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.
Navigating the Digital Job Market: Challenges and Strategies for More Experienced Workers
The job market has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. Today, the internet is a primary tool for job searching, networking, and career advancement. While this digital shift offers numerous opportunities, it also presents unique challenges, particularly for senior workers who face difficulties getting responses and traction from potential employers. Despite their vast experience and skills, senior workers often find it challenging to gain visibility and engage with hiring managers. Here are some lesser-known strategies to enhance job search outcomes for seasoned professionals….
Are You Conducting Job Search Post-mortems? You Should Be.
Although it sounds a bit gruesome and conjures images of a pathologist conducting an investigation, a post-mortem is standard protocol for the end of any big project. It is a process by which you analyze components of your interview and determine what was successful and what was not. More than merely a reflection or a debrief, a post-mortem requires you to take a deep dive and to look objectively at what happened. What went right? What could be improved? What can you learn and apply to the next one?….
Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
It is a known fact that searching for a job online is not a good use of a job seeker’s time. To track down the most job leads — leading to the most interview and job offer opportunities — job-seekers must go beyond online job boards and search engines and attack the hidden job market. As much as 80 percent of all job openings are filled through (direct and indirect) referrals, not through job postings….
This Protracted Job Search Is Embarrassing!
Searching for a job takes a toll on your psyche. You question your self-worth. Remove these thoughts from your psyche. The irony of these shameful thoughts is that they discount that unemployment is highly likely for millions of people….
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….
Decoding the Job Hunt: When Advice Doesn't Add Up
This job market is tough on candidates. All day, I talk with people who are seeking new roles and trying to transform their careers. After working in this field for 20+ years, I consider myself an expert, and I am often called upon to present my expertise at various conferences, meetings, or other events. Enter social media. A brief visit to LinkedIn will reveal how many folks out there consider themselves career experts or career coaches, with no experience in either. You’ve seen the conflicting advice….
Don’t Flub the Interview: How Focusing on the Company’s Pain Points Will Land You the Job
Think you can wing that job interview because it’s all about you? Think again. The real star of the show is the company’s business pain. As much as we love talking about ourselves, acing an interview requires laser focus on the challenges the hiring manager faces. So, let’s ditch the improvisation and get down to targeted prep. Here’s how….
The Blindness of Job Seekers: Navigating Challenges in the Modern Job Market
In the novel “Blindness” by José Saramago, an epidemic of sudden and unexplained blindness descends upon a city, leaving its inhabitants struggling to survive in a world of darkness. This harrowing tale of social breakdown and human nature resonates with the struggles of modern-day job seekers navigating the competitive and uncertain job market. Just like the characters in the book, job seekers face various challenges and uncertainties, and understanding these parallels can shed light on the importance of resilience and adaptability in the pursuit of meaningful employment….
3 Interview Questions You Must Know How to Answer
Job interviews are stressful. Even in the most friendly, non-confrontational interview setting, it still feels like your education, experience, and even your very character are all being called into question, and if you suffer from interview anxiety, are shy, or get nervous easily, you could come off as unfriendly, inexperienced, and not suitable for the team. The best way to overcome interview jitters is to practice, practice, practice….
Critical Areas of Focus for Job Seekers
During the course of my career, I have counseled thousands of people. Some people seek assistance in writing a resume. Some want help crafting a succinct elevator pitch. Many want advice as to how to move their careers forward and how to achieve their end goal. Almost invariably, I give my clients the same pieces of core advice. Now, I’m going to share that advice, gleaned from many years and my experience with various people, with you….