The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work [Paperback]

Scott Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2005

"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 The book features: * 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."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It’s a quick read and a valuable resource for jobseekers, people in business and general career advancement."

-JobsandMoney.com

"It could mean the difference between the active candidate file and the circular one on the floor."

-Richard Pachter, Knight Ridder newspapers

"No job seeker should be without a book on how to write a compelling resume, and this book is one of the best.""

-Fort Worth Star Telegram

Review

"""At Kinko’s, we print more resumes than any other firm in the world. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly in resumes. I highly recommend Scott Bennett’s book for anyone wishing to create the winning resume.""

-- Gary M. Kusin, President, CEO, and Director, Kinko’s Inc.

""Reading this compact volume is like getting inside the mind of a hiring manager. It should be required reading for every job applicant.""

-- Pat Precin, Managing Director, Pathways to Housing

""Absolutely outstanding. A marvelous piece of work. This book delivers what it says it will and then some. No job seeker or career changer should be without it.""

-- JOHN J. KENNEDY, ED.D., CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

""Scott has managed the near-impossible -- covering the subject from AA to ZZ. For the serious résumé writer, the sections ""Request for Salary Requirements"" and ""Marketing to Yourself"" alone are worth fifty times the cost of this tightly written manual.""

-- HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS, DIRECT RESPONSE WRITER/CONSULTANT/LECTURER, AND AUTHOR OF DOZENS OF CLASSIC BOOKS ON COPY WRITING AND ADVERTISING

""Scott Bennett presents the art and science of résumé and cover letter writing in a clear, comprehensive package that will serve as a useful tool for employment seekers. I recommend his guide to all seekers and outplacement professionals.""

-- BARRY NEWMARK, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, BROOKLYN BUREAU OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

""It’s rare to find professional wisdom and practical sense in the same book. Scott Bennett delivers both. As someone with years of experience in helping both students jump start their careers and executives choose the right applicant, I know his words can make a genuine difference at whatever step of the career ladder to which you’re hoping to move.""

-- DR. STEVE BURGHARDT, PROFESSOR, ORGANIZATION & PLANNING, HUNTER COLLEGE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK; AND VICE-PRESIDENT, RESEARCH & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION GROUP, LLC

""The Elements of Résumé Style provides a clear, well-marked path to construction of effective résumés and cover letters. It is a quick and easy read; the language and style make it inviting, and it is chock full of information essential to every level of job seeker. Usually these books are rough going and boring, but this one is supportive and fun. Young people in our Independent Living /Life Skills Program will be encouraged to use this wonderful resource as they enter the world of work.""

-- CAROL M. ALTOMARE, CSW, DIRECTOR, INDEPENDENT LIVING/LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM, JEWISH CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION

""The author presents the information in such a clear, concise, well organized way. I felt like an experienced friend was helping me through tricky territory in a very candid, yet patient and kind way.""

-- NINA JAFFE, RECENT CAREER CHANGER, VERMONT

""Bennett’s writing is succinct; it’s a pleasure to read. His book is a delightful mix of useful, pointed, and timely content. Great help overcoming internal demons as well as external barriers. Bravo!""

-- BARBARA WOOD, PH.D., VP FOR PATHMAKER SERVICES, GREYSTON FOUNDATION

""The Elements of Résumé Style is a useful addition to the literature on the art of résumé writing. It contains very detailed, specific wording recommendations not found in other books on this subject. I highly recommend it.""

-- ROBERT W. BLY, COPYWRITER/CONSULTANT/SEMINAR LEADER,

AND AUTHOR OF MORE THAN 50 BOOKS ON MARKETING, DIRECT MAIL, WRITING, AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATION"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (July 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081447280X
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472804
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #448,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Careers > Guides
  • #53 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Business

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one is a Keeper!, March 13, 2006

By 

kathy o'connell (conn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work (Paperback)

I have recommended this book to people of all ages and disciplines. It has more pertinent information then any other resume book I've ever seen. It actually was entertaining to read, and provided realistic, hopeful solutions to people in recovery who struggle with how to handle gaps in employment.
I hope that it is used in schools because it is a great tool!

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is Essential to Getting Hired!!!!!!!, April 24, 2006

By 

Jackie P (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work (Paperback)

Mr. Bennett leaves no stone unturned here...he takes readers through each step of writing a resume so diligently that I feel as if he has practically re-written my resume himself! Throughout the book he reinforces the importance of being honest about work histories and teaches readers how to position job hopping and gaps in employment. (Now I can feel confident in selling myself despite the many detours I've taken in my career!) He puts readers in the point of view of the employer and goes into great detail about how to use language and visual layout of the resume to make the most impact. He supplies tons of descriptive words and shows how to turn terms like, "strong interpersonal skills" and "great team-player" into actionable statements with evidence that actually mean something to employers. (This was very enlightening to me!) He also explains best practices with cover letters, inquiry letters and replying to salary history requests...you NAME it and this book's got it. Mr. Bennett clearly has a lot to teach on the subject and I feeled armed with a powerful weapon in being able to re-position myself on paper and get myself hired. This book is a must buy!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Elements of Resume Style, September 1, 2005

By 

Jerome N. Beck (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work (Paperback)

This book has brought me successfully through a career change. But I recommend it to anyone who's even just looking for a new job.