In fall of 1994, Haft polled 45 corporate recruiters and 65 career counselors nationwide on issues concerning college student's resumes. The results of this poll, as well as his more than seven years of experience in counseling college students on career searches, served him as a basis for this book. Haft worked as a career counselor at New York University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the City University of New York after completing his B.A. in History at the University of Virginia, and his M.A. in Sociology at New York University. Since 1988, Haft has counseled thousands of college students and alumni on all aspects of the career planning process. He is also a founder of Trashproof Resumes, a New York-based resume consulting firm.
Haft's approach to the topic is very unique and yet very simple. He states clearly the importance of identifying one's skills, interests, goals, and experience, and choosing what employment field one wants to pursue. He also emphasizes a significance of gathering such raw data which will serve as a basis for one's resume. Therefore, he includes a variety of self-assessment questions along with worksheets to work through the process of gathering information about oneself, which he describes as the first important step of building a resume. He presents various resume formats, layouts, and design styles as well as answers some common questions about choosing the right paper, size, printing and envelopes.
In Trashproof Resumes, you will find case studies analyzing resumes along with the explanation why they work best and for whom. Samples of resumes are arranged according to college majors, employment fields, and levels of experience. I find such a method especially effective, since it allows a person to pick the right format that best suits his or her needs. The most often asked questions deal with GPA's, previous job experience, hobbies, interests, and references. Haft offers some advice on which of this information to include in each different type of resume.
One feature of this book that seems to distinguish it from the others is Haft's recommendation to take advantage of modern technology. He explains how to create an electronic resume, and talks about job posting and resume listing on computer databases. Finally, he discusses a job search. He comments on the importance of networking, talking to the right people, and writing a cover letter.
Overall, the book is a great tool for strengthening one's resume writing skills. Haft's informal explanations make it easy to understand resume writing. Even if a reader is not familiar with the creation of a resume, one can find Haft's instructions helpful and understandable. Experienced resume writers may find Trashproof Resumes useful as well. The author's approach to resume writing that emphasizes the significance of using different types of resumes for different purposes will allow them not only to choose the right type of resume, but also to enhance their resume writing skills.