Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer (Resume Magic Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer)

This book is extensive, but well labeled. Start reading at the beginning, and every subject points you to the chapter with more information on that subject. Kind of like hyperlinks. That way you can look through at the major headings and pick and choose what you don't already know.

I took a prioritized approach, because I was in a little bit of a hurry. I took the resume section, picked a format based on my experience, then wrote a draft. From there, I went back and picked through the writing sections to make sure that I was on the right track. If you've read the examples, and the "before and after" sections, you'll probably have a good idea already what the big picture is. From then I went on to the section on cover letters and online job searching.

There are sections on virtually every subject of resume and cover letter writing, gathering references, job searching and interview preparation. Everything that you really need to get started, or just touch up on what you already know is well organized and labeled so that you can use it immediately. It's just what I was looking for, so that I wouldn't have to waste time reading the "full story" on each subject.

After following the advice in this book and sending out about 20 copies of my resume online, I had about 10 replies in the first week, and about 6 requests for interviews already.


I was overwhelmed   January 30, 2003
 30 out of 34 found this review helpful

I was overwhelmed,

This book is more of a resource book than a clear guide on how to quickly write a great resume. I found the volume of information overwhelming and it only served to frustrate me in that I did not know where to begin.

Trying to read the book from start to finish was a daunting task as it doesn't follow a logical series of steps to produce a great resume; it makes a great reference book but not a hand-holding guide.

I returned the book and purchased Robin Ryan's "Winning Resumes" (0471263656). This is an excellent, short book/instruction manual. Actually, I purchased both of her books; her cover letter book is "Winning Cover Letters" (047126348)

I purchased Ryan's books after I had sent 20 resume and cover letters and received nothing back except one rejection letter. After reading the books and following her step by step instructions I produced a much better set of material.

I have sent ten Cover letters and resumes since adopting her ideas and I've had three responses in just two weeks!!! I've had an interview with two of the companies and the third is still taking apps and will "get back with me".

Good luck in your search...

Resume Magic   March 13, 2000
 23 out of 24 found this review helpful

Susan Britton Whitcomb's book, RESUME MAGIC, provides detailed instructions on the art and craft of resume writing. As a professional resume writer myself (who has read and reviewed dozens of resume books), I was impressed with the depth of Susan's material. Most resume books do not provide any real "meat" but RESUME MAGIC breaks the mold. It's not just a resume book -- it's a complete instruction manual by a writer who knows her subject inside and out.

Pat Kendall, Nationally Certified Resume Writer


The book indeed is "magic"!   November 9, 2000
 21 out of 22 found this review helpful

If you are looking for a resume writing book or a new job, your search is over with this book. This book is a total solution to your job hunting. The book is not just about the "mechanics" or "how" to write your resume, but also about the "contents" or "what" to write in your resume. Many resume writing books cover "how" to write a resume, but they don't usually spend enough pages on helping you with the contents. With this book, you will collect or recall more accomplishments than you could possibly put on your resume... I bought the book to help me write my resume for application to an Ivy League graduate school and to transition from IS/IT to a business development position. The direction in the book helped me to develop strong content AND an attractive format. Witness the "magic" of transformation of the "before" resumes into "after" yourself! Your resume will be transformed, too with "Resume Magic"!


Great source of resume templates and whole lot more.   August 12, 2005
 20 out of 22 found this review helpful

I got a hold of this book by pure accident. I was in the process of writing my resume when I happen to see this book at a local library. I checked out the book and after reading it for a couple of days I immediately ordered a copy from amazon.

My philosophy of learning to write resumes or writing in general is that imitation can be the best tool. Reading other great writers help you become a better writer and this book contains excellent source of great resumes. Marketing ideas in this book are also outstanding.