Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I just started reading this book but so far so good. One thing it taught me in the first few pages is that I don't want a great resume, I want a great job. I've been so hung up on my resume that I forgot I was looking for a job. This book tells you how to get interviews and jobs also. Great tool.

Did you see a job opening in the paper and want to wow the company? Buy this book...even with little time alloted you can put together a great resume and cover letter.

Writing both a great resume and cover letter to get the employers attention is vitally important and this book guides the user with easy guides and resources to ensure success.

Kelly Wibbenmeyer, the author of Any Tom, Dick, or Harry Can Get a Job: A Sure Fire Way to Land a Job

A terrific guidebook for resumes and job searching!. Author J. Michael Farr lays out all the resume basics and also provides lotsa help in getting the job. This is the only resume book I think I will ever need!

Although Farr doesn't address electronic résumés, his improve-upon-your-résumé-in-stages technique is not only effective with traditional résumé development, but it is an excellent technique to use when posting résumés to Web-based job boards and databases. You can provide just enough information to get your résumé posted quickly, with enough flexibility to go back and update it later.

Although I tend to think of myself as a 'charasmatic' writer, I think that the resume examples used in this book were a little mundane for my taste. Of course, I am a bit on the 'animated' side of the spectrum. So, as usual, I sought to find a page where a person like myself could write a resume that would be dynamic, but not label myself a 'nutcase' to the prospective employer.
I skimmed through the front of the book a couple of times. Information I already knew. But, this book (whether they have a chapter titled "For those of you with Bipolar disorders) will be a very handy refence book. It was the first recommendation given to me by many 'a' source! Tons of different resume examples - as well as cover letter's, 'Thank you' letters, and all the goodies we will most likely forget.

I received the book just as told, new, on time and for a very reasonable price. I am very satisfied.

This book have almost most of the resume book have. Only one twist to it - the Jist Card which is your short resume of the resume only difference it can be handed out to anyone like a business card. Great Idea! Love it. The book also posted some real deal resume with the author commenting the resume. Pretty good book.