Feb 10th, 2010
The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work
- ISBN13: 9780814472804
- Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
- Notes:
Product Description
It’s amazing the myths one can find in some resume books. Scott Bennett has hired hundreds of people in a variety of industries, and he knows firsthand what kinds of resumes spark the interest of employers. In The Elements of Resume Style, Bennett explains why some of the most popular “tricks” backfire more often than they work, and offers clear, smart strategies for creating resumes and cover letters that get people jobs. From entry-level to executive, users of this invaluable guide will: * See their resume from the employer’s perspective * Avoid the errors most candidates make * Handle job-hopping, employment gaps, and other touchy subjects honestly and effectively * Write cover letters that stand out — and learn the untapped power of the inquiry letter 1,400+ Sample Action Words, Action Statements, and Position Descriptions/Blurbs 200+ Vague Claims to Avoid and 500+ More Words and Phrases to Avoid Sample Resume Format, Sample Response Letter, Sample Inquiry Letter Sample Informational Interview Request Letter Sample Response to Request for Salary Requirements Sample Salary History, Sample References The battle for jobs is tighter than ever. The Elements of Resume Style can help you make sure your first salvo is as powerful and on-target as possible.
5 Responses to “The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work”
The only thing that I found helpful in this book was its lists of action verbs, which is found on the web for free. The rest of the reviews on this book are misleading. I follwed all of the recomendations of this book, and had several HR professionals blast my resume, telling me that that it was too hard to read. Luckily these weren’t people who work for organizations I applied for. I did land interviews with my resume, which follows the guidelines in this book, but I don’t think it’s because of the resumes unique format, it was because of my content.
The author of this book offers suggestions that are completely opposite of what employers want to see. For example this book states that bullet points should be avoided in describing your job, and complete sentences should be used instead. This is wrong because employers want to be able to scan a resume quickly.
This book would probably be helpful to someone who is applying for a job as a professional writer, but for people applying for all other jobs, avoid this book, save your money and visit the web.
Rating: 1 / 5
I can see many of the points Bennett was making. However, his advice does not work for every industry. When I turned to page 52, where you see a one-page sample resume, my first thought was “OMG, this reads like a text message on a cell phone”. It will not work in pharmaceuticals! In addition, Bennett constantly encourages the resume composers to list actual results. He does not elaborate on how to navigate around potential confidentiality issues. Just because a person achieved something great, it does not mean he/she can actually openly brag about it in a resume.
Overall, the book may serve many people well, but it certainly offers no panacea for the more tricky resume requirements.
Rating: 3 / 5
Overall the book gave good advice. I especially like the special sections to homemakers, ex-convicts, veterans, and people in recovery. We all have to learn to sell ourselves to employers if we want to have work we’ll enjoy. I also like the idea of short cover letters. 4 paragraphs is just too long for today’s hiring manager.
The one thing I disagree with is not using bullets in your resume. The resume examples in the book are very text heavy. They’re not the best ways to use the reader’s time. I think it’s good to use bullets to make the resume easier to read. I also wish he made a section for people who’ve been laid off or fired since that happens to so many people nowadays.
Despite my criticisms, I still think it’s a good book. One bit of advice I really like is for lines with no text, you can choose an 8-point font to save space. I tried it and it works with my resume.
Rating: 4 / 5
What’s so good about this book is that is more than just a “how to” for creating a resume. More importantly, it helps to guide you through the thought process of choosing a direction,where you are headed careerwise, what you want out of a job, etc. In this sense it is as much a career book as a resume book. And no parachute is required.
Rating: 5 / 5
This book is a must have for the job hunter. Bennett provided much needed guidance, as well as support and humor, to help me navigate what can often be a painful, disheartening, and time-consuming process. He writes exceptionally well, gives excellent advice, and points out the common job hunting mistakes that most people, including myself, make.
Rating: 5 / 5