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.
How to Explain Being Fired
Dear Deb, Q. I was fired from my last job because of a conflict I had with the manager. He did something that I felt was unethical. When I found out, I went over his head and told his superior. He was able to twist the situation and next thing you know, I got the…
Business Development Résumé Summary Statement
Dear Deb, Q. Would you have a better suggestion for this opening summary statement? "Especially skilled at opening doors and building relationships that result in win-win sales scenarios for customers and companies alike". Thank you in advance! - MB, Rockford, IL A. I am not sure from this question if you are truly referring to…
Gender Neutral Names on Résumés
Dear Debra, Q. My wife seems to think that I should distinguish myself as a man (the name Tracy can be either male or female) on my résumé. She thinks that I would be in a better position if the interviewer knew I was male instead of female. I don't believe there is this prejudice going on…
New Job for Career Growth?
Q. Dear Deb, Since you revised my résumé, I have been at the same job for 3 ½ years. While I like the boss and the company, I feel there is no more room for advancement based on the company size. I was promoted once, but that is about as far as I can go.…
Creative Résumé for Event Planners
Q. Dear Deb, I am an event planner and have been having a debate with my husband about whether or not it is appropriate to use color and possibly even a few graphics on my résumé. He is a financial professional on Wall Street and thinks I should absolutely not use any color or images. …
Personal Branding for Financial Career Growth
Dear Deb, Q. I am a Senior Financial Analytics Manager at a major pharmaceutical firm and keep seeing articles on the internet about personal branding and professional branding. I would like to know if there is a difference between the two. Also, can you explain how branding will help me with my career? T.H., Nutley,…
Interview Questions for the Interviewer
Dear Deb, Q. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know that I have a job interview next week. I know that it is good to ask the interviewer questions. I was wondering if there are a few standard interview questions you recommend asking the hiring manager that would help me make…
Interview Questions - Interview Tips
Dear Deb, Q. I was wondering what I can do to improve my performance during interviews. It seems like I am making a lot of headway now that the economy is picking up and I have revised my résumé, but it is still quite competitive out there. I have been on nearly 30 interviews and…
Resume Summary and Accomplishments
Dear Deb, Q. I listened in on the webinar you conducted last week on financial résumé writing, which was quite informative. Do you find that the overall content of resumes differs between various industries such as technology, engineering, healthcare, etc.? I was wondering if one needs to have a summary section and highlight key accomplishments…
Interview Questions and Answers for Job Seekers
Dear Deb, Q. I am preparing for a meeting next week and was wondering if you could help me with some information about interview questions and answers. I submitted the résumé you wrote for me to the CEO of a company and he called yesterday to arrange an interview. Any career advice you can provide…