Book Description

An informative and up-to-date resource for job seekers who are looking for solid direction from Fortune 500 executives.War, recession, and political uncertainty have forced many corporations to regroup, and downsizing has been the dreaded outcome for millions of workers.Fired and laid-off employees are swelling the ranks of job seekers and creating stiff competition for a dwindling number of positions.In this harsh business climate, manyapplicants are finding that just getting in the door for an interview poses an enormous challenge.

So what's happening on the other side of the desk-as employers review huge piles of prospective resumes?What catches their attention?What turns them off?Author Brenda Greene surveyed 50 Fortune 500 employers to find out and gained valuable insight into just what it takes to command attention and interest in a crowded field.Packed with sample resumes and cover letters that represent what hiring managers, directors, and vice presidents want to see, Get the Interview Every Time shows and tells what's expected versus what's rejected.

Readers will learn how to:
* Research the company and its opportunities before sending any resumes.
* Distill all of their talent and experience into afew well-chosen words.
* Showcase their communication skills through a well-crafted cover letter.
* Avoid hype and "resume-speak"-easily spotted and reviled.
* Determine the resume style that looks and works the best.
* Design and submit an electronic resume correctly.

Get the Interview Every Time breaks down the monumental task of landing an interview into a series of manageable steps, easy to understand and inspiring to follow.Designed to transform confused, disheartened job applicants into savvy, prospective employees, Getthe Interview Every Time shows how to "open the gates" through sensible, targeted self-marketing. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Very Useful
I'm not applying to a Fortune 500 Company, but this book is still a big help. It not only talks about resume guidelines but also cover letters, interviews, networking, and internet tips. The information is up to date and to the point. A thing I like about this book is that it is shorter than many other resume books. Which is good because it can be discouraging trying to do all the exercises the big resume books tell you to go through. This book helps you get a fanatastic resume tailored to the specific job you are applying to in a minimal amount of time.

A Résumé That Gets You in the Door
Looking for a job is a lot easier with this book for
many reasons. First, the author surveyed Fortune 500
Human Resources executives, asking what they look for
in a résumé. Who better to poll than the people who
make decisions about résumés every day? This type of
first-hand information alone makes the book an
invaluable resource, and the rest of it gets down to
the nuts and bolts. Based on the Fortune 500 feedback,
the author provides a wealth of specifics on the
difficult process of writing résumés and cover letters
that resonate with the people on the receiving end. Of
great practical value are the examples of
before-and-after résumés. This approach illustrates
how to position your work history and personal
attributes to maximum advantage. And the
recommendations on use of language and formatting help
in creating professional, well-written documents. The
chapter on how to submit résumés by e-mail demystifies
this process. And an added bonus is the critique of

one résumé by several of the Human Resources people
interviewed for the book. Finally, the 68 pages of
résumés at the end of the book make it easy for anyone
to find approaches and language suited to their needs.
This book can help anyone to focus and fine-tune the
job-search process?not to mention gain confidence.

Happier Hunting
I love this book. It's well conceived, well written and well designed.
First, Greene uses resume tips from the biggest employers in the country. They're the ones who screen the cv's, so who better could tell me what they look for? I feel like I have an insiders guide.
Second, the writing is clear and fresh, unlike so many other resume guides I've seen. There are dozens of sample resumes, critiqued by the pros, that include a range of careers and levels in a variety of hierarchies. The samples also address how to present some very diverse skills and backgrounds, including some that are not normally covered. What a change of pace! It makes this book readable for interest sake, not only for practical use.
Third, the book design makes it easy to read. The type is comfortably spaced. There are lots of sub heads and graphic aids to guide readers through the various sections. So, it can be read either from front to back or by skipping around the pages.
It makes the first steps of job hunting a whole lot happier.

Winning Resumes
"Get The Interview Every Time" is, by far, the best book on resumes. With all the many choices of resume examples to choose from, any one of them would win you the interview with the company you desire to work for.

Good Book
This is a simple, straight-forward, easy to understand reference for getting your foot in the door and landing that career. It is an excellent book that is recommended for anyone looking for that new job or trying to land their first one. ... Read more

Book Description

Shows where to find federal jobs and how to navigate the different application processes for the many federal agencies. Expert step-by-step guidance and resume samples for applying for jobs with the federal government. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Guidebook Gets Results
I purchased a copy of this book about 3 years ago. Besides lots of good guidance for developing resume content, it includes some excellent examples of federal resumes for different "grade" levels. These examples are displayed using effective presentation formats that will help you with layout and "white space". I found them to be extremely helpful in preparing my first federal resume. Until then, I'd developed and used either a very detailed SF-171 or a 2-page commercial resume, but nothing in between.
Using this Guidebook to get started probably saved me half as much time as I'd have otherwise spent in crafting and polishing a new resume. I used my federal resume as part of my application package for a GS-15 position. I was selected for the job from among 30 or so applicants. I think that the form and content of this resume was a strong contributing factor in my selection!

Who'd have known writing a resume would be so complex?
I am currently staying with my two daughters in Laurel, Maryland and recently attended a TSA Job Fair at Dulles Airport. I was encouraged to apply online right then and there for a job at Erie Airport. I did so and then realized that I was not prepared to immediately attach a FEDERAL RESUME. I was told by the TSA representative at the airport to send it via fax or email as soon as possible with the application number that I was given last Saturday after applying online.

When I asked my wife what a FEDERAL RESUME was, she told me that it was quite different than the one and two page resumes she has written for me. She told me that she had just received your book, THE FEDERAL RESUME GUIDEBOOK, in the mail and was amazed at how very informative and comprehensive it is. She is now awaiting the templates that she ordered, but warned me that this was not something she could whip up in a few hours. She suggested that I contact you and the impressive team of professionals at THE RESUME PLACE for some urgent help!

I am not sure that I can afford your services in my state of unemployment, but my wife said, after reading your book, that she was quite sure that I couldn't afford to be WITHOUT your professional help! I don't know if looking for a new career in government at my age is realistic, but I am determined to give it a try if you feel it is in the realm of possible.

Thanks for writing such a wonderful book. I wish I had read it 35 years ago!

Book Review - Career Opportunity News, March/April 2004
The author describes how to present your qualifications so that they will appeal to government personnel officers, how to locate federal job announcements, and how to move up in your career once hired...This is a good, thorough review of how to approach federal agencies, written and designed in a reader-friendly style.

Terrific Service for Federal Job Hunters
This book is a comprehensive guide for people looking for a federal job. It not only helps with the basics, such as preparing a resume and writing "KSAs," but it also provides great tips for specific situations, lots of examples, and even job search strategies. This is the ultimate resource for anyone wanting a career in national public service.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It is helping me so much. I was totally dumfounded as to how to do these mysterious KSAs and this book helped me tremendously. Also, I was doing my resume all wrong and after reading the book feel much more confident that I will catch the attention of the federal agencies where I want to work. ... Read more

Book Description

IndustriesCareers for MBAs profiles a host of industries and careers that hire newly minted MBAs. Its the perfect starting point for MBAs ready to research their next career. This WetFeet Insider Guide coversindustries andcareer functions key jobs for MBAs, with current salary ranges and overall job prospects top-ranked companies and common career tracks. ... Read more

Book Description

Want to land your dream IT job? Learn how to get noticed as an IT applicant with this practical guide. You'll find the best practices for submitting resumes in the e-world--and a full chapter devoted to writing an effective cover letter.Also included are more than 50 job profiles, 50 annotated resumes illustrating important dos and don'ts, and interviews with real IT hiring managers explaining what they are looking for. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Get this book if you want the ultimate edge.......
After following the advice from this book, I went on to secure what I now consider to be my ultimate job. Being fine-tuned for the I.T. industry, it easily surpasses the advice from any other resume or career-oriented book. Consider it a worthy investment in your future, the returns far surpass the purchase price.

This Book is Awesome!
I've just recently read "Ace the IT Resume!" and I can't wait to put this excellent advice into practice. I've had a lot of jobs, hence a lot of resumes, over the years, and I can see some things I've done wrong. With the information here, I'm sure my "new and improved" resumes will get the attention I deserve! Nice job everyone!

Ace the IT Resume!
This book is excellent!!! If you think your resume is good, think again. Follow the steps in this book and you'll see a totally new person. I used it in conjunction with Ace the IT Job Interview and it got me a job.

Absolutely Horrifying!
I do not know where these women got their credentials, but they are WAY off the mark! DO NOT LIE ON YOUR RESUME! No matter what this book recommends! For instance, the authors state: "If your offical title is Tech Level I, you might be responsible for database administration, PC support, and webmaster duties. If you're hoping to move into DBA, list 'database administrator' as the job title and as the first bullet describe your responsibilities in this function." Wrong, wrong, wrong! As a hiring manager and interviewer, if I discover you lied about your job title, especially when you were a Tech I and you claimed to be a DBA, I will wonder what else you lied about. And believe me, I'll find out when I call your previous employers to verify your employment history. No, instead, when in this situation, downplay, emphasize the job title you want, and even omit your job titles, and use the opportunity to emphasize your skills. That way, even if you don't have the right job title, you can demonstrate to me that it doesn't matter. But NEVER, EVER lie or deliberately mislead anyone. Then they'll just feel like you were trying to trick them, which is NOT very impressive.

The best tech resume book on the market
My survey of resume books was disappointing until I found this one. This book helped me translate my military experience into a robust resume better than any "military transition" book I read. No question it will work the same for recent college grads or self-employed IT folks. The authors understand the differences the tech people face when creating a resume vs. the standard admin/clerical/business formats. Plenty of examples included--I didn't need to buy an extra book for sample resumes to cover a range of scenarios and backgrounds. It took my average resume and streamlined it into an effective, TARGETED tool. I was pretty impressed and now recommend it to everyone in the sector looking for a job. ... Read more

Book Description

Top resume writers share their secrets to help you land the job you want! Members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers have pooled their expertise to create 101 of the very best resumes available anywhere. Find out how you can create cover letters and resumes that get jobs, target your resume for specific positions, use different formats to get noticed, and much more. Throughout the book are more than 175 street-smart tips on everything from interviewing, to salary negotiating, networking, and working with executive recruiters. Get the best of the best resumes to help you compete in today's tough job market. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

101 Best... has great tips in the back!
I bought this book based on the reivews in this site, and it is a really good one. The resumes have a wide variety of examples and are very high-powered/professional. But to my surpirse, there are 200 quick and lean job search tips in the back, and they're great. They helped out on interviewing, writing resumes and letters, working with headhunters and interviewing. This is a great value if you need a job search book.

Resumes that match candidate skills with employer's needs
This book is very good for several reasons: It gives the best variety of resumes (the best from the Professional Association of Resume Writers, over 1000 members), just enough how-to without overkill and 200 tips bulleted off in the back that are very information rich (see back cover copy). The resumes focus on positioning the candidate's skills and matching them to the employer needs. The book also includes sample cover letters that are more action-oriented than the typical ones I saw in other books. I found several resumes that I could emulate and use, particularly those on pages 56 and 118.

Good Value
I found the book to be very helpful. It had some useful tips and sample resumes and cover letters. One of the best books of its type I've ever seen

Boring and a waste of time!
I bought this book based on all of the favorable review's and was greatly disappointed. As a recent college graduate in the humanities, I found it to be a big waste of time and money! If you are not interested in finding a job, buy this book!

Good Pick
My wife got me this book for Christmas through Amazon.com to follow up with my New Year's resolution to look for new opportunities in healthcare. This book is pretty good - it has a lot of varying kinds of resumes and good tips for overall job search, interviewing, and networking. ... Read more

Book Description

Lisa Alexander, formerly Regional Recruiter with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is currently Executive Director with LA Consulting. Lisa has authored PharmRepSelect a comprehansive guide to Getting a Job in Pharmaceutical Sales. The author covers the industry from A to Z with insightful, easy to read and practical information that will help you focus your approach and secure employment as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. By reading PharmRepSelect you will learn the essential steps to get the interview and secure the job offer with the company that fits your needs. Lisa shares her years of experience and wisdom. You will learn the selection process from theHiring Manager's perspective. PharmRepSelect is an anecodotal and informational guide that is essential for anyone entering and considering a career in this field. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

This Book Simply Lands Jobs!
Great book gives you all the insider information that you need to get the job of your dreams. I am in the final interview process with the regional manager and couldn't be happier. I loved the book and used all of the knowledge from it to get by my first 5 interviews with a breeze. Great book, low price, can't beat it. Thanks Lisa for all the help!

Great Book & Even Greater Service
Prior to reading this book I felt I had a very good idea of what landing a pharmaceutical job would take. After reading the book I quickly realized that I may have been giving myself a bit too much credit. The Manger Surveys, sample interview questions, brag book suggestions, and follow-up chapters are the one's I found most informative. This book definitely taught me techniques that will help me stand out from the crowd both before and after securing an interview.

The service provided by Lisa Alexander and her staff have also been excellent. I have e-mailed Lisa and her staff approximately four times since completing the book and have received a reply within 24 hours every time. The questions she has answered and tips she has offered me via e-mail alone are worth the $29.95 I paid for the book.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone that is serious about entering the Pharmaceutical Sales Industry.

Excellent Book & Even Better Service
Prior to reading this book I felt I had a very good idea of what landing a pharmaceutical job would take. After reading the book I quickly realized that I may have been giving myself a bit too much credit. The Manger Surveys, sample interview questions, brag book suggestions, and follow-up chapters are the one's I found most informative. This book definitely taught me techniques that will help me stand out from the crowd both before and after securing an interview.

The service provided by Lisa Alexander and her staff have also been excellent. I have e-mailed Lisa and her staff approximately four times since completing the book and have received a reply within 24 hours every time. The questions she has answered and tips she has offered me via e-mail alone are worth the $29.95 I paid for the book.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone that is serious about entering the Pharmaceutical Sales Industry.

Most comprehensive and encouraging resource you will find
After too many job rejections, I was about to give up- PharmRepSelect was recommended to me by the Manager that interviewed me but did not offer me the job- He knew it would help my interview performance. It did , every page is filled with practical, sound usable advice. The examples and stories are so clear that I was able to immediately see what I could do better on my next interview. I am now in the industry and recommend this book to anyone that is discouraged. PharmRepSelect will keep you from giving up and increase your chances tenfold of getting the job offer.

no help at all
This book won't help you much at all. There's nothing in here you won't find in some of the other books that have much more to offer. I also bought the cd, it sounds like something a high school speech class put together.
When you buy the book and cd together, you're supposed to be able to e-mail questions to the author directly. I tried that and never heard back from her even once. ... Read more

From the Publisher

Step-by-step, fool-proof instructions to guide any health professions student, graduate, or practitioner through what can be an agonizing process of writing these important documents. Learn how to identify and describe your accomplishments to emphasize your strengths.Includes examples of actual résumés and personal statements. Also details how to use cover and thank-you letters to establish relationships with interviewers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An extremely valuable resource for medical students.
Dr. Tysinger draws on his extensive experience advising medical students to share useful strategies for the match process. He offers practical tips for preparing personal statements and CVs, and gives particular attention to the process of identifying personal experiences and strengths and developing "marketing strategies" for residency interviews. Lots of examples are provided to help illustrate the variety of experiences that can be discussed in a personal statement. Dr. Tysinger also provides worksheets for the applicant to complete to aid in the writing process. Much of the advice provided will be of great help to physicians further along in their careers, as well as other health professionals. This book will be particularly helpful to the medical student who is having difficulty with his/her personal statement because "I haven't done anything except go to medical school for the last four years!" This book can help you identify your strengths and unique abilities, no matter what you've done (or haven't done) and no matter what your specialty choice is. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Beat out the competition for the best jobs

Create an image of accomplishment, professionalism, and competence that today’s employers are begging for! Job-seekers have paid hundreds of dollars for the expertise in these dynamic guides — and regarded every cent as well spent! With these job-landing tools on your desktop, you’ll have the same savvy working for you, for far, far less — with the same great results.

101 Best Resumes packs tried-and-proven advice you’ll use to:
*Create a resume that gets you in the door
*Target your resume for a specific positions - over 70 different categories are covered
*Experiment with traditional and new formats
*More!

101 Best Cover Letters shows you how to put together compelling letters to accompany your resume. Learn how to:
*Ignite interest with the first two sentences
*Turn references into endorsements
*Send your cover letter online
*Pick up smart interviewing tips...negotiate a higher salary use the Internet in your job search...work with recruiters... and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

GREAT Book, BUT NOT in Digital Format
Great examples of cover letters with explanation of what makes them great, but I only know this because I bought the printed version after not being able to read the examples AT ALL in the downloaded digital version. I even tried reading on a 19" high resolution monitor using the PC version of Microsoft Reader, .

The problem is that even though Microsoft Reader allows one to change the fonts of the print to suit the reader, scanned images like ALL the cover letter examples are not scalable, so it is impossible to distinguish an e from an o, l from an i, and so on.

Amazon should not sell books with graphics and fixed images in digital format, or at least should warn customers of the issue before they pay to download a book in digital format that has over 70% in unscalable, unreadable format.

GREAT FOR THE NEWBIES or EXPERTS OUT THERE!
This book was a great investment! The cover letters give you examples to use in your own letter and show you the strengths found in each cover. I actually took a highlighter to this book and highlighted my favorite lines and ideas out of certain letters. I then implemented them into my letter. Great for everyone, the professional or the inexperienced. YOU NEED THIS BOOK!

I was very disappointed with this purchase.
I was very disappointed with this purchase. The only subject the letters cover is for use in getting a job. If I had known that it was strictly targeting getting a job I would have never purchased this. I was looking for a book that had a variety of letters you would find useful in the business world, not getting a job.

Best on the market
This is the best book of its kind on the market. It's letters were varied and covered more topics than I needed, but will use in the future. Definitely worth the [money]!

the best letter which is ever readed?
ya this is good book and i can tell that everyone should read this ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A great resume book even for a novice like myself.
This book breaks down what makes a resume great; title, skills, and all the things you need to know on how to write a damn good resume is in this book. It covers everything from IT technician, to Administrative assistance. It gives you examples on how to go for the job, and get it on the spot, and shows what to put, and what not to put on a resume.
This book is a definite get for anyone wondering on how to write a functional resume and make you feel like you are the king of the world. The books gives MANY examples for people who dont know how to write good resume's, and trust me it is HARD!
This book takes your hand, and shows you that you can write a good resume, and it is great for someone who is looking for a job, but dont know how to write a good resume, this book is a MUST GET for a employer.

THIS IS THE BEST RESUME GUIDE!
i think that yana parker's damn good resume guides are DAMN good there the best around and anyone looking for help at writing a resume or anything to do with a resume should definitly look at the damn good resumes, whether your in high school just graduating or your 60 looking for a new job and new resume yana parkers book are the place to go!

Excellent Book!
This book is excellent in content and well written.

Guide Gives Examples of Resumes that Solve Problems
Well organized book of resumes. Career fields include office support, finance, education, sales management, youth and students, human resources, technical and computers. Solutions are offered to problems such as gaps in employment, putting together an attractive resume with minimal word processing software, lacking paid experience, a confusing work record, and having only part time employment. A list of these types of problems is followed by resumes that model their solutions.

As originally published in the Annotated Bibliography of "Learning A Living; A Guide to Planning Your Career and Finding a Job For People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, an Dyslexia."

200 not so good examples
I was very disapointed in this resume guide. Not fresh or powerful and not much worth using here. ... Read more

Book Description

Damn Good Resume Guide

A Crash Course in Resume Writing, Revised by Yana Parker

Yana Parker has helped hundreds of thousands of job seekers write and refine their resumes to damn near perfection. Her resume guides have been praised for their user-friendly style and savvy advice and, rightly so, have become staples in libraries, career centers, and employment offices nationwide. Now, in this fully revised and updated edition of the best-seller, you can quickly garner resume-writing wisdom by following ten easy steps to a damn good resume. Also included are completely new sections on formatting resumes and submitting resumes over the Internet. Here is a resume guide you can count on to get that resume done fast and get it done right. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

It's a great resource!
I teach job search strategies workshops at the local employment centre and I always suggest that my participants read your "Damn Good Resume Guide". It is written for real people looking for real jobs. It's a great resource.

Above The Rest
Having been involved in the preparation of resumes extensively over the last 15 years as a state and federal employment counselor, I have never found any author who more willingly and professionally explians the resume process. Yana is definitely more concerned over quality than just making a buck! "The Damn Good Resume Guide" and its sister titles are definitely head, shoulders, knees and toes over any other book dealing with resume and job search preparation. A "GOTTA HAVE THIS!!" for anyone who wants a truley Damn Good Resume.

The name says it all!
I bought this book back in the mid-1990's when I was looking to make a career shift. To say that the guide is merely effective would be an understatement. This guide is AWESOME! If you follow the instructions and utilize the layouts in the examples for the type of job you are seeking, you will soon find your resume will consistently float to the top of the pile at nearly every place you apply. You WILL get phone calls! Of course, the rest is up to you -- a resume alone will not get you the job. But, when properly written and designed, they will help you get your foot in the door. I used this book to help me craft a resume for an out-of-work friend who was always amazed at how easy it was for me to locate employement, and he, too, started getting phone calls. He was employed within a month.
USE IT! IT WORKS!

Best if you are in a hurry.
This book has ten steps to writing a good resume. For those of you who might think that this is too many, everything is so concisely written that it is easy to get through the book in a day and end up with a great resume. Other books on resumes that I have read fill up their pages with fluff or well-duh information, not so this book. Although some may complain about the seemingly lack of variety in the jobs showcased (I tend to disagree), the ten steps themselves may be applied to a resume for any job. The only drawback to the sample resumes in this book that I can see is that they are a bit wordy (which contrasts with the rest of the book). However, you can aways trim the fat in your own resume.

I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to people that want a consise explanation of how to write a resume, and/or someone that needs to produce a resume in a short amount of time.

Brief Book that Really Helps
This short book describes ten steps to wriging resumes. Examples include general resumes, student resumes, and military transition resumes. Has a list of action verbs. Employers comment on some of the resumes. (This review was in the Annotated Bibliography of Learning A Living; A Guide to Planning Your Career and Finding A Job for People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder and Dyslexia by Dale S. Brown) ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Valuable time saving reference and tutorial
I started a job hunt recently, and hadn't written a resume in the last 6 years or so. I had a good idea of how I wanted to present and market myself, but I didn't have all of the fine details filled in.

This book is extensive, but well labeled. Start reading at the beginning, and every subject points you to the chapter with more information on that subject. Kind of like hyperlinks. That way you can look through at the major headings and pick and choose what you don't already know.

I took a prioritized approach, because I was in a little bit of a hurry. I took the resume section, picked a format based on my experience, then wrote a draft. From there, I went back and picked through the writing sections to make sure that I was on the right track. If you've read the examples, and the "before and after" sections, you'll probably have a good idea already what the big picture is. From then I went on to the section on cover letters and online job searching.

There are sections on virtually every subject of resume and cover letter writing, gathering references, job searching and interview preparation. Everything that you really need to get started, or just touch up on what you already know is well organized and labeled so that you can use it immediately. It's just what I was looking for, so that I wouldn't have to waste time reading the "full story" on each subject.

After following the advice in this book and sending out about 20 copies of my resume online, I had about 10 replies in the first week, and about 6 requests for interviews already.

600 pages for a book on writing a resume, impossible?
I said, "How can resume-writing be this complicated?" before carrying this 600-page 8.5" x 11" book home. Susan Whitcomb did a good job of compiling tips and advice and presenting them at the right time. There are tips on left vs. right justification, including personal information, and picking fonts, and long discussions on CVs vs. resumes, on functional vs. chronological, on printed vs. scannable vs. ASCII, and on grammar and mechanics. She's obviously a great copyriter and page designer.

Because, indeed, a resume now must look good enough so it will be read.

One chapter did nothing but help you choose which sections and section titles fit your situation. I found that weird, until I began the next chapter, which read, "Even experienced writers can feel some fear and trepidation when facing the start of a new project. You already have a good outline in which to work (chapter 4), which puts you beyond the 'blank sheet of paper' stage."

Inside the "tweaking" section, she even gives the keystrokes you'll use for both Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.

You'll also find 250 "impact-mining questions" to ask yourself to come up with powerful accomplishment statements. Is that a lot? Well, no, but it gives you a good start! When you expect a resume-writing book to have a list of action verbs, Susan diligently wrote a impressive example for each verb.

I do not agree with her treatment of ASCII resumes, though. Of course, her discussion on online promotion and online resume submittal has grown stale; her ideas on "keyword resumes" is as outdated as advice on META TAGS on web pages.

Bulky... comprehensive... a great workbook.

Great book!
This book may be long, but it is easy to get through. I loved it! I absolutely recommend it for resume writing. It took me only a week or two to read and come up with a resume I am proud of. I am also receiving compliments from prospective employers (one said it was "unique" and not boring like all the other resumes she sees).

Quite Simply...The Best!
I don't give five stars to just any book. They must richly deserve it. Like this one. This is unqualifyingly the best how-to-write-a-resume book out there and I've seen dozens of them. Ms. Whitcomb has a get-to-the-point writing style and offers hundreds of tips, suggestions and examples. Her book is very well organized and she writes with amazing clarity.

I was overwhelmed
I was overwhelmed,

This book is more of a resource book than a clear guide on how to quickly write a great resume. I found the volume of information overwhelming and it only served to frustrate me in that I did not know where to begin.

Trying to read the book from start to finish was a daunting task as it doesn't follow a logical series of steps to produce a great resume; it makes a great reference book but not a hand-holding guide.

I returned the book and purchased Robin Ryan's "Winning Resumes" (0471263656). This is an excellent, short book/instruction manual. Actually, I purchased both of her books; her cover letter book is "Winning Cover Letters" (047126348)

I purchased Ryan's books after I had sent 20 resume and cover letters and received nothing back except one rejection letter. After reading the books and following her step by step instructions I produced a much better set of material.

I have sent ten Cover letters and resumes since adopting her ideas and I've had three responses in just two weeks!!! I've had an interview with two of the companies and the third is still taking apps and will "get back with me".

Good luck in your search...

... Read more

Book Description

The second edition of Inside Secrets to Finding a Teaching Job provides real-world job search tips from other teachers as well as administrators. Also contains resume-writing advice, how to create a teacher portfolio and demonstration video, and Internet resources for finding the perfect situation. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good and Practical Advice for Would-Be Teachers
Like some other reviewers, I am currently looking for a teaching position. I ordered this book and found it had very good information on where to find jobs, how to write a resume, and how to answer possible interview questions. I would say the resume part was the most useful so far, as few resume books have examples of teacher resumes. From the examples provided I was able to construct a more condensed resume from the three-page one I previously had.

However, the jury is out in so far as whether I will be able to obtain employment in the field even with this advice. The reason I did not give this book five stars is that there was not a whole lot of information for those people who are changing careers in mid-life. Most of the emphasis seemed directed at those traditional college age graduates with little or no employment experience.

Must Have For All Teachers
I found this book to be a must have for all teachers. As a recent graduate with a teaching degree, I was nervous about finding the right teaching job for me. I used the techniques and suggestions in the book. I was offered a job from my very first teaching interview.

A great resource for those "still looking"
I just got this book and have only flipped through it, but already I can tell it will be a great asset. I am a recent graduate with a teaching degree. Our last year we had several seminars and workshops on interviews and finding a job. I have notes scattered all over the place. This book puts all the same info in one place and a whole lot more. Really great interview tips. Lots of potential questions and what not to do or say during an interview. I can't wait to read this book in depth! A definite "must have" in the increasing competitiveness of the teaching job market!

Worked for me!
What a dream of a book! After redaing this paperback, I was better prepared for my job interview than my competition. I was ready for the most common questions, which I was asked. Better yet, I knew what not to do in an interview, they asked some trick questions too. My performance was certainly enhanced by this book and I got the job! It was my first interview and now I have my dream teaching job! I highly recommend this book for new and seasoned educators looking for a job. Best of luck to you all! ... Read more

Book Description

This book is designed to help people who seek their first federal government job as well as federal employees who want to advance in the system. The process of getting a government job often involves preparing complex applications, and those applications frequently require written statements or "elements" which are called "Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities" or KSAs. In the competitive hiring process, the individual who gets hired for the federal job usually has the best KSAs. This book shows examples of effective KSAs that have worked for real people. The book doesn't simply "tell how" to write KSAs; it actually "shows how" to write KSAs in sample after sample related to multiple fields. This book will do a great deal to make the federal hiring process understandable as it illuminates one of the most complex features of getting a government job: writing the KSAs or "elements," as they are often called. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Should be KSA for limited Government Jobs
This book has too few job examples and many of the jobs it does offer KSAs for are related. If I could, I wouldn't have spent the money or the 5 months it took to get it. Out of hundreds if not thousands of fed. jobs, this book manages to cover KSAs for whopping 42 of them. If you are in any science field other than medical, don't bother with this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The government is hiring, for homeland security jobs and more! But if you want to be successful in landing a federal job, you need to understand the government's unique and complex application process. In this complete guide, Troutman shares the expertise that has enabled her to help many others just like you go on to new and rewarding jobs in federal service.

Applying for federal employment is different than in private industry. This new guide shows you how to succeed by breaking the government's intricate process down into 10 simple steps. Both first-time applicants and those already within government will find something new here, as application processes change over time. Ten Steps is simply the most up-to-date book on federal employment available today!

Written for all job levels and categories, with salaries ranging to $140,000.

Ten Steps to a Federal Job is a "must have" for any job seeker looking for federal employment. Let Troutman's latest guidebook walk you through every step of the application process and into a rewarding job in federal service.

Includes a CD-ROM with samples and examples, and our Federal Resume and KSA Builders, normally sold for $35 each. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Must for the Military to GS Transition
For those of you on active duty wanting to make the transition to the GS side Kathryn Troutman's Ten Steps to a Federal Job is the first weapon of choice!

Her book and supplemental CD-ROM, filled with numerous examples of excellent resumes, arms you with the Step by Step manual to get started, solidify your work experience with the correct verbiage, and hammer home your marketable skills.

Do not be fooled into thinking you can navigate the Federal hiring process armed with only the information provided during your separation lectures, these are nice but Kathryn's book gives you more - much more! Inside you will find how to formulate your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's), selecting the correct job series to parallel your experience, great web links, and even interview tips! Additionally, if you are unclear about the material call the Resume-Place for FREE advice! You just might get to talk to Kathryn herself, she quickly emailed me the answers to my in-depth questions!

This book is a must have in any rucksack - right next to Kathryn's Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook & CD-ROM!

Great Book! Great Price!
The Ten Steps book and cd are quite helpful. Kathry has condensed a very convoluded process into 10 easy to follow steps which make sense. I have utilized this book for my job search and it has helped me to stay focussed, on task, and prepared me for what I have come across on the various federal websites. I am very impressed with how easy it is to navigate the cd. There are even resume builders to help when you get stuck writing the resume! If your computer is connected to the internet, it will email what you've typed into the builders right back to you in a format which can easily be cut and pasted into the resume. I have earmarked various pages and I have used the resume templates (both paper and electronic formats) to write my resume. Now it only takes me about 15-20 minutes to apply for a job online because all I have to do is cut and paste. And it has been successful. I work for the federal government.

Review - Writer's Digest, April 5, 2004
Having worked several years for a government organization, I say Hats Off to the author, for writing and putting together a helpful guide book for anyone wanting to get into the federal system. The U.S. Government is a whole different animal from Corporate America, and pretty much a frustrating maze and entity unto itself. Just to be able to speak "Governmentese" is a real coup - it has its own language, mostly of acronyms. But to understand the structure of this very frustratingly mammoth national organization, and to be able to explain it and guide someone to find a job therein - well, this book could be a gold mine to anyone so interested in finding a federal job. And yes, there are great opportunities within the federal system. Comprehensive and well thought out, this book would help shortcut the frustrations getting there, open up new possibilities to new hires and returnees for new careers - step by step.

If someone is serious about working in the Government, he/she would only need this book. From resume writing to cover letters, finding job announcements to interviewing tips, etc. - it's all right here. A CD ROM is attached, offering basic templates (of the above) to go by. The book is very attractive, with an appropriate, catchy cover and graphically appealing layout and type style inside. Well done!

From a commercial point of view, the only deterrent would be that the book is geared to a highly specialized audience. But colleges, trade schools, libraries, recruiting centers (and many other outlets) nationwide, and especially those in the Washington DC area, would all be very interested.

Outstanding Resource
I am a Army Staff Sergeant just getting out of service after almost 10 years of service. I bought your book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." I used the suggestions in the book to my own information and applied for a position at the library of congress as a Information Technology Specialist 2210-GS-12. Well I just got some good news today after doing some out processing from the army. The HR department had left a message on my answering machine they had called to offer me the job!!! I was so excited I called them back right away to say I want the job. I have applied for Fedjobs.gov for about a year. Your book was what I needed to help me realize all of my training and experiences can be used to help give the person looking at your application a better picture of who you are and you ability to get things done. Thanks for your book, I am buying some for my family members who are in the federal job market. Thank You.

Tips for other Federal jobseekers:
Apply for everything you think you are qualified for, with that said make sure to read the vacancy announcement and to use Kathryn Troutman's book "Ten Steps to a Federal Job." if you read it and understand it, the book will be worth it's weight in gold. plus remember if and when you get hired you will have to use these same steps to get a transfer or even get promoted.

Tips for interview techniques and strategies:
Stay focused, answer the questions without babling, keep eye contact, stay calm and smile occassionaly

Tremendous Resource for the Federal Job Seeker
Although this book provided a tremendous amount of valuable information, I am most thankful for the hope that it has given me. I had almost given up on the idea of working for the federal government, but I feel much more confident and enthusiastic about renewing my federal job search after reading "Ten Steps to a Federal Job", as well as "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" (also by Kathryn Troutman.) I read "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" first, and was very impressed with it. Wanting to learn more, I then purchased "Ten Steps to a Federal Job". "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" is so full of valuable information about the federal job search process that I found myself reading it very slowly and taking a lot of notes. Reading the book in this way provided such a good foundation for me that I found myself re-reading "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" again, the second time with greatly increased understanding.

I had been told that you must start out "at the bottom" if you wanted to work for the federal government - that the only way "in" was through entry level positions. What I learned from reading this book (Ten Steps) is that it is possible to move into a position comparable in grade and salary to the non-federal job that you hold. Also, I had become discouraged by vacancy announcements that required knowledge of a particular agency's policies, procedures and/or programs. "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" describes how to perform research and to familiarize yourself with an agency and its programs, and how to then incorporate the knowledge you've gained in an open and honest manner into your job-search materials.

"Ten Steps to a Federal Job" also goes into great detail to describe the process for writing successful essays about your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's). This was completely unfamiliar territory to me, as it is not part of a non-federal job search process. I now feel confident in my ability to write KSA essays, as well as a good resume directed at federal vacancies. Regarding resumes, I learned that I needed to forget everything that I had ever learned about them! The advice that I had always been given was to limit your resume to one page - two if absolutely necessary, but never more. Your federal resume may need to be three to even five pages in length, in addition to the three to six required KSA essays of approximately one page that may be required.

This book will tell you how to read federal vacancy announcements to determine their exact requirements - length of resume, KSA requirements (if any), how to submit your resume, etc. It also provides valuable information about the electronic resume process. But, if you are serious about securing a job with the federal government, I would strongly recommend Kathryn's "Electronic Federal Resume Guidebook" as well, as it goes into even greater detail explaining the requirements of the electronic process. Buy them both, and read them very slowly! My efforts in carefully studying these two books were rewarded with greatly increased knowledge, and the confidence to actively pursue a job with the federal government. ... Read more

Book Description

The Proven, Professional Resume and Job Search Guide for Executives in the 100K and Above Salary Range

This new, expanded edition of a classic bestseller supplements veteran career advisor William Montag’s years of experience with the powerful online resources of CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s own career Web site. Let this handy resource be your own professional executive coach with up-to-the-minute advice on how to land your ideal executive job using proven high-visibility marketing techniques.

The top-notch, real-world resume and cover letter samples inside will help you launch your search with the same competitive edge held by the top-level clients of Montag Associates. You’ll learn how critical self-marketing is to your success and how to maximize your marketability by pairing the perfect cover letter with the right resume for any job opportunity. By combining the author’s power packaging and patented Expansionist Theory™ methods with 24/7 online job search strategies you can outmarket, outsmart, and outclass the competition.

Put your executive job search on the fast track with:

• All the marketing techniques and online skills of professional executive career coaches
• Up-to-date listings of the best career and job search sites on the Internet
• Sample resumes accompanied by their own specially designed cover letters
• Frequently asked questions and market-tested answers
• Top ten rules for the twenty-first-century job market

Reviews (5)

Very Well-Written, Clear Guide for Executive Resumes
This book clearly, quickly, and concisely, takes you through how to develop an executive resume and cover letter.It outlines the purpose of various resume elements, and explains why the elements of an executive resume are different than the resume format you learned when you graduated from college.

Well over half of this 300+ page book is sample resumes, and they are really outstanding.

A MUST-READ FOR SENIOR EXECS/FUTURE EXECS/MGRS/PROFESSIONALS
As a somewhat cynical New Yorker jaded by the mediocrity of most career and job search books, I was pleasantly surprised at the excellence of William Montag's CareerJournal.com Resume Guide for $100,000+ Executive Jobs. The book was deservedly named "Editor's Choice" for September 2002 through December 2002 by the Editor in Chief and General Manager of CareerJournal from The Wall Street Journal. The book, done in partnership with The Wall Street Journal, is based on Mr. Montag's firsthand experience as a professional writer and outplacement counselor to the 50 real-life clients featured in the book. I particularly like the fact that each of the sample resume/letter packages featured throughout the book represents a real-life client that Mr. Montag has served and helped over the past decades. Unlike the majority of career books that include sample resumes and letters written by people other than the author, each and every letter/resume package in this book was originally researched and prepared by Mr. Montag himself. The bottom line is that I followed the book because every recommended step in this text was personally market-tested and proven by the author himself. He backs up every word with firsthand case history experience. The power packaging in Part I of the book is followed by quality chapters featuring the author's reality-based Expansionist Theory--an on target formula for executing an aggressive job search--and the 24/7 Online Job Search Directory featuring the best of the best career and job search Web sites on the Internet. The author also delineates a step-by-step process for registering with CareerJournal.com, the Wall Street Journal's official career Web site. Add this book to your library today.

MUST-READ FOR EXECS, FUTURE EXECS, MANAGERS, PROFESSIONALS
As a somewhat cynical New Yorker jaded by the mediocrity of most career and job search books, I was pleasantly surprised at the excellence of William Montag's CareerJournal.com Resume Guide for $100,000+ Executive Jobs. The book, done in partnership with CareerJournal.com from The Wall Street Journal, is based on Mr. Montag's firsthand experience as a professional writer and outplacement counselor to the 50 real-life clients featured in the book.I particularly like the fact that each of the sample resume/letter packages featured throughout the book represents a real-life client that Mr. Montag has served and helped over the past decades. Unlike the majority of career books that include sample resumes and letters written by people other than the author, each and every letter/resume package in this book was originally researched and prepared by Mr. Montag himself. The bottom line is that I followed the book because every recommended step in this text was personally market-tested and proven by the author himself. He backs up every word with firsthand case history experience.The power packaging in Part I of the book is followed by quality chapters featuring the author's reality-based Expansionist Theory--an on target formula for executing an aggressive job search--and the 24/7 Online Job Search Directory featuring the best of the best career and job search Web sites on the Internet.The author also delineates a step-by-step process for registering with CareerJournal.com, the Wall Street Journal's official career Web site.The book was deservedly named "Editor's Choice for September 2002" by the Editor in Chief and General Manager of CareerJournal.com.Add this book to your library today.

BRAVO AND WELL-DONE: AN INTELLIGENT RESUME & JOB SEARCH BOOK
Let me say first that I heartily enjoyed reading this book--not only was it intelligently and professionally written, it also helped me to step back and take a fresh look at my own marketability, skills, and accomplishments...Everything that you need to know to create first-class resume, launch a first-class job search, capitalize on the Internet, and start receiving job offers is detailed in this book. The fact that the contents of this book is based on Mr. Montag's experience with the dozens of real-life clients featured in the text gives this entry solid credibility.The marketing packages developed in Part I and the Expansionist Theory and 24/7 Online Job Search Directory in Part II make this book a winning formula for success.Bill Montag has done a great job.Do not hesitate to buy this book.

The most HELPFUL and WELL written resume/job hunt book ever!
This book was a real find for me.I was over qualified for most of the positions I was applying for but this book helped me get all my 'ducks in a row' and land the job of my dream!! Thanks Mr. Montag.You're great! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Review by CollegeRecruiter[dot]com
I have known Randall Hansen for several years and always been impressed with his level of knowledge and caring for the needs of job seekers. He and his wife Katherine have crafted an absolutely fabulous resource that all job seekers, from entry level to the most experienced, should find incredibly useful.

As the Founder and President of job board CollegeRecruiter.com, I make the final decision about which products to recommend to our users. "Dynamic Cover Letters" easily made the cut. It is a wonderful resource!

Steven Rothberg CollegeRecruiter[dot]com

Highly Recommended
I used this book to create my cover letter. Potential employers have praised my cover letter; a recruiter asked me if she could use the same format for her career search.

Excellent Resource - A must have
I purchased this book several years ago and have successfully utilized its information to obtain interviews and even job offers. The book provides a step-by-step guide to how to effectively communicate your qualifications in a concise and professional manner. I would recommend this book to others! ... Read more

Book Description

Human Resource Approved Job Interviews & Resumes is an easy-to-read, easy-to-use book that guides a job hunter through the entire hiring process:

• The job search
• Preparation
• The cover letter
• The resume
• The interview
• Follow-up to the interview

Like the rest of the Approved Series, Human Resource Approved Job Interviews & Resumes is research based. It features interviews with 65 human resource professionals and hiring managers from various industries. Their commentary on the various strategies and approaches in the book allow you to use them with confidence.

If you've ever wondered what human resource professionals really think of your cover letter and resume, then read this book and you’ll see what works best. When you get called in for a job interview, learn how to make the best first impression possible, and discover what works for follow-ups.

Covering all the bases for winning the job, this book also includes a Bonus Section (what NOT to do):

• How to annoy the HR experts…guaranteed

Read today…use tomorrow. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Insights from the other side of the desk....
Too many salespersons (as well as those who supervise them) do not understand the importance of obtaining permission. Specifically, permission to provide information and thereby begin what then becomes a cultivation-solicitation process. So we continue to be inundated with postal and electronic mail we do not want. Telephone calls from persistent strangers invade our personal schedules. And so forth. Why not take the time to learn how best to approach us? How best to obtain our permission to proceed? All they have to do is ask. The same is true of those who recruit, interview, and hire job candidates.

This is one in a series of volumes in the Approved Series, each of which is written from the perspective of "the person on the other side of the desk,"in this instance who buys, interviews, hires, etc. What Schell has done is to interview more than 60 HR professionals to obtain the information which he then carefully organizes within seven Parts:

Effective Job Search Strategies
The HR-Approved Resume
The HR-Approved Cover Letter
HR-Approved Preparation
The HR-Approved Interview
HR-Approved Follow-Up
How to Annoy HR Professionals -- Guaranteed!

NOTE: This last Part all by itself is worth far more than the cost of this book. Reading the previous six Parts first, however, is necessary to derive maximum value.

When concluding his book, Schell shares "Some Final Thoughts" as well as additional information about HR contributors, himself, his research director, and the Approved Series. Those who wish to review -- at no cost, of course -- the full statistical data for all of his surveys are invited to visit the special readers' web page: www.approvedseries.com/readers/hrajir/index.htm. With his reader's permission, of course, Schell will provide periodic updates, special offers, and related information.

As is also true of each of the other volumes in the series, this one really does contain information and counsel of great value to those who sit on BOTH sides of the proverbial desk. That is to say, it will thoroughly prepare HR professionals and others (especially those who are relatively inexperienced) to be much more effective when recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. It can also thoroughly prepare job candidates who participate in that process. Hence the importance of the final Part, How to Annoy HR Professionals -- Guaranteed!

Those who share my high regard for Schell's book are urged to check out Paul Falcone's 96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire, Lance A. Berger and Dorothy R. Berger's The Talent Management Handbook: Creating Organizational Excellence by Identifying, Developing, and Promoting Your Best People, Richard Luecke with Peter Cappelli's Harvard Business Review on Hiring and Keeping the Best People, and Bradford D