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.
Integrity: A Vital Component of Business Strategy
Between September 29 and October 1, 1982, seven people in the Chicago area mysteriously died after taking extra-strength Tylenol capsules. What began as a public health investigation transformed into a criminal probe that revealed that the victims had been poisoned—the Tylenol capsules that they had ingested were laced with cyanide. This highly toxic chemical can cause death within minutes. Tylenol was a behemoth in the over-the-counter pain relief category, widely used by American consumers and regularly recommended by physicians. As a result of the coverage of what would become known as the Tylenol Murders, market share fell from 35% to less than 10% literally overnight….
Optimize Your Resume for AI
It is a fact of corporate life that, when applying for jobs, we must engage with ATS systems. They are the gatekeepers between candidates and employers, and they can scan resumes to filter candidates based on keywords, formatting, and relevance within seconds. To improve your chances of getting noticed, it’s essential to understand how they work and optimize your resume accordingly….
AI Bots in the Interview Process
Imagine this. You’re invited to a virtual interview. You log on, the interviewer appears on screen, and begins asking questions. But something seems off. The questions are standardized and seem scripted. The exchange feels impersonal. You are unable to read body language. The cadence of the interviewer’s voice is odd. The interview itself seems highly structured and time-boxed. You may not be interviewing with a person at all; instead, you might find yourself on the other side of the screen from an AI bot….
Be an Ally to the Unemployed in Your Life
Unemployment can be one of the most stressful and isolating experiences a person goes through. It affects not only finances but also self-esteem, mental health, and relationships. The current job market is rough. Every day, I hear from clients who have been ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews, who have been asked to do free spec work as part of the interview process, and who have encountered an astounding lack of respect for their time and effort. Looking for a job when you are unemployed can be an exhausting, soul-sucking experience. Suppose you want to support the people in your life who are currently navigating unemployment. In that case, there are some ground rules you should follow so that you will be perceived as helpful and empathetic, rather than clueless and insensitive….
STEM Grads Are Struggling
Over the last twenty years, degrees in STEM have been widely celebrated as tickets to promising, lucrative careers. Students were sold on the idea of coming out of college and earning $150K+ out of the gate. Governments, educators, and policymakers advanced this narrative, touting the value of STEM education in driving economic growth and innovation. However, the journey from the classroom to the workplace is rarely as straightforward as these narratives suggest. For many recent STEM graduates, the transition into the workforce is accompanied by a complex web of challenges, from mismatched expectations to shifting industry demands….
Navigating a Job Search While Trans
A job hunt is a journey filled with anticipation, hope, and often, a fair share of anxiety. For transgender individuals, the process can be especially complex, layered with unique challenges and considerations that go beyond résumé writing and interview prep. From navigating questions about identity, names, and documentation, to seeking affirming workplaces, the experience of job hunting while trans can be harrowing, but the need for dignity, respect, and opportunity is universal….
Conduct Better Interviews to Make Better Hires
Most of my business is devoted to helping job seekers manage their careers. A large part of this is imparting to them the importance of honing their interview skills and preparing for interviews. My clients put in the work, but from what they tell me, that effort is often not reciprocated by the other side. The stories I hear range from truly bizarre interviewer behavior to blatantly illegal questions, and everything in between….
A Cautionary Tale of the Importance of Culture
History is littered with business flops, some catastrophic, highly visible disasters that were often hugely hyped before their eventual doom. This year marks the 25th anniversary of one such calamity when media giants AOL and Time Warner combined their businesses in what has come to be described as the worst merger of all time….
Hey Gen X, What’s Your Plan?
Despite being known for adaptability and a pragmatic approach to life, many Gen Xers find themselves woefully underprepared for retirement, with average savings falling far short of the recommended amount for a comfortable post-work life. Raised as “latchkey kids” and witnesses to significant societal changes, we Gen Xers developed a strong sense of self-reliance and a value for work-life balance. However, these traits have not translated into financial security for many. That means that many of my fellow Xers will need to work longer than they probably want to. If you are a Gen Xer on the hunt for a new job, you know how daunting that challenge can be. Your experience is valuable, but at the same time, ageism is a very real issue. Here are some tips to help you compete in today’s ever-changing job market….
AI Is Coming for Your Job
Almost daily, the world takes another step toward artificial general intelligence. The most powerful AI models can do an astonishing array of tasks, from writing detailed reports to creating videos on demand. Your company’s CEO is comparison shopping right now. You cost many thousands of dollars plus healthcare, vacation days, and that annoying habit of having opinions. AI costs less than your annual coffee budget and never complains about needing a day off….