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Cover; title; copyright; contents; preface to the second edition; introduction: writers make choices; why sometimes you can do everything right and still get no invitation to an interview; pay attention to items within your control; less is more; twelve things you can do without; 1. common concerns; are you sure of where you want to work?; are you sure of what you want to do?; move beyond your dreamkillers; résumé length; chronological or functional résumé?; employment gaps; include interim jobs?; self-employment; job hopping; what about social media?

2. presentation: the reader sees more than words; paper; ink; margins; spacing; font; boldface; italics; all caps; underlining; save as . . .; 3. even the simplest items send messages to the reader; your name; your address; your phone number; your fax number; your e-mail address; your e-mail signature; 4. sell your skills and experience-always with the reader in mind; goal section?; goal vs. objective; executive summary section?; give readers a reason to believe; education or work experience section first?; "work experience" vs. "professional experience"; position descriptions/blurbs.

Sentences/action statements; verbs/action words; volunteer experience section; education section; inventions, published works, seminars section; software skills section; language skills section; memberships section; references statement?; personal information section?; artwork, photos, decorative borders, and line art; 5. deliver your message the right way to the right places; sending your résumé; job/career fairs and reverse job/career fairs; responding to blind ads; thinking outside the cubicle; 6. cover letters; cover letters in general; sample response letter.

The unsung hero of the job search: the inquiry letter; sample inquiry letter; informational interview request letter; sample informational interview request letter; 7. the final three pre-interview items: salary requirements, salary history, references; request for salary requirements; request for salary history; elements of compensation for salary history; references; 8. marketing to yourself; 9. bonus interview chapter, by popular demand: scott, my résumé worked! now what?!; physical prep; mental prep; read up and then meet up; are you ready for your close-up?; after the interview.

Conclusion: you're the carpenter; appendices; a. more examples of effective position descriptions/blurbs; b. a special note to homemakers; c. a special note to veterans; d. a special note to ex-offenders; e. a special note to people in recovery; index; about the author; free sample chapter from acing the interview.