The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book: Write & Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day [Paperback]

J. Michael Farr (Author)

Book Description

Series: Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book | Publication Date: December 1999

The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book, Fourth Edition, gives job seekers all the expert advice they need to stay ahead of competitors and land a great job. This book offers proven, proactive advice on how to create outstanding job search documents and use them efficiently. Readers learn to create a basic resume in an hour and an improved resume in about half a day.

The fourth edition of this helpful guide includes more than 90 all-new sample resumes written by professional resume writers for all types of jobs and people, including a new chapter with electronic resume samples. The book also provides excellent career counseling sections to help anyone from high school graduates to high-level professionals define their ideal job and go out and get it.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Highlights the work of some of the resume writing industry's best; reveals the tricks of our trade." -- Bridget Weide Brooks, editor, Resume Writers Digest

"This book gets two thumbs up and five stars as a very useful book with practical tips and references." -- Nick Nigro, Career Services Director, Davis College, Toledo, OH

"This book is proof that Mike Farr is America's number-one career planning and job search expert." -- Bill Warren, Executive Director, DirectEmployers Association; widely recognized as the founder of Internet recruiting and former president of Monster.com

"With excellent resume strategy AND solid job search advice, gives you a 1-2 punch for a knockout job search campaign. -- Susan Britton Whitcomb, President, Career Masters Institute; author, Resume Magic, Interview Magic, and Job Search Magic --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Why Buy This Book?

The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book shows you how to quickly create an effective resume that can be used immediately in the job search. In these pages you'll find expert advice from the author on creating and using a resume, developing a "skills language," establishing a job objective, writing job search correspondence, uncovering the hidden job market, and getting a better job in less time. No matter what your employment history, read this book to discover how your resume can emphasize your strengths and diminish your weaknesses.

Features More Than an Ordinary Resume Book

A "same day resume" work sheet helps readers design instant and effective resumes.
More than 60 examples of resumes written by professional resume writers and organized by occupational categories.
Tips for handling special employment situations, such as job gaps, lack of experience, career changing, or having been fired.
Techniques for using computers for layout and design.
Advice on writing the often-overlooked cover letter, thank-you note, and other job search correspondence.
Special section devoted to job search: uncovering the hidden market, handling tough interview questions, following up, and getting a better job quicker. Section-by-section formatting makes it easier to find the information you need most if you don't have the time to read the entire book. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: Jist Works; 2 edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563706342
• ISBN-13: 978-1563706349
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first book you should read on resumes, December 1, 2004

By 

Lady Murasaki (Washington, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book: Write & Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day (Paperback)

If you're only going to read one book on resumes, J. Michael Farr's "The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book" should be the one you choose. Farr's no-nonsense, well-organized approach to writing resumes is refreshing as well as enlightening. He advocates taking an active role in job searching (and starting as soon as possible), as reflected in this quick tips on how to use his book and the first chapter, which focuses on creating a same-day resume. Farr clearly distinguishes chronological resumes from skills (functional) resumes, giving reasons to use either one and giving many examples of effective sample resumes. He includes several useful worksheets and lists of skills which help you identify what skills you have (and which ones you want to use) and list experiences that reflect your skills. These worksheets are not only helpful in writing resumes but also in interviews - Farr claims that most employers say that interviewees do not clearly explain what their skills are.

While the first section of the book aims to get you started on a good basic resume, the second section focuses on how you can make the resume even better. Those who are crunched for time should definitely read the first section. Farr also includes information on JIST cards, job search letters (including cover letters), a varied collection of resumes, and his list of seven steps to getting a job as soon as possible. At the end, there is a list of resume contributors who also offer resume-writing services.

While I found some of Farr's suggestions a little intimidating (e.g. cold-calling a potential employer to talk about how you can contribute to their organization - even if they aren't hiring), I realize that actively searching for job opportunities you will likely lead to finding the job I'm looking for (while creating networking contacts). This book is a well-written gem, and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a new job or a career change.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book!, March 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book: Write & Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day (Paperback)

Best resume and job search book I have ever read. Direct and to the point, without alot of fluff and flutter. Told me exactly what I needed to do and how to get it done to not only put together a quality resume quickly, but also how to get a better job very quickly. This is a very good book for those who do not have alot of time to do a job search, perfect for those already working and for students preparing to graduate.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful job advice, June 9, 2005

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book: Write and Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day (Paperback)

This book helped me where my parents' advice had proved stale. Prior to reading this book, I was bouncing from temp job to temp job with only a vague idea of 'winning resume'.

I knew how to write a CV, but apparently did not know what made other types shine. When I had to leave my current job because of money issues, I knew that I could not afford to remain in the dark any longer. I had to get a resume writing guide and study it closely.

This book readily stood out from other titles which I flipped through. It showed me that a resume only needs to have stuff which is directly related to the position which I am applying to.

Because I am a visual learner, I appreciated the endless parade of sample resumes in this book; resumes should be both personal and professional. I finally learned that being creative with my resume was okay if I felt comfortable that my end result would be conducive to a job offer. A resume is only a 'calling card' and does not guarantee your job.