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.
A Job Is Not a Gift. Work Is.
During the last two lazy weeks of 2024, I noticed more than a few LinkedIn users posting that all they wanted for the holidays was a new job. I recently blogged about how begging for a job is not a smart strategy. To reiterate the main point of that blog, desperation will not get you a job. A job is not a gift. A job is earned through expertise and a record of success in delivering results
Career Trends for 2025
I know we are all bombarded with “new year, new you” messages everywhere during these first weeks of the new year. We all know that New Year’s resolutions are notoriously difficult to maintain and that most of them fall by the wayside by mid-February. So, I won’t advise you to make monumental shifts in your career management strategy. I want to point out that you are the CEO of your career, so it’s incumbent upon you to manage your career just as you would any team or project. In line with that, here are some trends to keep on top of for 2025….
Interview Prep: Your Key to Success in the Job Search
The job interview should be a conversation between interested parties to determine whether or not working together might be mutually beneficial. Candidates often go into interviews with little preparation and just wing it. You want to be sure that you tell a compelling, coherent story about your professional history and the value that you bring to the role. Here are my top tips for preparing for your next interview....
Dr. Fox and the Magic of Engaging Public Speakers
In the early 70s, a group of PhD and medical students at USC attended a lecture entitled “Mathematical Game Theory and its Application to Physician Education.” A preeminent scientist gave some of them the lecture. Dr. Fox lectured to others.
Dr. Fox was introduced as an authority who authored books on the subject. There was a problem, however: Dr. Fox was a fraud. He was no expert. He was an actor named Myron Fox, hired by a team of researchers to determine which is more important to most people—substance or delivery?….
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….
Don’t Be a Martyr for the Cause
You need to think of yourself as the CEO of your career, which means always thinking about what is best for you. You are a free agent.
The most essential asset in your career is you. Prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, and ensure your professional journey aligns with your personal values and health. Do not sacrifice yourself for an employer. Ever….
Good Riddance to Non-Compete Agreements!
On Tuesday, April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled effectively banning non-competes for most employees. This will prevent for-profit employers from issuing new non-competes to anyone, making existing agreements unenforceable after the rule’s effective date. However, companies will still be able to issue and enforce non-competes for executives, defined as employees “in policy-making positions” who make at least $151,164 annually. It also orders employers to notify nonexecutive employees bound by an existing non-compete that it will no longer be enforceable. However, employment lawyers expect there to be legal pushback from employers and business groups that may delay enforcement of the rule while it is challenged in court and possibly prevent it from ever going into effect….
Beware of Job Scammers
A job scam is a fraudulent work offer intended to mislead people seeking legitimate employment. Often, the objective of scammers is to deceive job seekers into giving money, divulging personal information, or providing free labor. When looking for a new job, distinguishing between a scam and a valid opportunity can keep you safe and spare you a great deal of hassle….
Are You Asking the Right Questions?
Much of the career advice out there focuses on interview preparation for candidates, specifically on how best to formulate answers to typical questions. But just as important—maybe even more important—are your questions during the interview….
How to Resign with Dignity, Grace, and Professionalism
Most of my advice to job seekers centers on the broad topic of searching for and securing a new role. But just as it is important to approach your job search with professionalism, it is also critical that you resign from your current role in a dignified and diplomatic manner. You may not think resigning needs a strategy behind it, but it most assuredly does. Considering that your resignation will impact your brand, you want to think carefully and act mindfully when resigning….