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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.

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What to Do When a “Bad” Worker Asks for a Recommendation

Dear Deb: I have a really good friend who has helped me in so many ways, but she is a horrible employee.  She’s basically a well-intentioned flake who skates from one job to another. Somehow, she survives.  She swears that she has turned a corner and is serious now. She wants me to vouch for…

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How Do I Select an Industry for My LinkedIn Profile?

Hi Deb, Should I set up my industry for my LinkedIn account based on my current job or the job that I am seeking?   Thanks, Carlos Dear Carlos: That’s a great question!  We talk a lot about LinkedIn profiles, but I have not heard that particular question.  If you have defined a career goal within…

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Selecting a Good Email Address

Dear Deb: What is a good moniker to use for my new email address?  I keep reading that I need a professional email name, but I am not sure what that means.  I know the obvious things to avoid, but what sounds good?  I am completing my Master of Science in Communications soon.  I am…

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No One is Looking at My LinkedIN Profile

Dear Deb:  I updated my LinkedIn profile three weeks ago and I have not had a single hit!  Zero! Nada! My profile is fully optimized based on the latest expert advice.  What should I do? Thank you, Robbie Dear Robbie: Have you joined groups on LinkedIn and participated in discussions?   I would recommend increasing your…

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Including Languages on your Résumé

Dear Deb:  I moved to the U.S. from Greece when I was five when I was adopted by American parents.  I always put on my résumé that I have native fluency in Greek.  My recruiter told me to remove it from my résumé unless an employer is looking for that language skill. She also said…

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What am I Doing Wrong on Interview?

Dear Deb: I have had 4 interviews, two said they would be in contact for a second interview, if I was the right fit.  I never got the call for the second interview...What am I doing wrong here? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Waiting for an answer and getting rejected can be frustrating and disappointing.  However, it…

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Personality Traits on a Résumé?

Dear Deb:  I want to add the results of my recent personality tests to my résumé because they were very positive and show my leadership ability. My top five indicators are: Activator, Positivity, Learner, Communication, and Winning Others Over.  Where can I put this on my résumé?  Would I create a special section with the…

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Listing Military Training on your Resume

Dear Deb:  Should I list all of my military training?  I have about a half page of courses and training programs that I completed.  I feel this training would compensate for my lack of a college degree.  Most of my training is military readiness, combat conditioning, and radio operations.  I have been out of the…

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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…

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