The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work

by Scott Bennett

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
Write cover letters that stand out-and learn the untapped power of the inquiry letter


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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook, Reference

121 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic, straightforward guide on writing resumes and cover letters. Much of the info can be gleaned from various sources online, but I did find the suggestions of words to avoid and how to approach a cover letter very useful. Bennett's tone throughout is honest and encouraging, just the kind of thing to motivate you in your job search. Definitely motivated me to improve my current resume. However, as the other two reviewers note, some of the advice can be taken with a grain of salt, as it contradicts some other solid, tested advice. For instance, I agree that bullet points can improve readability, it's just overuse of them you need to watch out for. And I'm not sure about his advice against ever using a functional resume (presumably also hybrid format), since elements of the approach do seem to work in the right context. Nonetheless, I w ould still recommend this book, especially to those putting together their first resume or anyone who needs a quick refresher to improve their current resume.

[Rosanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really works! I have spent the last 9 years focusing on homeschooling my children. I worked part time jobs to have some extra cash but my kids education came first so the jobs weren't consistent. I recently decided to go back to work full time in my career field and I put my resume out there. It was a functional resume so my job history looked spotty. I wasn't getting positive responses, a lot of rejections or no responses at all. Then I read this book. I applied many of the suggestions and things turned around. I applied to 10 places the first week after updating my resume and 4 places responded moving me forward to the next step. It is an amazing feeling! I really suggest it for anyone looking for work!

[Hussain Abbas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the people whose resumes I have read over the years had read this book. It’s a quick book at a little over 100 pages with many pages just being word lists. There is not much to say though.

The beginning of the book was unimpressive and I found myself slightly disagreeing with many things. As the book progressed, I realized the book was written for a diverse audience and I can see why the author makes those recommendations. That is why I don’t wholly recommend this book for highly skilled industries and especially in this pandemic era. If you’re in the software industry, you’ll also find a lot of tips on using Word to format your resume useless. But it is a good addition for the general audience.

Lastly, the sample resumes are very generic and not appealing. I do think that the resumes could use a little personality but I can’t speak for all industries.

So, read this book but don’t follow everything there. As a hiring manager myself, I can say that I would want to see a splash of colour and style. The general principles are solid though and worth the quick read.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't needed to write a resume in decades and wanted to approach the process with updated practices. I found this book in the store and read it on my Kindle. As a sign of how useful I found it, I will share that I have 118 highlighted passages. Hopefully it will lead to a fabulous resume for me.

I would love to share them here but I'm confident the author would prefer you buy this book yourself so I'll make a few basics public so that will see the tone/style of the book. If those appeal to you, check out the book.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much sums it up = tips and tricks for a better resume and cover letter.

[Ravitej · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read.

Concise and practical, Scott covers all the aspects for successful job hit with well crafted examples.

Must read for ever one entering and navigating the world of jobs.

[sohail bhatti · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little old fashioned...

[Turk182 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book however I agree that some of the advise you have to take with a grain of salt .......not all hiring managers agree with his style. When it comes to getting the interview and the job you have to do your own research and market the style that will get you there.....especially in a digitalized world.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the only "feel-good" resume writing guide I've ever read. That said, his advice about not using bullets is mostly wrong. Yes it does save space but it also makes things less scannable, making it more likely that your resume would end up in the reject pile.

[Drew Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Well-written and clear, this book offers practical advice on resumes and cover letters. It in the style of Strunk and White; the quality and brevity of the material make this a resource I'll recommend for years to come.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative with points essential for writing and understanding the employers views of resumes. It allows you to put yourself in the employer's and interviewers place, and to view the resume concept with critical critiquing.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very clever ideas about cover letters and the intent of your resume. But if you actually format your resume the way he suggests, it's UGLY.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice on cover letters and résumé content is great. But his advice on style is terrible. His sample résumés are ugly. Don't use them as a guide.

[Matthew Pare]

Useful once you already have a resume written and are looking to tighten it up a bit.