What Career Coaches Are Reading: The Most Recommended Resume Books

In the world of career coaching, having the right tools can make all the difference. Career coaches are often the go-to experts for job seekers, helping individuals fine-tune their resumes, ace interviews, and stand out in today’s competitive job market. One of the most crucial aspects of a job search is, of course, the resume—and the books that career coaches recommend can offer invaluable insight into crafting a standout resume.

These recommended books go beyond basic advice; they provide actionable strategies, real-world examples, and expert insights that help job seekers tailor their resumes to modern hiring trends. Whether you're looking to refresh your resume or build one from scratch, the books on this list are trusted by the professionals who guide career transformations.

In this post, we’ll dive into the most recommended resume books by career coaches and explore why they’re indispensable tools for job seekers at every stage of their career.

Why Career Coaches Recommend These Books

Career coaches recommend certain resume books because they provide:

• Practical strategies for crafting resumes that get noticed by hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Examples and templates that offer clarity on what a great resume should look like.

• Up-to-date advice on how to approach the resume writing process in the context of today’s job market.

These books are trusted because they are authored by industry experts who have firsthand experience in the nuances of resume writing, job search strategies, and career development.

Let’s take a look at the top resume books recommended by career coaches that will give your resume the edge it needs.

1. “Knock 'Em Dead Resumes” by Martin Yate

Martin Yate is one of the most recognized names in resume writing, and his book Knock 'Em Dead Resumes is a staple among career coaches. This comprehensive guide provides readers with everything they need to know about writing a resume that grabs attention and gets results.

Why it’s recommended:

• Actionable examples and templates for job seekers in any field

• Advice on how to tailor resumes for specific industries and roles

• Tips on customizing your resume for each position you apply to

• Covers both traditional resumes and modern digital formats

Who it’s best for: Job seekers of all experience levels—whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking to update your resume for a new role.

2. “Resumes for Dummies” by Laura DeCarlo

As part of the popular For Dummies series, Resumes for Dummies provides simple, straightforward advice on resume writing. It’s accessible and easy to follow, making it one of the most recommended books by career coaches for those who may be new to the process.

Why it’s recommended:

• Provides a step-by-step guide to building your resume

• Great for people who are unsure of what to include or how to organize their information

• Includes tips on modernizing your resume for today’s job market

• Offers advice on writing resumes that are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Who it’s best for: New job seekers, first-time resume writers, and those who need clear and simple guidance.

3. “The Resume Writing Guide” by Lisa McGrimmon

For a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the resume writing process, career coaches often recommend The Resume Writing Guide by Lisa McGrimmon. It focuses on modern resume formats, crafting persuasive content, and ensuring your resume stands out in a crowded job market.

Why it’s recommended:

• In-depth coverage of each element of a resume, from layout to content

• Provides modern strategies for writing resumes that appeal to both hiring managers and ATS

• Features real-world examples to demonstrate effective resume techniques

• Tips for tailoring resumes for specific industries and career goals

Who it’s best for: Career changers, job seekers with varied experience levels, and those looking for comprehensive, structured guidance.

4. “Cover Letter Magic” by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

While Cover Letter Magic focuses specifically on the cover letter, it’s closely tied to resume writing and is often recommended by career coaches for its holistic approach to job applications. The book teaches readers how to seamlessly align their cover letter with their resume and create a cohesive job application.

Why it’s recommended:

• Provides templates and sample letters for a variety of situations

• Teaches how to tailor your messaging to specific job openings

• Covers the emotional tone and narrative needed to make your cover letter stand out

• Emphasizes the importance of showcasing value, not just repeating what’s on your resume

Who it’s best for: Job seekers who want to make their application documents truly impactful, especially when applying to competitive or high-level roles.

5. “The Damn Good Resume Guide” by Yana Parker and Beth Brown

The Damn Good Resume Guide is a practical, no-nonsense guide that career coaches swear by for creating resumes that work. It’s a favorite among job seekers who appreciate straightforward advice and want to cut through the fluff.

Why it’s recommended:

• Easy-to-follow templates and examples that help you build a strong resume

• Tips on writing powerful bullet points that highlight your achievements

• Focus on creating eye-catching resumes that stand out from the competition

• Advice on tailoring your resume for different industries and job types

Who it’s best for: Job seekers in fields like marketing, business, or tech who want to create a no-frills, professional resume that showcases their value.

6. “Modernize Your Resume” by Wendy Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

For anyone looking to refresh an older resume or ensure it aligns with modern hiring trends, Modernize Your Resume is an essential resource. It offers guidance on how to present your qualifications in the most current way possible, incorporating elements that will catch the eye of today’s hiring managers.

Why it’s recommended:

• Focus on modern resume formats and how to highlight skills

• Provides advice for creating resume content that aligns with ATS

• Includes samples of resumes that have been successfully modernized

• Discusses the importance of personal branding and how to incorporate it into your resume

Who it’s best for: Professionals who are looking to update an existing resume to align with current standards or those in the process of career transformation.

7. “Job Search Letters for Dummies” by Joyce Lain Kennedy

Career coaches often recommend Job Search Letters for Dummies for its focus on all aspects of job search correspondence, including the cover letter, thank-you notes, and networking letters. A well-crafted resume and a thoughtful letter can give job seekers a competitive edge.

Why it’s recommended:

• Includes numerous examples of job search letters, including cover letters and thank-you letters

• Practical advice for tailoring letters to specific industries and job titles

• Offers expert tips for building a narrative in your cover letter that ties into your resume

Who it’s best for: Job seekers looking to expand their job search toolkit with essential letters that complement their resumes.

8. “Resumes That Knock ’Em Dead” by Martin Yate

Another classic from Martin Yate, Resumes That Knock ’Em Dead goes beyond simple resume writing. It provides strategies for building a resume that fits your career goals and industry, and gives readers insider tips on how to make their resumes impossible to ignore.

Why it’s recommended:

• Strategies for building tailored resumes that meet job-specific requirements

• Examples and templates that show you exactly how to write your resume

• ATS tips for getting your resume through applicant tracking systems

• Advice on writing compelling professional summaries and career highlights

Who it’s best for: Job seekers of all levels, especially those applying to multiple industries or switching careers.

9. “The Elements of Resume Style” by Scott Bennett

If you want to take your resume writing to the next level, The Elements of Resume Style is the book to turn to. It focuses on the art of resume writing, emphasizing style, tone, and word choice to craft a professional document that resonates with hiring managers.

Why it’s recommended:

• Teaches how to refine your resume’s style and voice

• Offers advice on how to avoid common resume mistakes and improve readability

• Includes sample resumes that highlight top writing strategies

Who it’s best for: Professionals looking to enhance their resume with a more personalized touch and those interested in refining their resume-writing style.

Conclusion: A Powerful Combination of Knowledge and Strategy

When you’re ready to update your resume or start from scratch, consider turning to these career coach-approved books. They’ll provide you with the skills and knowledge to craft a resume that stands out to employers. Whether you need help creating a modern resume, writing compelling cover letters, or tailoring your documents to specific job opportunities, these books will give you the tools you need to succeed in your job search.

Career coaches recommend these books because they offer actionable, practical advice from experts who know what it takes to get hired. So, take a page from their playbook, and start reading—your dream job could be just a well-crafted resume and cover letter away.