Don't Use a Resume: Use a Qualifications Brief

I've had copies of this little volume for years and although its content shows its age it's still a very useful approach to writing resumes... er... "Qualifications Briefs!" There is a sample QB that is particularly useful for people who have been stay-at-home parents for sometime and have been out of the workforce for awhile. Good stuff!

I bought my first issue of Lathrop's book "Who's Hiring Who?" back in 1983. I've purchased numerous copies over the years for friends and colleagues. In `83 I followed the advice and achieved my goal by landing a job that put my self perceived talents to the test. I landed a job in a Fortune 500 industry that was spending large sums on staff training and development which further enhanced my career. My wife and I are considering career changes after 16 years of self employment so I just bought the 12th edition and will again put Lathrops's magic to the test. The publisher, Ten Speed Press, has many other helpful titles in their catalog for job seekers and the life changing adventurers; most notably "What Color is Your Parachute?" by Nelson Bolles.

Seven years ago I was working at a library when a patron returned this book. The title caught my eye, and since I was ready to update my resume I checked it out.My resume was 2 pages going on 3. One of my goals was to reduce the size. Also, I was looking for a job in a field where I had no employment history and was not "qualified" from an educational viewpoint either. But I knew I had something to offer if I could get potential employers to look beyond my "employment history" and "education" and see my potential (and give me an interview).Shortly after that I saw an ad for a job I really wanted and wrote up a one-page qualifications statement tailored to the job I wanted. I got the job and 7 years later I am still working with the same company, and I'm still greatful to the author of this book.The approach presented in this book is useful and worth knowing about. I liked the book because it made sense, and introduced a method of presenting oneself I had never seen or heard of before, despite having read several books.There are some really good examples. The one that struck me most was for a highly qualified homemaker with lots of experience, but no previous employment history. Anyone can learn from her experience.If you are looking at changing careers, or beginning one, buy this book. I am glad it is still in print as the concepts covered are just as useful now as they were to me 7 years ago.