Resumes for Dummies, Fourth Edition [Paperback]

Joyce Lain Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764554719 | ISBN-13: 978-0764554711 | Publication Date: November 1, 2002 | Edition: 4

Over the past decade, resumes have undergone dramatic changes in how they are submitted to recruiters. Technology advances have redefined the recruiting industry. It started with electronic resumes that had to be “scannable” using OCR software. Then resumes began their frenzied dart across the Internet, where, to assure safe arrival, they came dressed in the pedestrian garb of plain text (ASCII) embodied within e-mail. But now, change is upon us once again. The handsome resume made portable has made its return, and there is an emergence of online screening quizzes that determine whether your resume is accepted by recruiters and employers or buried at the bottom of the pile.

The fourth edition of Resumes For Dummies is for anyone who needs to discover what works and what doesn’t work when representing their work history with a resume. No matter what your experience, set of circumstances, or familiarity with resume writing, this clearly written, up-to-date guide will help you to

• Create a resume that takes advantage of today’s technology
• Increase your chances of getting that dream job
• Craft a “stand out” resume that’ll get your foot in the door
• Understand all the changes in the world of resumes
• Discover the right way and right places to send your resume

This new edition has loads of advice that will make your resume stand out from the online crowd. Resumes For Dummies, 4th Edition, also covers the following topics and more:

• Getting your resume out there
• Writing a resume that fits your specific needs
• Choosing the right format for your resume
• Selecting stand out words that can bring good news
• Submitting your resume online
• Recognizing resume problems and applying solutions

In the pages of Resumes For Dummies, 4th Edition, you get a sampling of stand out resumes and special needs resumes. You also get updated technical information (gathered from a wide variety of recruiting professionals) paired with classic strategies and smooth moves from the author’s three decades of career reporting. With all of this in hand, you'll be able to develop and distribute a state-of-the-art resume that says you’re too superior to ignore.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A must for any job seeker. -- Doug Elliot, Career Counselor/One-Stop Career Center Manager

If college graduates had a Joyce Lain Kennedy to guide them ... there would certainly be fewer unfocused, frazzled, jobless people. -- Dr. Drema K. Howard, Director, Career Resource Center, University of South Florida

Joyce Lain Kennedy is at the top of her field. -- Richard K. Knowdell, CEO, Career Planning and Adult Development Network

Solid, cutting-edge resume advice with today's Internet technology -- the best of the resume books." -- Michael R. Forrest, CEO, JobOptions; founding CEO, CareerPath.com and JobWeb --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

"Obsoletes other resume books . . . still the BEST!"
-Michael R. Forrest, CEO, The Forrest Group

Advice to make your resume stand out from the online crowd

"A must for any job seeker."
-Doug Elliot, Career Counselor/One-Stop Career Center Manager

Get the jump on the competition with the first book that tells you how to create a resume that takes advantage of today's technology. Say goodbye to ugly, plain text formats and welcome the return of the handsome resume - fully formatted and reader friendly. This newly revised guide shows you how to craft a "StandOut" resume that'll get your foot in the door.

Praise for Resumes For Dummies

"Good-looking e-resumes are replacing older scannable and plain text versions, a trend Joyce spotlights in this stunning 4th edition."
- Rick Miller, CEO, CareerCast.Com

"Joyce Lain Kennedy puts outmoded technology in its place and shows you how to update your race for the best jobs."
- Fran Quittel, Computerworld's Career Adviser

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 4 edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764554719
• ISBN-13: 978-0764554711
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,519,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joyce Lain Kennedy is a nationally syndicated careers columnist appearing in newspapers and on Web sites across the country. The author of seven career management books, she has more than 30 years of experience in the career field.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Reference for Rusty Job Seekers, January 30, 2001

By 

Jill Clardy "So many books, so little time...." (Redwood City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Resumes for Dummies (Paperback)

After many years at the same company, I'm on the job market and although I've been fairly conscientious about keeping my resume up to date, I haven't really had to test it in the marketplace. A review of the "Resumes for Dummies" book helped me to refine my job descriptions, incorporate more action oriented words and focus on the skills and jobs that are relevant to the type of position that I want to hold in the future.

Like all "Dummies" books, this one is presented in a simple easy-to-read, well-organized format with large bulleted headlines and plenty of graphics and examples. Whether you read the whole book, or just refer to specific sections, this book has it all, including resume formats; how to present education, experience, skills, activities, organizations, etc.; good attention-grabbing words; getting rid of deadweight in the resume; going digital and distributing the resume; spin control against potential problems, such as too much or too little experience, gaps in employment, demotions, age, etc.

The book is packed with resume tips, and should be one of the first you refer to if you're starting a new job search or just not sure that your resume is representing you fairly.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth its weight in future paystubs, January 31, 2001

By 

E. Johnson (El Cajon, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Resumes for Dummies (Paperback)

If nothing else, this book is beneficial because it gives the reader lots of ideas to borrow (Ok, steal, but that's why this book was written). I'm not very creative when it comes to laying the resume out, but the different possibilities gives me some options. It's important to not be too wordy in the resume, and Kennedy shows us what to emphasize. Her snappy writing style makes a mundane topic actually interesting. It's nice to know that I have this on my shelf in case I decide to go job-hunting in the future.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Re-vamping the Resume, December 13, 1999

By 

"christine28" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Resumes for Dummies (Paperback)

I had never heard of this book until I borrowed it from a friend. I found this book so useful that I intend to buy my own copy! I especially liked the sample resumes. I wish there were more information on CVs instead of just a reference to other books. I would also recommend Cover Letters for Dummies. These books are simple to follow, the tips are relatively easy to find, and great if you want to get that dusty old resume of yours polished up into a snappy, updated version in short order!