RESUME PRO: Make Money Writing Resumes*

Another Parker guide, especially for entrepreneurs:

(Earlier title: "Resume Pro, The Professional's Guide")

Ten Speed Press. 410 pages. $24.95

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Also includes over 75 sample resumes)

 

Introduction: A Career in Resume Writing

 

Chapter 1 - Gaining Perspective

Let's Begin With Definitions; No More Boring Resumes!

Five Characteristics of a Good Resume

Twelve Characteristics of a Good Resume Writer

The Resume Writer's Code of Ethics

 

Chapter 2 - Getting Started With a Client

What is a Resume?

The Three Basic Resume Formats

Five Basic Concepts for Superior Resume Writing

The Job Objective as Starting Point

Informational Interviewing to Help Clarify the Objective

Six Steps to a Strong Chronological Resume

The Fastest Way to Improve any Resume

More Ways to Pack Some Power into a Resume

Client Relations and Business

Paperwork Tools and Techniques

Chronological? Functional? Which to Choose?

New Client Intake Forms

 

Chapter 3 - Self-Teaching Resume Templates

What Are These Templates?

Using Templates With Your Resume Clients

Features and Advantages of Different Formats

The Self-Teaching Templates and Examples

- Simple Chronological; - Classic Chronological

- Snappy Chronological; - Simple Functional

- Snappy Functional

- Combination Functional/Chronological

- Executive Accomplishment; - Informational Interview

 

Chapter 4 - One Pro's Technique

What Are Working Notes? How I Work With Clients

Working Notes and Ten Resulting Resumes

 

Chapter 5 - Resume Clinic

Developing your "Bag of Tricks"

Four Most Common Problems

- No Clear Job Objective; Lack of Experience

- Long-term Under-employment; Gaps in Work History

Resume Clinic

- Major Career Change

- A Ragged Work History; Periods of Unemployment

- No Clear Job Objective; No Experience, the Catch-22

- Age Discrimination; Mature Job Hunter

 

Chapter 6 - Special Populations

Pairing Your Passion and Your Skill

Working With the Underemployed

Working With College Students

Ex-Military and Their Resumes

Working With Inmates

Working With Immigrants

Working With Homeless Job Hunters

 

Chapter 7 - Letters

What is a Cover Letter? Cover Letter Guidelines

Template for a Cover Letter; Sample Cover Letter

Fun With Cover Letters

Other Job-Search Letters and Issues

- Template for a Thank You Letter

- Recommendation Letter Guide and Example

- Template for a References List; Job Applications

 

Chapter 8 - More on Resume Design

Altering the Physical Appearance of a Resume

Do's and Don'ts: Four Versions of One Resume

Experiment with Graphic Techniques

Two-Column Alternatives to the Basic Layout

 

Chapter 9 - Starting Up Your Business

Yana's Business Start-up Story; Lessons Learned

Classic Questions of a New Resume Writer

Three Stories of Business Start-ups

Peeking Into Other Offices: 13 Conversations

Making the Transition to Self-Employment

 

Chapter 10 - Computer Equipment

Yana's Computer Tales; Oh! It's so confusing!

How to Choose Your Computer System

Macintoshes and IBMs in Resume Writing

Resume Software Packages

 

Chapter 11 - All About Money

Fee Setting for Beginners; Four Ways to Set Rates

The Bottom Line on Pricing

Money Clinic: Getting Paid

How Much Can You Earn?

 

Chapter 12 - All About Marketing

What is Marketing? Advice for Any Beginner

Marketing Concepts for Resume Writers

Tips for a Successful Resume Business

Strategies for Getting Noticed

Tips From a Marketing Workshop

A Two-Step Marketing Strategy

Marketing Materials: Cards; fliers; brochures; ads

 

Chapter 13 - Diversifying Your Business

Income-producing Spin-offs

An Insider's Tip On Preparing the SF-171

Leading an Effective Resume Workshop

Workshop Outlines, Agenda, Handouts

 

Chapter 14 - Pow!-Litzer Prizes

40 Outstanding Resumes and Why They're Good