BK BRLL 013448

WHAT
COLOR
IS YOUR
PARACHUTE?
YOUR GUIDE TO A LIFETIME OF
MEANINGFUL WORK AND CAREER SUCCESS
R I C H A R D N . B O LLE S
w i t h K AT H A R I N E B R O O K S
2022
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 3 9/30/21 4:39 PM

THE WAY A TYPICAL
EMPLOYER PREFERS TO FILL
A VACANCY
1 From Within
Promotion of a full-time employee, or promotion of a present part-time
employee, or hiring a former consultant for in-house or contract work, or
6
hiring a former “temp” full-time. Employer’s thoughts: “I want to hire some-
one whose work I have already seen.” (A low-risk strategy for the employer.)
Implication for Job Hunters: See if you can get hired as a temp, contract
worker, or consultant at an organization you have chosen—aiming at a
full-time position only later (or not at all).
2 Using Proof
Hiring an unknown job hunter who brings proof of what he or she can do
in terms of the skills needed.
5
Implication for Job Hunters: If you are a programmer, bring a program
you have done—with its code; if you are a photographer, bring photos;
if you are a counselor, bring a case study with you; and so on.
3 Using a Best Friend or Business Colleague

Hiring someone whose work a trusted friend of yours has seen (perhaps
they worked for him or her).
4
Implication for Job Hunters: Find someone who knows the person-who-
has-the-power-to-hire at your target organization, who also knows your
work and will introduce you two.
4 Using an Agency They Trust

This may be a recruiter or search firm the employer has hired or a private
employment agency—both of which have checked you out, on behalf of
3
the employer.
5 Using an Ad They Have Placed

Usually on an internet job board or on their website. 2
6 Using a Resume
Even if the resume was unsolicited (if the employer is desperate). 1
THE WAY A TYPICAL
JOB HUNTER PREFERS TO
FILL A VACANCY

PLEASURE INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT
P I E
Kind of Practice field survey Informational inter- Employment interview
interview viewing or research or hiring interview
Purpose To get used to talking To find out if you’d like To get hired for the
with people for enjoy- a job, before you go work you have decided
ment; to “penetrate trying to get it you would most like
networks” to do
How you You can take somebody By yourself, or you can By yourself
go to the with you take somebody with
interview you
Who you Anyone who shares A worker who is doing An employer who has
talk to your enthusiasm about the actual work you are the power to hire you
a (for you) non-job- thinking about doing for the job you have
related subject decided you most
would like to do
How long Ten minutes (and don’t Ditto Ditto (or nineteen
a time you run over—asking to see minutes; but notice
ask for them at 11:45 a.m. may the time, and keep
help keep you honest, your word)
since most employers
have lunch appoint-
ments at noon)
What you Any curiosity you have Any questions you have You tell them what it
ask them about your shared about this job or this is you like about their
interest or enthusiasm kind of work organization and what
kind of work you are
If nothing occurs to If nothing occurs to
looking for
you, ask: you, ask:
You tell them:
• How did you start, • How did you get inter-
with this hobby, interested in this work and The kinds of challenges
est, etc.? how did you get hired? you like to deal with.
• What excites or • What excites or What skills you have
interests you the most interests you the most to deal with those
about it? about it? challenges.
• What do you find is • What do you find is What experience you
the thing you like least the thing you like the have had in dealing
about it? least about it? with those challenges
in the past.
• Who else do you • What kinds of chal-
know who shares this lenges or problems do
interest, hobby, or you have to deal with in
enthusiasm, or could this job?
tell me more about my
curiosity?

PLEASURE INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT
P I E
What you • Can I go and see • What skills do you
ask them them? need in order to meet
(continued) those challenges or
• May I mention that it
problems?
was you who suggested
I see them? • Who else do you
know of who does this
• May I say that you
kind of work, or similar
recommended them?
work but with this
Get their name and difference_______?
address.
Get their name and
address.
Afterward: Send a thank-you note. Send a thank-you note. Send a thank-you note.
that same
night
Copyright © 1986 by D. Porot. Used by special permission. Not to be reproduced without permission in writing
from D. Porot.
If the guidance in this book isn’t enough, find a psychologist, counselor,

friend, or coach who will help you practice for your interviews and for
networking situations.

Focus on What You Can Do, Not What You Can’t
To get your mind off what you can’t do and onto what you can, take a
blank sheet, online or off, and divide it into two columns:
I have these skills My favorite skills
Your
Career
BREAKING DOWN A CAREER
field 1 field 2 field 3

BUILDING UP A CAREER
job job job job job job job job job

A B C D E F G H I
activity, activity, activity, activity, activity, activity,

task, role task, role task, role task, role task, role task, role
I II III IV V VI
skill skill skill skill skill skill skill

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Three Types of Career Change, Visualized
A C
Reporter
Accountant
in Change job title
Television
in
Television
Ch
an
ge
Change industry jo Change industry
b
tit
le
an
d
in
du
st
B r y
D
Accountant
Change job title
Reporter
in in Medicine
Medicine
Difficult Path (one step)
More Feasible Path (two steps)

Choose a Career, Change a Career, or Find a Job: What Works
College
Major in One-Woman
Visual Artist
Communications Show
& Business
Public Relations Storyteller with

Move to Ireland
Career the Moth
Artist, Writer,
Corporate Trainer Art School Storyteller,
Speaker
THE TRADITIONAL THE PARACHUTE APPROACH

APPROACH
What you are A job. An ideal job: one that uses your favorite
looking for skills and favorite fields or knowledges.
How you see yourself As not in control. You As a resource who controls the search
will be lucky to get process. They will be lucky to get you.
a job.
Your basic plan Look at job boards for Determine, before you start looking, what
what is available. job would interest and motivate you.
continued 

THE TRADITIONAL THE PARACHUTE APPROACH
APPROACH
Your preparation Do research to find Do homework on yourself, to figure out

out what the job mar- what you do best, and most love to do.
ket wants and what Your best weapon is your enthusiasm!
the “hot jobs” are.
Your best weapon is
your ability to “fit in.”
How you figure out You wait for them to Doing informational interviews, you fig-
which employers identify they have a ure out which organizations most inter-
to approach vacancy. est you—in light of your homework—
even if they do not have an advertised
vacancy at the time.
How you contact Through your resume. Through a bridge person—a connection
them you have made through LinkedIn or
other research.
The purpose of To sell them on why To get a first interview with them.
your resume you should be hired
there.
Your main goal if you To sell them on why To have a great conversation that gets
get an interview you should be hired you another interview there.
there.
What you talk about Yourself, your assets, Their interests and needs. Fifty percent
in the interview your experience. of the time you let them ask the ques-
tions. Fifty percent of the time you ask
them the things you want to know about
the place, and the job there, and how
you can help.
What you’re trying Do they want me? Do I want them? (As well as “Do they
to find out want me?”) Can I do the work I most
love to do here, and at the same time
help them?
How you end the You ask them: “When Determine the best way to convey your
final interview may I hope to hear enthusiasm and ask about the hiring
from you?” (You process. Could an offer be made that
are leaving things day? (You are seeking closure.)
hanging.)
What you do after Send a thank-you Send a thank-you note.

getting the job but note.
Then, keep on quietly looking. (Their
before you start
Then, “it’s over.” Rest, offer may still fall through before you
relax, and savor the start, due to unforeseen developments
successful end to there.)
your job hunt.

Job You
Dream Job
Initially Find
First Possibility Second Possibility Most Desired Possibility

(not very likely) (without this book) (with this book)
1. 6. 6. 1.
2. 7. 7. 2.
3. 8. 8. 3.
4. 9. 9. 4.
5. 10. 10. 5.
They almost match exactly. They overlap to some degree They overlap to some degree
(but in the things you don’t (and in the things you care
much care about). the most about).

THE FLOWER EXERCISE:
A COMPREHENSIVE
SELF -I NVENTORY
Are you ready to start? Let’s take a look at the petals you will be encoun-
tering in this exercise. This self-inventory is a flower with seven petals.
That’s because there are seven sides to you, or seven ways of thinking
about yourself, or seven ways of describing who you are—using the lan-
guage of the workplace:
PEOPLE
PU G
IN RPO K IN NS
R O
LI SE
FE O ITI
W ND
CO
TRAN
RY SFER
SALA A
SKILL BLE
S
KN
Y
PH
OW
RA
LE
OG
DG
GE
ES

R I
R for “Realistic” I for “Investigative”
People who have athletic People who like to observe,
or mechanical ability, learn, investigate, analyze,
prefer to work with objects, evaluate, or solve problems.
machines, tools, plants, or
animals, or to be outdoors.
C for “Conventional” A for “Artistic”

People who like to work People who have artistic,
C A
with data, have clerical innovative, or intuitional
or numerical ability, car- abilities, and like to
rying things out in detail, work in unstructured
or following through on situations, using their
others’ instructions. imagination or creativity.
E for “Enterprising” S for “Social”

People who like to work People who like to
with people—influencing, work with people—to
persuading, performing, inform, enlighten, help,
leading, or managing for train, develop, or cure
organizational goals or for them, or are skilled
economic gain. with words.
E S
BOLL_9781984860347_lay_xp_r1.indd 117 10/6/21 12:02 PM

1 2 3 4
Places I Have Kinds of People Kinds of People Kinds of People I’d

Worked Thus I’d Most Like to Who Drove Me Nuts Prefer Not to Have
Far in My Life Work With, in Order to Work With, in
of Preference Order of Preference
Think back on your No names, but Review column 3 and

favorite people in describe what made rank your top three
the workplace. Who them difficult; e.g., to five most difficult
supported you? bossy, micro people. Consider
Who always pitched managers, talking the opposite trait or
in and helped? too much about characteristic and
Write down the their personal add that to your list
characteristics of problems, always in column 2.
your favorite people left early before the
at work. job was done. List 1b.
these in any order;
When you finish
it doesn’t matter. 2b.
Column 4, return
to this column,
add in any newly 3b.
discovered items,
and reorder your 4b.
favorite traits, if
needed. 5b.
1a.
2a.
3a.
4a.
5a.

The Flower Exercise: A comprehensive Self-I nventory
PRIORITIZING GRID
for 10 items or fewer
EXAMPLE

The Flower Exercise: A comprehensive Self-I nventory
PRIORITIZING GRID
for 10 items or fewer
Fi rit D
rd g
l O in
in rio ON
er
na iz
m r P TI
Ite fte EC
A S
s
1
rd g
An ri A
O in
in io N
y tiz
er
s Pr O
m re TI
2
Ite fo EC
Be S
3
4
1
1
2
2
6
1 2
3
3 3
7
1 2 3
4
4 4 4
8
1 2 3 4
5
5 5 5 5
9
1 2 3 4 5
6
6 6 6 6 6
SECTION B
10
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
7 7 7 7 7 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
8 8 8 8 8 8 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Item number in Section A

SECTION C
 How many times circled in Section B
 Final rank for Section D

The Parachute Skills Grid
Your Seven Stories

In the space to the left, write above each
number, in turn, the name you give to each
story. Begin with Story #1. Then go down
the list and mark the box if you used that
skill in each story.
SKILLS WITH PEOPLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
As my story shows, I can . . .
Initiate, lead, be a pioneer
Supervise, manage
Follow through, get things done
Motivate
Persuade, sell, recruit
Consult
Advise
Coordinate
Negotiate, resolve conflicts
Help people link up or connect
Heal, cure
Assess, evaluate, treat
Convey warmth and empathy
Interview, draw out
Raise people’s self-esteem
Instruct
Teach, tutor, or train (individuals, groups, animals)

SKILLS WITH PEOPLE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
continued
Speak
Listen
Counsel, guide, mentor
Communicate well, in person
Communicate well, in writing
Divert, amuse, entertain, perform, act
Play an instrument
Interpret, speak, or read a foreign language
Serve, care for, follow instructions faithfully
SKILLS WITH DATA/IDEAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Use my intuition
Create, innovate, invent
Design, use artistic abilities, be original
Visualize, including in three dimensions
Imagine
Use my brain
Synthesize, combine parts into a whole
Systematize, prioritize
Organize, classify
Perceive patterns
Analyze, break down into parts
Work with numbers, compute
Remember people, or data, to unusual degree
Develop, improve
continued 

SKILLS WITH DATA/IDEAS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
continued
Solve problems
Plan
Program
Research
Examine, inspect, compare, see similarities and

differences
Use acute senses (hearing, smell, taste, sight)
Study, observe
Compile, keep records, file, retrieve
Copy
SKILLS WITH THINGS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Control, expedite things
Make, produce, manufacture
Repair
Finish, restore, preserve
Construct
Shape, model, sculpt
Cut, carve, chisel
Set up, assemble
Handle, tend, feed
Operate, drive
Manipulate
Use my body, hands, fingers, with unusual dexterity

or strength

My favorite
skill is:
My second My third favorite

favorite skill is: skill is:
My fourth My fifth favorite My sixth favorite

favorite skill is: skill is: skill is:
My seventh My eighth My ninth favorite My tenth favorite

favorite skill is: favorite skill is: skill is: skill is:

The Fisher’s Net
Notes About the Knowledges, Subjects,

or Interests I’ve Picked Up Thus Far in My Life
1. What I know from my previous jobs 2. What I know about or picked

up, outside of work
3. What fields, careers, or industries 4. Any other hunches, bright ideas, great
sound interesting to me ideas, and the like that occur to me
Your Favorite Subjects Matrix

HIGH
3. Subjects for Which You Have 1. Subjects for Which You

Little Enthusiasm but in Which Have Lots of Enthusiasm and in
You Have Lots of Expertise Which You Have Lots of Expertise
BINGO!
EXPERTISE
4. Subjects for Which You Have 2. Subjects for Which You Have
NO
Little Enthusiasm and in Which Lots of Enthusiasm but in Which
You Have Little Expertise You Have Little Expertise
LOW
LOW HIGH
ENTHUSIASM

Housing
Rent or mortgage payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Electricity/gas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Phone/internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Garbage removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Cleaning, maintenance, repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Food
What you spend at the supermarket
and/or farmers’ market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Eating out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Clothing
Purchase of new or used clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Cleaning, dry cleaning, laundry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Automobile/transportation
Car payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Gas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Public transportation (bus, train, plane). . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Insurance
Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Medical or health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
House and personal possessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Medical expenses
Doctors’ visits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Prescriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Fitness costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Support for other family members
Child care costs (if you have children) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Child support (if you’re paying that). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Support for your parents (if you’re helping out). . . . . . . $__________

Charity giving/tithe (to help others). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
School/learning
Children’s costs (if you have children in school) . . . . . . $__________
Your learning costs (adult education,
job-hunting classes). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Student loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Pet care (if you have pets). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Bills and debts (usual monthly payments)
Credit cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Other obligations you pay off monthly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Taxes
Federal (annual return, divided by twelve months). . . . $__________
State (likewise). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Local/property (annual, divided by twelve months). . . . $__________
Tax help (if you ever use an accountant, or
pay a friend to help you with taxes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Savings (what you currently deposit each month). . . . . . . $__________
Retirement contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Amusement/discretionary spending
Movies, Netflix, other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Other entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Reading: newspapers, magazines, books . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Gifts (birthdays, holidays, anniversaries) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Vacations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________
Total Amount You Need Each Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $__________

The Flower
BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 186
“That One Piece of Paper”
1
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BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 187
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LinkedIn Rubric for Job Seekers
COMPETITIVE SATISFACTORY NEEDS

IMPROVEMENT
Picture Professional Professional No picture or

headshot appearance, but unprofessional
poor background
Clear and non- Picture with some-
distracting Unprofessional attire one cut out
background
Attire appropriate
for field
Headline Focuses on titles, Some titles and skills Job title only
skills, and keywords listed
Just indicates “job
for industry
No mention seeker”
Articulates of industry or
If student, just says
professional goal professional goal
“Student at . . .”
Indicates what you’re
Doesn’t highlight
seeking
skills or expertise
“About” Section Clear description of Description of skills No summary

(Summary) skills, strengths, and and achievements,
Poorly written
accomplishments but too short (lacks
or contains
detail) or too long (to
Use of relevant misspellings
be read)
keywords to target
Discrepancy
industry
between resume
Follows and and content
enhances resume
Experience Relevant skills, Lists main skills and Leaves out key
responsibilities, responsibilities, is information; no
or achievements either incomplete or description of skills,
highlighted too detailed responsibilities, or
achievements
No typos or
grammar issues Dates are missing or
confusing
Dates accurate and
current Typos or
grammatical errors
Uses keywords and
language relevant to
target industry
continued 

IMPROVEMENT
Education Clear listing of Lists high school and Failure to list colleges
undergraduate and college but provides or other education
graduate schools no details
Typos or
attended
grammatical errors
Includes other
Dates are missing or
relevant training
confusing
programs, including
high school (for net-
working purposes)
Major and other
relevant information
included
Skills and Skills listed are Skills listed, but not No skills listed in the
Recommendations relevant to desired all relevant to target skill section
industry industries
No
Skills are described Recommendations recommendations
elsewhere in profile are provided, but not
relevant for target
Skills are endorsed
industries
by others
Recommendations
are visible
Use Hashtags
#Careers #JobOpening
#CareerAdvice #Jobs
#CareerDevelopment #JobSearch
#Employment #JobSearching
#HireMe #JobSearchTips
#Hiring #Jobseeking

Types of Resumes
TRADITIONAL FUNCTIONAL COMBINATION CREATIVE
Basic Divide resume Divide resume Divide experi- Varies according

Structure into education, by skills or ence into to the position
experience, and competencies. categories based sought and skills
other sections. Use education on work area needed. Can
Place each sec- and experiences (“marketing”) involve unique
tion’s entries in to illustrate and or theme/skill fonts, colors,
reverse chrono- support these (“leadership”) structure, or
logical order, competencies. most relevant to illustrations.
beginning with Doesn’t always employer. Within
most recent. include dates of each category
experience or use reverse
education. chronological
order.
Purpose/ Most traditional By focusing on Generally, the Directly

Value and common. experiences most powerful demonstrates
Works for and skills, and format for most creative skills
most stages of not dates, this positions. Works and ability to
life. Easiest to resume can help best when you use Photoshop,
construct. Works when you want want to highlight Illustrator, or
best when you to highlight skills related education other creative
have a consistent rather than how and experience computer
employment you attained that may not be software.
record that fits them, when your most recent
the field you’re you’re switching experience, or
seeking. to a completely when you want
new career field, to combine
when there are experience from
gaps in employ- different areas.
ment, or when
you’re returning
to the workplace
after significant
time away.
continued 

TRADITIONAL FUNCTIONAL COMBINATION CREATIVE
Downsides If your most Because it’s Harder to write Creativity is

to This recent education generally used by initially. Requires subjective. What
Approach or experience people with gaps you to consider is creative to one
doesn’t fit the in experience, subcategories employer may be
position you’re employers may you will create seen as odd or
seeking, this will be concerned that an employer inappropriate to
not show you at that you’re hiding would want another. Harder
your best. something. (If to see. to gauge audi-
you have gaps, ence reaction,
be prepared to since resume
explain them in may be viewed
your cover letter by noncreative
or interview.) types.
How to Use when you Use, with caution, Use when you Use, with caution,
Choose have experience when you want can divide your when a creative
Which that directly the employer to education or approach would
to Use relates to the focus on your experience into fit directly with
position you skills and com- categories that the position you
seek. petencies rather relate to your seek. You might
than on dates or desired field. still want to cre-
how you acquired ate a more tradi-
the experience. tional resume to
accompany your
creative effort.

Resume Rubric for Job Seeker

IMPROVEMENT
Format Fills the page Fills one page Inappropriate length

and Overall for position: too short
Not overcrowded or Consistent font size
Content or too long
sparse and type, bolding, and
section titles Difficult to read
No spelling or
grammatical errors No spelling or gram- Inconsistent font size
matical errors and type, bolding, and
Consistent font size
section titles
and type, bolding, and Name and contact
section titles info clear and Multiple spelling or
complete grammatical errors
Appropriate length for
position and years of Experience generally Fails to include
experience in reverse chronologi- contact info, or
cal order email address is
Name and contact
unprofessional
info clear and
complete Inconsistent
presentation of
Sections are ordered
information
in optimal fashion
Order of sections is
Content within
not ideal
sections is in reverse
chronological order Not in reverse
chronological order
No graphics
continued 

IMPROVEMENT
Experience Title, organization, Uses some action Uses “responsible for”

Section where and when verbs
Does not use action
worked presented
Descriptions highlight verbs
consistently
experience but not
Title, organization,
Uses strong action clearly or concisely
where and when
verbs
No spelling or worked not presented
Descriptions highlight grammar errors consistently
skills and accom-
Descriptions don’t Does not
plishments clearly,
always consider describe skills or
concisely, and
relevance to employer accomplishments
effectively
Mixes use of active Descriptions do not
Skills relevant to
and passive tone highlight skills
position sought
Presents information
Focuses on relevance
not relevant to
to employer
employer
Spelling or grammar
errors
Education Lists degrees Lists degrees Does not list degree or

Section received, dates, name received, name of graduation date
of institution(s), and institution, and GPA
Fails to include
GPA (if 3.0 or better) (if 3.0 or better)
additional training
Describes relevant or other relevant
coursework education
Describes relevant Presents information
experience, including inconsistently or is
internships, honors, otherwise difficult to
study abroad understand
Presents information
in a consistent and
easy-to-read manner

EMPLOYER’S THE FEAR THE POINT PHRASES YOU
QUESTION BEHIND THE YOU TRY TO MIGHT USE TO
QUESTION GET ACROSS GET THIS ACROSS
“Tell me about The employer is You are a good In describing your

yourself.” afraid he/she isn’t employee, as you work history, use
going to conduct a have proved in the any honest phrases
very good interview, past at your other you can about your
by failing to ask the jobs. (Give the brief- work history that are
right questions. Or is est history of who self-complimentary:
afraid there is some- you are, interests, “Hard worker.”
thing wrong with you, hobbies, and kind “Came in early,
and is hoping you will of work you have left late.” “Always
blurt it out. enjoyed the most to did more than was
date. Keep it to two expected of me.”
minutes, max.) And so on. Back up
your statements with
examples.
“What kind of The employer is You are looking for If the employer
work are you afraid that you are precisely the kind of hasn’t described
looking for?” looking for a different work the employer the job at all, say,
job than that which is offering (but don’t “I’d be happy to
the employer is say that if it isn’t answer that, but first
trying to fill; for true). Repeat back I need to under-
example, they want to the employer, in stand exactly what
an assistant, but you your own words, kind of work this
want to be an office what they have said job involves.” Then
supervisor. about the job, and answer, as at left.
emphasize the skills
you have to do that.
“Have you The employer is You have skills that “I pick up stuff very
ever done this afraid you don’t pos- are transferable, quickly.” “I have
kind of work sess the necessary from whatever you quickly mastered any
before?” skills and experience used to do, and you job I have ever done.”
to do this job. did it well. Share how your past
relates, offering
examples.
continued 

“Why did you The employer is Say whatever If you left voluntarily:
leave your afraid you don’t positive things you “My boss and I
last job?” Or get along well with possibly can about both felt I would be
“How did you people, especially your former boss happier and more
get along with bosses, and is just and coworkers effective in a job
your former waiting for you to (without telling where [here describe
boss and bad-mouth your lies). Emphasize your strong points,
coworkers?” previous boss or that you usually get such as ‘I would have
coworkers as proof along very well with more room to use
of that. people—and then my initiative and
let your gracious creativity’].” If you
attitude toward your were fired: “Usually,
previous boss(es) I get along well with
and coworkers prove everyone, but in this
it, right before this particular case the
employer’s very eyes boss and I just didn’t
(and ears). get along with each
other. Difficult to say
why.” You don’t need
to say anything more
than that. If you were
laid off and your job
wasn’t filled after
you left: “My job was
terminated.”
“How is your The employer is Just because the You can find a way to
health?” Or afraid you will be question is illegal say, “My productivity
“How much absent from work doesn’t mean you always exceeded
were you a lot if they hire can’t address their other workers’ in my
absent from you. Unfortunately hidden fear. Even if previous jobs.” Share
work during for them, and they never mention a story or example to
your last job?” fortunately for you, it, you can try to back this up.
this is a question disarm that fear.
they cannot legally
ask you.
“Can you The employer is You love to work, and “During the gaps in
explain why afraid that you are you regard times my work record, I
you’ve been the kind of person when things aren’t was studying/doing
out of work so who quits a job the going well as chal- volunteer work/
long?” Or “Can minute they don’t lenges, which you raising my children/
you tell me why like something about enjoy learning how to doing some hard
there are these it; in other words, conquer. thinking about my
gaps in your that you have no mission in life/
work history?” “stick-to-it-iveness.” finding redirection.”
(Usually said (Choose one.)
after studying
your resume.)

“Wouldn’t this The employer is You will stick with “I like the duties of
job represent afraid you could this job as long this position, and
a step down command a bigger as you and the I have the skills to
for you?” Or “I salary somewhere employer agree this do it well.” “We have
think this job else and will is where you should mutual fears; every
would be way therefore leave this be working. employer is afraid a
beneath your employer as soon good employee will
talents and as something better leave too soon, and
experience.” turns up. every employee is
Or “Don’t afraid the employer
you think might fire them, for
you would be no good reason.” “I
underemployed like to work, and I
if you took give my best to every
this job?” job I’ve ever had.”
And finally, The employer is You have limitations Mention a weakness

“Tell me, what afraid you have some just like anyone and then stress its
is your greatest character flaw, and else, but you work positive aspect; for
weakness?” hopes you will now constantly to example, “I don’t
rashly blurt it out. improve yourself and like to be over-
be a more and more supervised, because
effective worker. I have a great deal of
initiative, and I like to
anticipate problems
before they even
arise.”

Candidate Evaluation Form
Name of Candidate: ___________________________ Position: ________________ Date: ____________
Interviewed by: _______________________________
5-6 3-4 1-2

Ratings Comments
Excellent Average Poor
Appearance: Well-dressed;
neat appearance; appropri-
ate clothing; professional
demeanor. No fidgeting or
distracting behavior.
Resume and other materials:

Professional and neat. Well-
organized. Provided portfolio
or other work examples.
Interpersonal skills: Good

handshake and eye con-
tact. Friendly; courteous;
enthusiastic/interested.
Knowledge of position: Clear

understanding of position.
Researched the organiza-
tion. Asked good questions.
Conveyed knowledge.
Skills to perform job well:

Previous direct or related
experience to key functions.
Confidence in performance
ability.
Communication: Speaks
clearly, concisely, and con-
fidently. Strong answers to
questions. Good grammar.
Appropriate volume for set-
ting. Listens well.
Leadership potential:
Demonstrates interest in
others. Project management
experience. Motivator.
Overall evaluation:
272

A − B = C
  
Skills, Knowledge, and Traits Skills, Skills, Knowledge, and Traits
Needed to Run This Kind of Knowledge, Needed That I Need to Acquire
Business Successfully and Traits or Hire Someone Else to Do
That I Have
Thorough knowledge of higher YES

education and the college admissions
process
Thorough knowledge of financial aid YES

systems
Strong relationships with college YES

admissions officers and other
representatives
Coaching and counseling skills with YES

adolescents, including understanding
of family dynamics in the college
selection process
Entrepreneurial traits: hardworking, ACQUIRED Already a hard worker, but as an

self-promoting, social, and so on introvert had to develop more self-
promotion skills and learn to be more
social at events to meet more people.
Certification as an Education Planner ACQUIRED Studied and trained before taking

certification exam.
Ability to travel to at least fifteen col- YES

leges a year to maintain certification
Accounting: bookkeeping, billing, SOME Taught self to use an accounting soft-

and taxes ware program for home businesses,
but sends taxes to accountant.
Website design and upkeep ACQUIRED Taught self to design a website.
Ability to use Skype and other online ACQUIRED Majority of appointments are through
communication systems internet, so taught self to use most
common systems, including an online
scheduling calendar system.
Computer research skills, including ACQUIRED Learned which research data-

purchasing and using databases and bases are needed to run business.
Excel programs Purchased and learned to use them
effectively.

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WHAT

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 3 9/30/21 4:39 PM

3 Using a Best Friend or Business Colleague

4 Using an Agency They Trust

5 Using an Ad They Have Placed

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 11 9/30/21 4:39 PM

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 60 9/30/21 4:39 PM

If the guidance in this book isn’t enough, find a psychologist, counselor,

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 61 9/30/21 4:39 PM

I have these skills My favorite skills

field 1 field 2 field 3

job job job job job job job job job

activity, activity, activity, activity, activity, activity,

skill skill skill skill skill skill skill

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 64 9/30/21 4:39 PM

Difficult Path (one step)

More Feasible Path (two steps)

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 80 9/30/21 4:39 PM

Public Relations Storyteller with

THE TRADITIONAL THE PARACHUTE APPROACH

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 83 9/30/21 4:39 PM

Your preparation Do research to find Do homework on yourself, to figure out

What you do after Send a thank-­you Send a thank-­you note.

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 86 9/30/21 4:39 PM

First Possibility Second Possibility Most Desired Possibility

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 107 9/30/21 4:39 PM

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 111 9/30/21 4:39 PM

C for “Conventional” A for “Artistic”

E for “Enterprising” S for “Social”

BOLL_9781984860347_lay_xp_r1.indd 117 10/6/21 12:02 PM

Places I Have Kinds of People Kinds of People Kinds of People I’d

Think back on your No names, but Review column 3 and

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BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 121 9/30/21 4:39 PM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  Item number in Section A

 How many times circled in Section B

 Final rank for Section D

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 123 9/30/21 4:39 PM

Your Seven Stories

SKILLS WITH PEOPLE

Initiate, lead, be a pioneer

Follow through, get things done

Persuade, sell, recruit

Negotiate, resolve conflicts

Help people link up or connect

Assess, evaluate, treat

Convey warmth and empathy

Interview, draw out

Raise people’s self-esteem

Teach, tutor, or train (individuals, groups, animals)

BOLL_Parachute2022_Fp_v5.indd 140 9/30/21 4:39 PM

Counsel, guide, mentor

Communicate well, in person

Communicate well, in writing

Divert, amuse, entertain, perform, act

Interpret, speak, or read a foreign language

Serve, care for, follow instructions faithfully

SKILLS WITH DATA/IDEAS

Create, innovate, invent

Design, use artistic abilities, be original

Visualize, including in three dimensions

Synthesize, combine parts into a whole

Analyze, break down into parts

What you do after Send a thank-you Send a thank-you note.

Name of Candidate: _______________ Position: Date:

5-6 3-4 1-2