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.
Should I ask my company to reconsider interviewing me for an internal promotion?
Dear Deb, I'm hoping you can give me some career advice. I'm an accountant in a large company and I was just rejected for an interview with my current employer for an advanced position. I'd really like them to reconsider interviewing me. Would it be advantageous to ask them to reconsider my candidacy? ~ Anthony…
Who did you report to?
Dear Deb: Should I add “reported to _______” to each position listed on my résumé? Thanks, Henry Dear Henry: It is not a clear-cut “yes” or “no” answer when it comes to showing the “reported to” info on your résumé. For most positions, it can be assumed the level to which you reported. …
Should I downplay my education?
Dear Deb: I am frustrated after trying to get any job for eighteen months. I know the economy is slow, but I need to begin working soon. Sometimes the company will tell me in the interview that I am over qualified for having a degree. I am considering not including my education on my resume…
Not eligible for re-hire?
Hi Deb, I was fired for theft. When investigated, I admitted to what I took and returned it. The company said they would not document the theft in my personnel file or report me to the police. I have also found that the Human Resources Department at that company is not revealing it when people…
Losing a Job Due to Absenteeism
Dear Deb: My former manager told me that I was fired due to absenteeism related to a health issue. He even said that I was a “joke” in the office because of my absenteeism. However, he used the official reason as “budget cuts.” I am working on resolving that issue and am currently looking for…
Should computer skills be included if looking for a non-technical job?
Dear Deb: If I am not applying for a technical job (commercial real estate agent), do I need to show my computer skills on a résumé? Fernando Dear Fernando: Yes, you should show the computer skills relevant to your target job. (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, as well as industry-specific computer applications) If computer skills are…
Bound by a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement
Dear Deb: I signed a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement with my current employer. I am not allowed to share information about clients, value of client contracts, or products under development. That really limits how I can show accomplishments on my résumé. Is there a way around this? Lily Dear Lily: It does limit you, however, you can…
Using correct verb tense
Dear Deb, My sister helped me by writing my first résumé last weekend. In my current job she used the verbs, “supervise,” “control” and “write.” Shouldn’t it be “supervises,” “controls” and “writes?” I don’t want to insult her because I know she spent a lot of time writing it for me. But, I would be…
How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have?
Dear Deb: How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have? Should I have one for each possible career path? I am a pottery artist, registered nurse, and a wedding photographer. My instincts are to have one profile for my pottery and photography and another one for my professional life as a nurse. Do I need to…
Getting employers to look past education and focus on experience
Dear Deb: I think I am being screened out of the selection process because I do not have a college degree. I have worked in the logistics department for a manufacturing company for 12 years. They are closing the U.S. office in 6 weeks. I have been searching for 3 months in anticipation of the…