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.
Consensus vs. Agreement: What It Means for Better Business and Hiring Decisions
“Agreement” and “consensus” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings—especially in the context of decision-making. Consensus is reached when most people in a group support or can live with a decision, even if they do not fully agree with every aspect. This differs from unanimous agreement, which requires full support from every individual. In consensus, the final decision is acceptable to all involved, but the depth of agreement may vary. Everyone agrees to move forward, even if it is not their personal first choice….
The Importance of Communicating with Clarity
I spoke with a client today about poor communication, which seems ubiquitous in both written and verbal communication. If you want to improve your communication, here are some things you can do….
ATS Provider Workday Faces Class-Action Discrimination Lawsuit
Derek Mobley and four other plaintiffs have filed a discrimination lawsuit against Workday in the United States District Court of the Northern District of California. Mobley – a 40-year-old Black man – claims that he had been turned down for more than 100 jobs he applied for through Workday’s platform, blaming the AI algorithms’ biases for this occurrence. Thousands of organizations use Workday’s AI-based applicant screening tools, which can automatically reject or advance applicants….
Should You Remove DEI Work from Your Resume?
In today’s anti-DEI world, is it possible that work-related to DEI initiatives are red flags to potential employers? The short answer is that it might be. However, aside from the moral imperative to stand behind this important work, it’s just never a good idea to omit accomplishments on your résumé. If your job title included DEI, changing it or leaving it off of your résumé is a deceit that is easy for a future employer to discover. If you have significant accomplishments from DEI work, you should leave those on, especially if you can talk in specific terms about how they helped your company get better results in its work….
Dealing With a Bad Boss
What do bad bosses do? Frequently cited grievances include micromanaging, bullying, avoiding conflict, ducking decisions, stealing credit, shifting blame, hoarding information, failing to listen, setting a poor example, slacking, and not developing staff. Such dysfunctional behavior would make anyone unhappy and unproductive. However, whatever sins your boss commits, managing your relationship with him or her is a critical part of your job. Doing it well is a key indicator of how effective you are….
Make LinkedIn Work for You
LinkedIn serves nearly a billion members – and presents an even greater number of opportunities for those who understand how to leverage the platform’s power. Many people take a passive approach to the platform, simply putting up a profile and waiting for recruiters to contact them or leads to roll in. This is a mistake. If you want LinkedIn to work for you, you must work it yourself. Here are some tips to help optimize your LinkedIn experience….
Media Literacy in the Digital Age
Media literacy has become an essential skill in the digital age, where the internet and various forms of media play a pivotal role in the daily lives of individuals. The ability to critically evaluate content across diverse media platforms empowers individuals to actively navigate the complex landscape of modern information rather than consume it passively. The abundance of sources and the speed at which information spreads online demand that one possesses the skills to distinguish between credible and misleading or biased content….
Don’t Get Scammed!
Employment scams are becoming more common, and job seekers continue to be a target of cunning scammers. If you’re looking for a new job, be alert to these scams by learning what to watch out for to better safeguard yourself against them. Criminals will pose as reputable companies and post fictitious job descriptions on fake websites that look like the real thing. They will then make fraudulent job offers to job seekers. Sometimes, they ask for money, banking details, or other personally identifiable information….
Unemployed Need Not Apply: Insidious Bias in the Hiring Process
We know that the hiring process isn’t always run by rational folks, and many of them can’t help making value judgments about people who are unemployed. There is a prevailing attitude that someone employed must be doing something right – they are “employable” and have been validated by another company. In contrast, a candidate who has been out of work for months or years raises red flags. Laid off? Must not have been that valuable relative to these candidates who are still employed. Health/personal issue/moved? Sounds like they aren’t going to be reliable. Culture fit issue? If they didn’t fit in there, they won’t fit in here either. Contract ended? Must not have been good enough for renewal. Outsourced? Must not be competitive. These are just some reasons I’ve heard hiring managers pass on candidates who are not currently employed….
Job Hopping: Does It Pay Off?
As the dynamics of the job market evolve, so does the perception of job hopping. Historically, job hopping, or frequently changing jobs, was often viewed negatively. It was seen as a sign of instability or a lack of commitment, particularly in the 1970s when it was even branded “Hobo Syndrome.” However, this perception has shifted, and job hopping is now more accepted, especially in certain industries and changing workforce dynamics….