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Introduction

Success in finding your ideal job depends largely upon having a dynamite resume. Drastic
changes are taking place in the way resumes are reviewed by managers and human resource pro-
fessionals. Would you believe that the number of applicants per job has increased to such a
point that each resume is given only about eight seconds to grab the reader’s attention?
In some organizations, resumes are never read by human eyes. They’re put into a resume scanner
and electronically entered into a database for automated selection. Some companies want
resumes sent to them via e-mail, or they just download them from an online resume bank.
Knowing how to create a resume for this new job market could make or break your job search.
But don’t panic! Just follow the guidelines in this book, and you’ll create a resume that will be
considered by a hiring manager of any job you sincerely believe you’re qualified for.

This new edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume expands upon Internet job-
search strategies and electronic resumes so that you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in cyber-
space. I’ve also added some valuable tips on solid career planning and effective cover-letter writing.
As a professional resume writer who has helped thousands of job seekers, I’ve seen how well-
written resumes (not boilerplate forms) lead to promising interviews and job offers. I’ve also seen
how a carefully crafted resume can help a job seeker (like you) get through the seemingly impos-
sible task of finding career satisfaction. In other words, a great resume can help you find a posi-
tion that you enjoy with a paycheck that supports your lifestyle.
As the proud owner of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Resume, you have me as your per-
sonal resume coach. Imagine that I’m sitting right at your elbow as you work at your desk or
kitchen table. My job is to guide you through the entire process as you

➤ Develop a winning resume strategy.
➤ Write each line to make the most of your qualifications.
➤ Create a great format for your resume.
➤ Distribute your new resume to employers.
To illustrate my points, I’ve included lots of resumes (made anonymous) from real job seekers
that reflect goals and challenges similar to what you’re facing. Their solutions may spark some
ideas that you can use in your resume.
The secret to success in using this book is to relax and take one step at a time. You’ll be surprised
how painless the process of writing a resume is!

Between the Covers

Because helping you craft a top-notch resume is the goal of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the
Perfect Resume, let’s talk about what’s inside.
Part 1, “Plan to Succeed,” explains how to plan your job search, why you need a good resume,
and what that resume can do for you. You’ll also find the “Resume Commandments,” which are
my secrets to creating a compelling resume.
Part 2, “Six Steps to a Perfect Resume,” is where you’ll find my straightforward, six-step
resume-writing process. Before you know it, you’ll be finished with your resume.

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