Richard Bolles has counseled job seekers for a generation. His influential job search guide "What Color Is Your Parachute?" has helped millions find work.

As millions more struggle from the grip of the Great Recession, Bolles released last week the 40th anniversary edition of the best-seller with a message for beleaguered job seekers.

"I want them to take hope," Bolles said Thursday from his Danville home. "There's something they can do differently to get a better outcome. People need a fresh way of thinking."

Hope can seem in short supply for job seekers. Unemployment remains high. California's unemployment rate is the second-highest in the nation at 12 percent, Sacramento's is even higher at 12.5 percent and Bolles said the average jobless stint has grown to 37 weeks.

But as in his earlier editions of "Parachute," Bolles posits a way out with a mix of hard work and rigorous self-assessment ("The job search is becoming a survival skill," he said).

"The main mistake is that people assume they need more information about the job market. I say you need to do research on yourself first," Bolles said. That means taking stock of your skills, your knowledge and what you enjoy doing most.

He suggests starting by asking yourself some basic questions:

• When were you enjoying yourself at work, at play, while volunteering or doing another activity?

• What skills were you using?

• What gives you fulfillment?

"The mistake is having a job label around your neck. You can change your whole way of how you go about job hunting. If you have certain skills and knowledge, you can look for two or three different career fields," Bolles said.

Bolles knows today's job search is far from easy, but he says it can be successful. He stresses that the Internet isn't a cure-all for the job-search blues – Bolles estimates less than 10 percent of job seekers find work using the Internet as their only job search tool. He recommends networking, volunteering and temp agencies as steps to aid your search.

"The thing you need the most is energy – this is going to be a long haul," Bolles said. "But when you do the hard work, you'll increase the chances of finding not just work, but meaningful work."

Career Expo set Tuesday

More than 20 companies will be recruiting for jobs Tuesday at California Job Journal's Business & Career Expo in Sacramento.

The free event from noon to 4 p.m. at Masonic Temple, 1123 J St., will feature employers including Sprint, The Gap, Heavenly Lake Tahoe and Wells Fargo.

Employment experts will be on hand to critique résumés. Those looking to start their own businesses can meet with counselors and business and franchise representatives.

For more information, call the Job Journal at (888) 843-5627 or visit jobjournal.com.

Restaurant is hiring

A new restaurant in Sacramento's River District is hiring.

Sekou's BBQ, Fried Chicken, Fish & Seafood at 455 Bercut Drive is seeking experienced serving and wait staff ages 21 and older.

Owner Sekou Strivers is clear about what he wants: "Experienced people with good attitudes."

Applicants can apply at the business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Bring résumés.

Contact us

Is your company hiring? Is your organization hosting a career fair? Is your campus rolling out a job skills program? Contact the Job Front at dvsmith@sacbee.com.

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Call The Bee's Darrell Smith, (916) 321-1040.

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