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.
Common Advice to Job Seekers That Misses the Mark: “Just Start Your Own Business”
The idea that an individual can rise from humble beginnings and achieve greatness and success through determination, hard work, and ingenuity is a deeply ingrained component of the American Dream. Anyone can make it here! All you need is the drive, the gumption, the risk appetite! Look at all these entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley! In this precarious job market, a common piece of advice repeated ad nauseam online, in career journals, and at networking meetings is some version of “You should just start your own business.”….
Be Bold, Brash & Audacious and Stay on the Air
When you stay ready, keep showing up, and hold fast to your standards, you position yourself to seize the moment that can change everything. The world may not believe in your vision at first, but conviction paired with audacious execution can turn even the boldest idea into history….
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….
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….
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….
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….