I've been intending to include book reviews in this blog since the beginning, but so far resumé writing and completing my Masters Degree have been taking up more time than I ever imagined. I did sit myself down last weekend with a few new resumé and job search books, and over the next week or two I will provide my comments for your reading pleasure.

The Only Resume and Cover Letter Book You'll Ever Need, by Richard Wallace. It contains 600 sample resumés and 600 cover letters "for every situation" in all industries and "150 positions from Entry Level to CEO."

I must say the sheer number of samples is impressive. Unfortunately, the book chooses quantity over quality. Each of the 600 resumés is one page long (though the author admits to shortening the CVs as they were too long to publish). Surely, at least some of the 600 samples required more space than that to detail their careers. The resumés seem out of date, with brief job descriptions, and completely devoid of any branding or statements of accomplishments or successes.

The cover letter section is considerably more impressive. The letters are well written and concise, and can be a great boost to anyone struggling with writer's block. With 600 samples to chose from you are sure to find at least one similar enough to your own (or your client's) situation to nudge you along.

What surprised me most was for a book that claims to be the only one I will ever need, it contained nothing but samples. No discussion of the essential elements. No directions for composing your perfect resumé. No tips on how to take what you see in the samples provided and make it your own.

I don't have an established rating system, but if I was to assign stars to this book I think it warrants maybe 2 of a possible 5 stars. Not great, and not one I am likely to turn to often, but may occasionally come in handy.