This book is extensive, but well labeled. Start reading at the beginning, and every subject points you to the chapter with more information on that subject. Kind of like hyperlinks. That way you can look through at the major headings and pick and choose what you don't already know.
I took a prioritized approach, because I was in a little bit of a hurry. I took the resume section, picked a format based on my experience, then wrote a draft. From there, I went back and picked through the writing sections to make sure that I was on the right track. If you've read the examples, and the "before and after" sections, you'll probably have a good idea already what the big picture is. From then I went on to the section on cover letters and online job searching.
There are sections on virtually every subject of resume and cover letter writing, gathering references, job searching and interview preparation. Everything that you really need to get started, or just touch up on what you already know is well organized and labeled so that you can use it immediately. It's just what I was looking for, so that I wouldn't have to waste time reading the "full story" on each subject.
After following the advice in this book and sending out about 20 copies of my resume online, I had about 10 replies in the first week, and about 6 requests for interviews already.
Susan Britton Whitcomb teaches the reader how to catalog their background, write great copy, choose a flattering format, and design a visually artistic resume. She leaves no how-to stone unturned: JIST cards, reference lists, action verbs, sample phrases, electronic resumes, cover letters, you name it!
[It's] a small price to pay considering the hundreds of samples, suggestions, and strategies Susan offers. Money well-spent indeed!
Kerry