Resumes For Dummies Reviews

• A Good Reference for Rusty Job Seekers

  
  By A2BAAKZHSUGCDP on 2001-01-31
  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.
  
  

• Not for New Graduates

  
  By A19S0P9FRBW9P2 on 2004-08-03
  While well-written and superbly organized, this book poorly met the needs of a recent graduate looking for work outside corporate world. A downright depressing read for those looking for a first job (treated as a "special need"), this book seems primarily designed for experienced sales and marketing professionals looking to move up in the corporate world. Those considering government work, having special needs other than "too much experience", or with a short work history should consider a different guide. (Incidentally, while the book left the impression I was unemployable, after ditching Resumes for Dummies, I was called for an interview on the first job I applied for.)
  
  

• Worth its weight in future paystubs

  
  By A2O1FLF439GX3P on 2001-01-31
  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.
  
  

• Re-vamping the Resume

  
  By A2IBXMTQLYUJ5 on 1999-12-14
  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!
  
  

• Helped my resume greatly!

  
  By on 1999-12-12
  I have a short attention span when it comes to reading so this book is just what the doctor ordered! It has a little of everything for everyone, from basic to advanced. I found the sections pertaining to digital resumes and searching the internet for jobs very helpful and packed full of great web sites! If you only buy one book make it this one and you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• impressed
  By on 1999-08-13
  After looking at my old resume and nearly falling asleep, i can definitely say that "Resumes for Dummies" has helped me improve upon my new resume. BIG TIME. Thanks!
  
  
• Teeming with information.....Potent, Powerful, and Prolific!
  By A2ZSIQSR42ICRM on 1999-02-13
  Dear Joyce, I have read your 'Resumes for Dummies' book with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of gratitude. What a Godsend you are to those of us who are resuming a career. Many of us have the confidence and fortitude to 'kick butt' out there in the workplace, yet the featly skill of preparing an actual resume can reduce some of the best of us to fainthearted dread. I unabashedly admit to being a member of the aforementioned group. My pen remains poised with trepidation when it actually comes down to putting pen to paper. Do you ever engage in private consulting? If not, is there a local consulting firm here in San Diego that you would recommend? Many thanks, once more, I shall look forward to your gracious and gifted advice. With much appreciation, Carol Treadwell
  
  
• Very useful and up to date
  By A2Z1PROMJX6LVK on 2000-12-31
  I've read the author's other two Dummies books, Covers Letters and Job Interviews and given them both 5 stars. This book rounds out the series and it didn't disappoint me in any way.

  With the job-hunting situation changing at Internet speed, I found this book to be up to date and extremely useful. Her coverage of electronic resumes was excellent, and I was glad to find that I wasn't too far off base on what I had already put together on my own in this regard. She did point out to me several weak areas that I did have and clearly spelled out with explanations and examples how I could make my resume better.

  A very good book and I recommend it as being well worth the price and time I invested.
  
  

• Results!
  By A14QESQ9TAO01E on 2003-04-15
  I wrote my resume based entirely on advice from this book, and landed the second job I applied for. That's what I all results.
  
  
• Excellent Book for Writing Resumes
  By A3NYPO52TEPW7 on 2005-10-30
  This was very helpful in writing my resume. The book is well written and very easy to follow. It brought to my attention things I had not thought to put in my resume so now I feel I covered all my bases. Recommend to anyone who wants to update their resume or anyone going out into the job market.
  
  
• Resume for Dummies, Fourth Edition
  By A3IDO9RP47XBP7 on 2006-03-15
  I highly recommend that every job seeker, no matter what your status, read this book. No others will hold a candle to it. I would not be able to describe how much I would be struggling, if it were not for this book. Just take the time to relax, put your feet up and read it from cover to cover. Building my resume came next (I had never done one due to years of service at my previous employer) and I used so many tips in that book while writing it. It actually does a wonderful job of preparing you for all aspects of your job search.
  
  
• satisfied
  By on 1999-08-14
  I was quite shocked when i compared my old resume to the one i prepared using "Resumes for Dummies." There is a definite difference. I feel for the better. Overall, i thought the book was pretty darn good.
  
  
• Excellent for both beginners & seasoned aces!
  By A24ME3G8MNETRS on 1999-03-05
  I never thought writing resume could be fun & easy. This book shows many magic formulas to create unbeatable resumes that get interviews! Highly recommended by Professional Association of Resume Writers. It is a must 'reference' for all pro writers.
  
  
• A Good Resource for 40-plus Job Seekers
  By on 1999-02-17
  Who says you can't teach an old mouse new clicks? I'm over 40 and glad to see the insightful tips the author includes in this book for "seasoned aces." I like that delineation (from other tips for "rookies") and I highly recommend this book.
  
  
• Disappointing - I think I'm more of a dummy now!
  By on 1998-12-03
  I would think that the 30 year old antiquated approach to resumes would be dead by now. This book is just rehashing the same old boring stuff that has proven not to work over the years. I would have thought this book in this well known series of books, would have some new ideas, formats, and concepts to give a job seeker a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. But no, it offers nothing new but the same mundane stuff. Terribly disappointing
  
  
• resumes for today and tomorrow
  By AITHMH7RFHSMO on 2001-01-10
  As a career counselor, I hear people wondering what is new in resume trends. Are they still necessary? Kennedy, an experienced syndicated columnist and author, has taken the subject of resumes to a higher plane. Yes, they're still necessary. Using humor to present the somewhat standard material, she takes the reader from objective to experience with a minimum of pain. There are two unusual features in this book. Sample resumes are presented in a before and after format, illustrating subtle points which will enhance the reader's own focus. And the book ends with a checklist for evaluating your own resume. (Warning: it's hard to be objective enough to complete the checklist: you may need some help from a friend.)
  
  
• Easy Read and Information Exceeds Promise!!
  By A3QQGAXF9XWVYH on 2003-03-07
  I've read a few career books, but none were as much a pleasure to read as Resumes for Dummies. Having already read Cover Letters for Dummies I knew that this book was going to be informative but still easy to read!
  
  
• Outstanding, Up-to-Date ... The Best Out There!!!
  By on 1999-01-07
  Resumes for Dummies focuses on helping the reader respond to the real world nature of today's employers...who, for the most part, continue to use yesteryear's tried and true methods. Even what may seem to be "the same old boring stuff" is incredibly useful, particularly in the way it's organized to allow the reader to find what's important to them quickly, without having to read the whole book.

  Important, too, this provides the job seeker with solid and complete, cutting-edge resume advice for a "wired" (Internet) environment.
  
  

• Mediocre. The sample resumes look awful.
  By on 1999-08-07
  There are some good points and some silly points in this book. The sample resumes (Chapter 19) look awful. Look elsewhere.
  
  
• Success-Rich Resume Advice
  By on 1999-02-12
  My finance, who gave me this book just before Christmas as an early gift, looked at my resume before I read this truly helpful guide and again after I used the tips I learned in it. He says the difference in my old resume and my new resume is night and day. I also liked the way Joyce explains the new digital resumes -- I had been not sure about online resumes and scannable resumes and the other new electronic methods. Now I get it!
  
  
• I love the core resume to the spin-off concept!
  By A3RRRY7F2TMDQ2 on 2007-01-06
  Hi Joyce, In Chapter 1, you introduce a very easy Core Resume to Spin-off Resume style! This is great! So easy to focus, target and only rewrite about one-third of page ONE! And you are so right, the only way to write and post a resume in this job market is COMPLETELY TARGETED to the job.
  
  5 Top Target Skills !! All of the samples in the book - 48 of them - written and produced by Kathryn Troutman's The Resume Place, Inc., team - are great. The targeting style with the box at the top, targeting text in the resume, are very helpful for resume writers.
  
  Thanks Joyce for an all new, targeted resume book. Everyone needs to STAND OUT IN THEIR EXACT AREA OF EXPERTISE.
  
  
• AMAZING!
  By A1GCMW8PP2TVFQ on 2007-05-04
  I love the book!! It's an insider's look at the ever-changing world of job hunting--Joyce Layne Kennedy really knows her stuff. She takes you step-by-step through the process you should go through to write a perfect resume. And of course it reads with a witty edge that entertains you while you learn!
  
  
• Loved this book!
  By on 1999-02-13
  This all-purpose, content-filled resume book has enough humor to focus your interest on what is essentially a very serious matter: you as a marketable product. One chapter (Chapter 3) stood out for me. It clarifies the use of hooks--when to use an objective and when to use a skills summary, citing advantages and disadvantages of each. I also liked the detailed chart on updating your resume for scanning technology and for sending it online. A very timely read!
  
  
• Right on target for the millenium
  By on 1999-01-06
  The author has really captured the elements of putting a great resume together. I especially enjoyed the sections devoted to creating and communicating skills and interests online. An essential reference for every career coach and a bargain for every job seeker.
  
  
• 5 stars!
  By on 2000-09-20
  This is the finest resume book I've ever read. Part IV, Going Up and Cyber-Ways with Your Resume, helped me immeasurably to understand the way resumes are sent in today's world. Chapter 17, Spin Control Against Deadly Perceptions, was also enormously helpful.
  
  

• Cover Letters for Dummies
• Job Interviews For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))
• Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer (Resume Magic Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer)
• Job Hunting for Dummies
• The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work