"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; and write cover letters that stand out - and learn the untapped power of the inquiry letter. This 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."

Table of Contents:
"Introduction Why Sometimes You Can Do Everything Right and Still Get No Invitation to an Interview * Pay Attention to the Items Within Your Control * Less Is More * 12 Things You Can Do Without 1. Common Concerns Are You Sure of Where You Want to Work? * Are You Sure of What You Want to Do? * Resume Length * Chronological or Functional Resume? * Employment Gaps * Include Interim Jobs? * Self-Employment * Job Hopping 2. Presentation: The Reader Sees More than Words Paper * Ink * Margins * Spacing * Font * Boldface * Italics * All Caps * Underlining 3. Even the Simplest Items Send Messages to the Reader Your Name * Your Address * Your Phone Number * Your Fax Number * Your E-Mail Address 4. Sell Your Skills and Experience -- Always with the Reader in Mind Goal Section? * Goal vs. Objective * Executive Summary Section? * Give Readers a Reason to Believe * Education or Work Experience Section First? * Work Experience vs. Professional Experience * Position Descriptions/Blurbs * Sentences/Action Statements * Verbs/Action Words * Volunteer Experience Section * Education Section * Inventions, Published Works, Seminars Section * Software Skills Section * Language Skills Section * Memberships Section * References Statement? * Personal Information Section? * Artwork, Photos, Decorative Borders, and Line Art 5. Deliver Your Message the Right Way to the Right Places Sending Your Resume * Job/Career Fairs and Reverse Job/Career Fairs * Responding to Blind Ads 6. Cover Letters Cover Letters in General * Sample Response Letter * The Unsung Hero of the Job Search: The Inquiry Letter * Sample Inquiry Letter * Informational Interview Request Letter * Sample Informational Interview Request Letter 7. The Final Three Pre-Interview Items: Salary Requirements, Salary History, References Request for Salary Requirements * Request for Salary History * Elements of Compensation for Salary History * References 8. Marketing to Yourself Conclusion: You're the Carpenter Appendixes A. A Special Note to Homemakers B. A Special Note to Veterans C. A Special Note to Ex-Offenders D. A Special Note to People in Recovery Index About the Author"