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.
Is being underpaid synonymous with being under-appreciated?
Dear Deb, During the 8 years I've been employed with my current company, my responsibilities have increased dramatically to the point where I am basically doing more managerial type work than production type work. The work I do warrants at least an additional $8K - $10K per year in earnings. For the past 3 years…
Following Up After an Interview
Dear Deb: How long should I wait before sending a hiring manager a follow-up email after an interview? It was a first interview and I met with the HR manager and the customer service manager in the same day. Also, whom do I write to? Thanks, Carly P. Dear Carly, Great question! Most candidate do…
Doing personal work for your boss after hours?
Dear Deb: My nightmare boss asked me to set up his home computer network last month. I did it at no charge and he gave me a $20 Amazon gift card for the two hours of work. Now, he has asked me to set up his brother’s computer network and media system. My wife said…
Long Distance Interviewing
Dear Deb, I read your article on Skype interviews. I had a phone interview with an HR manager last week. I am interviewing via Skype with the hiring manager in a few days. I live in Denver. They are in Boston. How many distance interviews will they conduct before they ask me to visit their…
Wear a Suit in a Skype Interview?
Hi Debra, If I have a job interview on Skype on a Sat. morning, do I really need to wear a suit? Could I just wear a nice shirt? It seems very phony to get up at 8am on a Sat. and put on a suit. This is for a programming position. Even when I…
GPA on a Resume?
Dear Debra: I had a 3.95 GPA for my undergraduate degree in Economics, but only a 3.3 GPA for MBA. I read that recent graduates should show GPAs, but only if they are high. What do I do if one is high and one is on the low end? Both are from the same school,…
Time off for Teacher Conference?
Dear Debra: My child has parent-teacher conferences twice a year. The other two managers never ask for time off for their kids’ events or conferences. I am so conflicted because I just got this job two months ago. Thanks! Carrie Dear Carrie: These conferences are important. In fact, some states have laws in connection with…
Embrace Your Baldness
Dear Deb, Could you please look at my LinkedIn profile photo and give me your honest opinion? I am 38 years old and because of premature balding, I look 50! I tend to wear this Fedora. It’s kind of retro. A friend told me that I can’t wear a hat in my profile photo. Furthermore,…
Showing results on a résumé
Dear Debra: I have read in your blog that it is important to show measured results, such as sales figures. I don’t have records going back through my entire eight-year history; can I make an estimate? Or should I just say that I increased sales? Thanks in advance for your advice! Rick Dear Rick,…
How do I handle a career transition on my résumé?
Hi Deb! I earned my bachelor’s degree in finance and soon will earn my MBA with a concentration in finance. Recently, I have really become interested in human resources. I have no work experience in HR. I’ve researched it and talked to people in HR positions. Week after week, I feel more…