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.
No College Degree
Dear Deb: I never completed college. I tried three different times at three different colleges, once as a full-time student right after high school and twice more on a part-time basis while working over the last 14 years. My studies include general, business, IT, and psychology coursework. I have been in customer service management my…
Should I include my Mensa affiliation on my résumé?
Dear Deb: A recruiter recently asked me to remove my Mensa affiliation from my résumé. I really want to showcase my intelligence and if someone is intimidated with my intelligence, I don’t want to work with or for him or her. How is that wrong? Regards, Edward Dear Edward: I understand why you are proud of…
Is there a way to respond to questions about my preferred pay?
Dear Debra: May I ask you a question about pay? I only separated from the Air Force in March where my pay was more than $5,000/month. At my most recent job my wage was $24/hr. Some job applications ask what my preferred pay is as well as my past pay. I want to be honest,…
Dogs in the workplace?
Dear Deb, OK, this may be your oddest email ever. I went to a job interview at a manufacturing company with 130 employees. I met the operations director about an HR manager position. Then he brings me to meet with the owner. He is in his office with two slobbering bull dogs on the floor.…
Am I paranoid for not wanting to be on Facebook?
Dear Deb: I am probably the only person in my generation not on Facebook. As a field sales representative, I have always been worried about my private info becoming available to my clients and prospects. Also, I have a lot of immature friends. With cell phone cameras and lots of 20-something friends, it’s a matter…
My boss tried to take credit for all my accomplishments
Dear Deb: I have some really impressive accomplishments to put on my resume. However, my boss grabs credit for everything. Every project, he is considered the co-manager - even though he just approves my decisions and I pretty much run it independently. Also, I brought in a new client worth $120K/year for a new project. …
Is it a mistake to leave a consulting job for a job just to get health insurance?
Dear Deb: I work as a consultant, mostly for non-profits. My husband was laid off and we will be without health insurance when our COBRA coverage expires in 3 months. If I take work as a barista at a coffee shop, they will provide full health benefits. This is a $25,600 annual benefit to my…
Career Move
Hi, I am in such a bad state now due to my wrong decision i had taken. I have about 20+ years of experience working in good orgn in India for a BPO. However to aspire my career goals i always had a habit to apply for good roles in big banks. For one of…
How many pages should my résumé be?
Dear Deb, How many pages should my résumé be? I am a data processor for an insurance company with 18 years of experience. My current résumé is two pages. Is that OK? Thanks, Cliff K. Dear Cliff, The length will vary for each candidate. A résumé should be as long as it takes to share…
Can my employer ask me to take my résumé off a career website?
Dear Deb: My boss just called me in her office and asked me if I am searching for a new job. She said that she saw my résumé on a local career site. I told her that I posted it 18 months earlier when I was considering a change, but I am not searching now. …