at some of the deeper drivers of each person’s career motivation. This book seeks not to stop with a list of things to do, but rather to continue past the “to do’s” with guidance for readers on taking a serious look at how what they love to do and what they are good at doing can merge into a fulfilling career.

This version of Parachute is more interactive than ever, with many ways of analyzing where you are in life and what motivates you, along with the practical analysis of potential career opportunities matched to your skills and those things that you are simultaneously good at and find fulfilling. The book talks about discerning your transferable skills, strongest traits and fields of interest, or what Bolles calls “fields of fascination.” Bolles is trying to help the reader go beyond matching what they have always done to creating a whole realm of possibilities based on the things that are critically important to them.The book provides numerous models and methods to get to the heart of what kind of work in what kind of career field will not only pay the rent, but also make you happy.

Probably one of the most unique aspects of What Color Is Your Parachute? is the introspective focus, looking at a job and career search from the filter of your values, the kind of people you want to associate with, working conditions and even the geographical preferences … all designed to help you find a job that in every way is a career that will be lasting and meaningful to you.

The internet has brought convenient, nationwide, independent job search functionality to your fingertips. Online job search opportunities have gone well beyond job postings on individual company websites. Today, there are numerous dedicated sites to help job hunters search for jobs worldwide.

Online job search that involves going directly to company internet sites is a good way to introduce yourself to the company in which you think you might be interested. Typically, companies are eager to present themselves to the public online so they will have complete descriptions of their business philosophy, the services, supplies or products they promote, and a section for job hunters in which they post job openings. Generally, you can identify, through various search options, the jobs which might be appropriate for your skills and abilities. Many systems allow you to apply for specific jobs online through a system where you would complete an application and upload your resume. It will be transmitted to the Human Resources Department or function responsible for resume assessment.

Once you have completed a company’s application process, you will then become part of their database for a period of time. Some systems search their databases automatically when new jobs are posted. If your resume matches any of the job requirements, you’ll get a notice and opportunity to apply for the job online.

Over the last few years, independent online job search functionalities have become prevalent on the internet. Newspapers, local services and worldwide online job search databases are easy to find … simply type “job search” into your browser’s search engine. Some sites have more extensive functionality than others. The better sites have direct links into the participating company job search engines. For companies that don’t have internal job posting engines, the job search sites will forward applications and/or resumes on your behalf.

The advantage of these online job search functionalities is that they give you access to an extensive database of job opportunities across the country. You can search by state and city, and view everything that is posted. The more sophisticated sites also allow you to narrow your search by job category, name or position level. Some allow you to specify a company name and search nationwide for job opportunities within that specific company. This online functionality puts many position descriptions in front of you quickly. You can apply for them immediately, or on the more expansive sites, you can put them in a “save” or “watch” category so you can think about it and apply at a later date.

Other sites have extensive functionality to help job searchers including:

Search by date posted

Job profiles you can set up that alert you to jobs being posted that fit your skills

Resume posting on the job search site where employers can search resumes that match their requirements

Salary calculators

Career resource links that provide services such as, coaching, education, interview tips, financial advice, etc.

Career fair information

Resume critique

Video resume posting

Not all job search sites are created equal … it’s very important to make sure you thoroughly check out the site you want to use. Look for endorsements, privacy and security statements, and full disclosure about company ownership and business practices. Many online sites require you to purchase a membership, but the fees are not excessive and most have varying levels so you can pick one that suits your needs and your budget.

To be fair, there is one thing that online sites can’t do: specifically, they can’t put you in physical contact with a potential hiring company because most do not allow any contact outside the online service. However, the advantage of applying for a limitless number of jobs, in any category may outweigh the lack of personal contact. Searching online will certainly ensure that a far greater number of potential employers get to see your resume than if you used a single employment agency or recruiter.

As a current or former executive, your job search may be somewhat more difficult than one an assistant or manager faces because your search will be complicated by the fact there are fewer executive level jobs. For that reason, it can take longer than you would like to find a new position, so get prepared to be patient and persistent. For you, the best resource you will have is your network of current and former colleagues and clients/customers. Executive recruiters will also form a solid foundation in the search process for you.

Let’s assume, for a moment, that you have found yourself in the position of having left your current place of employment as a c-level executive and you are starting with a blank slate. The most important thing is not to be embarrassed that you are facing a job search, because many executives have been here before you. Whether their departure was voluntary or not, executives often feel un-tethered and adrift once they have left their organizations, and it can be a very depressing experience.

So, the first thing to do is keep your spirits up and look forward rather than back. Don’t replay scenes or situations in your mind that may have contributed to or represented your actual departure. The opportunity to go back and change those circumstances has passed, and the best thing you can do for yourself is focus on a new career direction. Look at it as a chance to create the ideal job situation, from geography, to company philosophy, to matching your personal values and vision to a those of a new organization.

Executives do, however, have certain advantages over others in the job market. You have probably been using, for years, some of the critical skills and opportunities that will help you in your executive job search. Those skills include:

Critical thinking… This is a core component of every executive’s competencies.

Planning and assessment… You are experienced in looking at the big picture thoroughly and insightfully and then assessing the results of the plan and formulating stay-the-course plans or course corrections.

Networking… Doubtless you have been doing this actively for years and it will prove to be a very significant capability in your job search.

Outside positions… Membership on a board of directors is an elite position and one which will bring you into contact with many opportunities to network and discover executive openings.

Here are some ideas to put those skills to work for you in your executive job search.

1. First, use your planning and assessment skills to outline an approach for your search. Identify organizations you feel match your professional values and whose missions you can see yourself supporting. Prioritize that list, and include in your assessment geographic location, whether you would be required to relocate, the viability and current market climate of the industries of those companies, and, of course, their financial positions (using 10-Ks, annual reports, stock position, press releases and articles).

2. Second, take a good look at where you are in your career now. Are you happy, feeling fulfilled by the work, and comfortable with the corporate environments in which you’ve found yourself? If not, it’s a good idea to employ some critical thinking here, and take stock. Now is the ideal time to change your career direction if you feel something has been lacking.

3. Third, activate your network, including executive recruiters and board contacts. It’s been reported that 80% of executives find new positions through professional contacts.

Many executives have taken a sharp right turn in their career paths following a departure from their last jobs. Look at this as an unexpected chance to decide again what you want in your personal and professional life and whether this could be the opportunity for which you have been waiting, but didn’t realize until now you really wanted.