HR Managers, Help!! I have this book called “What Color is Your Parachute”?

Question by weirdiscomplimentary: HR Managers, Help!! I have this book called “What Color is Your Parachute”?
So I have the book “What color is your parachute?” by Richard Bolles. I have the 2010 version, but in it, he advocates for some things that seem really old-fashioned. Like, he says that resumes are a last resort and that you should only write one as something to “leave behind at the interview.” While I know that it is important to do a lot of networking and try to get interviews before jobs are even posted, I also know that I have never been able to find out about jobs this way. Every interview and job I have ever gotten has been by responding to a posting on an employer’s website — a posting that requested a cover letter and resume.

Another thing that is strange is that he barely mentions cover letters and, when he does, he refers to them as an “alternative” to a classic resume. I have never applied for a position without a cover letter and have always thought of them as being a mandatory item that goes along with (in fact, *covers*) the resume. I find it frustrating that he gives no advice whatsoever on this part of the application that, by all accounts, is very important, but that he considers to be an “alternative to a resume.”

The one resume that he puts in the book that he highlights as being a good example that would get someone a job is one that he says he likes but that hiring managers always tell him they would never take a second look at…. It is outdated (the applicant graduated college in the 1950s and all the work experience is from the 1970s and 1980s) and is, in my opinion, rather sexist (the writer says that he speaks the language of “men, machinery, and management”) and would be off-putting to a hiring manager nowadays.

He also advocates for knocking on the door of potential employers — most employers that I know would shoo away people who come knocking on their doors looking for a job. My husband works in the front area of an office and does all the hiring and he says that he would be very offended by someone just showing up at his office.

So, my question is, is this book useful? I feel that all of it goes against my gut instincts. Maybe it’s just the career field that I am in where these things are less common. Have any hiring managers read this book? Do you recommend the advice that is in it?

Best answer:

Answer by Smiling
I earned my masters degree in 1991 in HR. I was familiar with the book then but have not read an updated version. Based on your review of the book, I would say that it is reguritating information from 30+ years ago that is now outdated.

Barnes & Noble will allow you to return books for 14 days (maybe 15). I’d go look for a different reference that provides more modern information.

I do agree that networking is the BEST way to find a job. If it’s not working for you, my guess is that you are not completely dedicated to the process. Networking is not going to a business meeting once a month, hoping to meet new people. Networking IS contacting EVERYONE you know (or have ever known) and asking them if they are aware of a positions that you may be qualified for. When they say “no”. You ask them if they know anyone who might know of a position. Then you call that person and say “Mr. Smith suggested I call” and when that person says “no”. You ask if they know of anyone who might be able to help. You have to have a thick skin and be confidient enough to deal with rejection. But it does work!

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