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 let potential employers know you would relocate
Debra, How do I tactfully let potential employers know that I can relocate my household for an opportunity at my expense? It seems employers are reluctant to interview people who are not currently living in the area. Is there a strategy to deflect my current location in the pre - screening process? Thanks, Brian Dear…
How to get co-workers to reply to emails
Dear Deb: There are a couple of co-workers who do not reply to my email messages. Even when I kindly ask for a reply or when I am asking who is able to attend a presentation, I get no response from certain people. I follow the rules of netiquette. I keep my emails brief, on-topic,…
Should I make myself younger to compete in job market?
Dear Deb: I work for a large aerospace company. We just lost our contract and everyone in our location has been offered the option of moving from California to Maryland or taking severance. I elected severance. When I met with the job search counselor, she suggested that I get Botox and update my hairstyle to…
Conducting Company Research
Dear Deb: Several articles have said that need to research a company prior to an interview. I also would like to conduct general research to find companies that are expanding and hiring. What is the best way to do the research without spending money? Any tips? Etienne, St. Paul, MN Dear Etienne: You must be…
Looking for a Job after the military
Dear Deb: Most of my 8-year career has been in the military. Now that I am out, I want to get a job in the insurance industry in claims management or possibly for a corporation as a risk manager. I was an armor reconnaissance officer. I don’t know how to explain my Army experience in…
Will cloud computing eliminate system administrator jobs?
Dear Deb: I am a 54 year old systems administrator and I see the writing on the wall. Will cloud computing eliminate my job? What can I do about it? My kids are in college and I can’t afford to retire for at least 12 more years! Will, Kansas City, MO Dear Will, At least…
Gaps in Career History
Hello, Can you give me advice on explaining gaps in my resume? There were two, and lasted about a year each time. I was looking for work. Should I try to document on my resume or just explain during interview? Thank you for any help. S.A. Dear S.A., When marketing ourselves, we want to avoid…
Obtaining a loan to pay for grad school?
Dear Deb: I was accepted to grad school and I am convinced the MPA will be essential for my career. Unfortunately, I do not qualify for grants or scholarships. My parents paid for undergraduate studies for me and my three sisters. They are not paying for graduate school. Should I obtain a loan to pay…
Online Résumés
Dear Deb, Is it necessary to create an online résumé? There are so many resumes online. Mine will be lost in the sea of resumes. Also, I am concerned about Spam. Isn’t it better for me to apply to jobs that I like? ~ Madison K., Albuquerque, NM Dear Madison, It is wise to perform…
How conduct an East Coast job search from the West Coast?
Dear Deb: I am located on the West Coast. I reside in Bellevue, WA but work in CA during the week. Due to family developments, I may need to move to the East Coast. How can I represent on my LinkedIN profile that I am willing to relocate without raising a red flag for employers? …