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.

Unemployed Need Not Apply: Insidious Bias in the Hiring Process
We know that the hiring process isn’t always run by rational folks, and many of them can’t help making value judgments about people who are unemployed. There is a prevailing attitude that someone employed must be doing something right – they are “employable” and have been validated by another company. In contrast, a candidate who has been out of work for months or years raises red flags. Laid off? Must not have been that valuable relative to these candidates who are still employed. Health/personal issue/moved? Sounds like they aren’t going to be reliable. Culture fit issue? If they didn’t fit in there, they won’t fit in here either. Contract ended? Must not have been good enough for renewal. Outsourced? Must not be competitive. These are just some reasons I’ve heard hiring managers pass on candidates who are not currently employed….

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….
Where the Jobs Are Not - Visual Map of US Unemployment #InfoGraphic
Do you know where the jobs aren't? Have a look at this infographic created by Careers Done Write to show you! Do you need to relocate? Maybe!
Unemployment Picture Continues to Get Better - January 2012
The new unemployment numbers are out and the picture continues to get rosier. The overall numbers are better and some of the leading indicators are also improving. Some Highlights The rate dropped to 8.3% - the lowest in almost three years. The labor market added 243k jobs - the best in nine months and better…
Do the Latest Job Numbers Mean the Economy is Turning Around?
The most recent job numbers just came out and on the surface they look great - but is the reality as good as the first glance shows? A few quick highlights and my thoughts. The overall rate dropped to 8.6%, the lowest since March 2009. The decrease from 9% in October is the biggest decrease…
How to Address a Lengthy Unemployment
Dear Deb, Q. I haven’t worked since 2009 and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to downplay this gap? It seems like the longer I am unemployed the more this becomes a big issue for me. –T.J., Connecticut A. For a variety of reasons, hiring managers do tend to favor people…
US Department of Labor Employment Report
December's unemployment number shows improvement with the nominal rate dropping from 9.8% to 9.4%, but those numbers might be misleading for a variety of reasons. In order to see why they might not be the great news some of our more ebullient analysts might make you believe, some basic discussion of how the rate is…