Blog
Debra Wheatman, President of Careers Done Write, provides expert insight to the job search process that puts your career in gear with tips for interviewing, networking, job search strategies and how to create a winning resume and cover letter.
Ask Deb: I Don’t Want Another Executive Position
I was recently laid off from my executive role at a major financial services firm. What I would like to do is to take my true passion—which is woodworking—and share it with the world. I don’t need to make huge profits. I just want to go to my workshop and create beautiful and functional things. I was thinking that my niche might be in making custom-sized cutting boards out of native species of wood.
Not getting interviews? This could be why!
You’ve been filling out applications and sending resumes for weeks, maybe months, but you don’t get a response. You’ve fine-tuned your resume, but still, no bites. What’s going on? It could be a combination of factors, some within and some outside your control. A content creator posted on LinkedIn that he would not interview anyone with a Yahoo, Hotmail, or AOL email address because, to him, it’s a “red flag.” He did not elaborate on what precisely these email domains might portend. Another hiring manager posted that he asks his recruiters to only source currently employed candidates, which is dumb. Several other managers and recruiters also jumped into the comments to tell him that. Here are some more reasons you may not be getting interviews….
Debunking the Myth of Hard Work
Have you ever wondered why Americans are obsessed with the idea of hard work? And that if something is not working out, you just need to try harder? Perhaps unsurprisingly, this mentality has its roots in the Puritan culture of the Reformation, a culture that shaped the current culture of America. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the European Renaissance and the Reformation brought about a period of religious and political upheaval. Two leaders who were instrumental in the development of Western culture were Martin Luther and John Calvin….
Follow-Up on Bad Boss, “Mr. Jones”
I shared a client’s story about her horrible boss, Mr. Jones, a few months ago. I just received an update, and I thought you might be intrigued….
Bewitched by Your Uniqueness
When I think about the show now, bad special effects aside, I realize that Bewitched started a conversation about the empowerment of women and how that was represented in different generations during the 1960s. The show clearly invites a conversation about female issues and female empowerment as it centers on strong women characters. This is quite impressive, considering the time period. Samantha’s somewhat adherence to Darrin’s edict isolated and marginalized her. Fundamentally, Bewitched is a show about being unable to be yourself and hiding who you really are….
Skip the Prelude: Why LinkedIn Doesn’t Need a ‘Let Me Explain’ Disclaimer
For unknown reasons, many so-called LinkedIn experts love sharing the most ordinary statement ever, followed by “let me explain.” This phenomenon seems limited to LinkedIn and is most often used by influencers looking to build their presence on LinkedIn. I guarantee that whatever the opening statement is, it is nothing extraordinary or earth-shattering. Instead, it is likely to be mundane and dull. Let me explain….
Ask Deb: At a Crossroads of a Ph.D. Journey: Seeking Direction and Purpose
Hi Deb:
You recently helped me with my C.V., for which I am immensely thankful. As I prepare to defend my dissertation, I feel I’m at a crossroads. I’ve always struggled with low self-confidence. After spending the last 8 years in graduate school and finally completing my Ph.D. in chemical engineering, I am at a loss as to what I can do with my life….
Why Your Boss Wants You Back in the Office
Many leaders have established long-standing cultures of control and monitoring. They genuinely believe the only way to ensure hard work and productivity is through micromanaging and physical conversations. Remote work gives employees a high level of autonomy, and executives are worried this could make them slack off or break the rules. I would characterize it as a form of cognitive dissonance. The truth is evident and is supported with facts, yet they can’t accept the new reality. These decisions are based entirely on emotion rather than logic and reason….
AI Writing: Missing the Human Spark in the Story of Communication
There is a lot of talk about how ChatGPT and other AI tools can easily and cheaply replace humans. Undoubtedly, this is true. And for many people, ChatGPT is good enough. But that’s just it. It’s “good enough,” which means mediocre or barely passable. Written material that ChatGPT produces is easy to spot—it’s bland, has no voice, and is not compelling. In other words, it lacks a human element….
When Should You Seek Out an Employment Law Attorney?
If you are a member of a protected class—race, religion, gender, national origin, or age--and think you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace is one of the most obvious. But here are a few more scenarios in which you might consider seeking legal counsel….