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.
Ask Deb: Why Was I Rejected for a Low-Paying Retail Job?
The company I worked for was acquired by a larger company in the same industry, and I, along with many of my colleagues, was summarily laid off. A few weeks ago, I decided that I needed to do something, and for the sake of my sanity, I had to get out of my house more frequently than my daily walk with the dog or my trip to the mailbox. I applied to be a stocker at my local Trader Joe’s. I thought my experience in managing inventory and improving processes would make me a good candidate. I spoke with the store manager, who told me to apply online. I applied online. A week later, I got a typical rejection email about hiring candidates with better qualifications. I have gone from managing contracts valued at 7 figures to being unable to secure a retail job! What is going on with this job market?….
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?….
Quantify to Qualify: Leveraging Metrics to Make Your Resume Stand Out
There is truth in that tired business adage that “what gets measured gets done.” If you want to stand out among the crowd, you must ensure that you include metrics on your resume. The average amount of time spent “reading” a resume is a disheartening 7.2 seconds. That’s right—when a recruiter looks at your resume, she scans it for keywords and superstar accomplishments. If you want to grab the recruiter’s attention, adding metrics to your resume is one way to do so quickly….
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….
What to Expect from the Job Market in 2024
Despite the challenges presented by recent global events, hiring trends for 2024 indicate a renewed sense of optimism. Research from MIT’s Sloan School of Management shows that 39% of hiring leaders said they plan to increase their financial commitment toward hiring in 2024, and 70% of surveyed U.S. job seekers were somewhat or very confident about their prospects of finding new jobs. Here is what to expect from the job market as we enter 2024….
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….
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….