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.
Ask Deb: Handling a Question About a Failed Business
Dear Deb, What is the best way to answer an interview question about why your company failed? I started a graphic design firm and after sinking $30,000 into it; and after 18 months of long hours and no weekends off, I have given up. We just could not compete with more established firms. I am…
Should You Hide a Disability?
Dear Deb: My brother has suffered with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following his return from Egypt. He was on an international charity mission for impoverished children. He witnessed the uprising, including violent deaths and other horrible things. It has taken many months, but he is on the road to recovery to a point where…
Early Career Experience on Your Resume
Dear Deb: I read your article about showing the most recent ten to fifteen years on a resume. I am changing back to my original career of corporate training. I have not worked as a teacher in 18 years. What is the best way to show my experience from early career, which includes 10 years…
How Can I Get my Resume Noticed?
Dear Deb: How do I get potential employers to respond to my resume? Danny Hi Danny: There is no one way to get potential employers to respond. You need to have a compelling and aesthetically pleasing resume and cover letter that is tailored for the positions for which you are applying. You need to make…
Keeping Job Search off of Social Media
Dear Deb: How do you improve your odds of obtaining a new position without giving away that you are in the market on social media. Since many people in your current work life have access to you social media pages it seems detrimental to the current work status. Thanks, Mark Hi Mark: Many people use…
Ask Deb: Overseas Job Opportunity
Dear Deb: I have an opportunity to go work in Europe for a former employer. How should I decide if I want to take this job opportunity? Mark Hi Mark: Nice to hear from you. You should be making your decision based on interest in the opportunity, ability for development and growth, and overall opportunity…
Boss Is Having an Affair with my Coworker!
Dear Deb: I am the last to leave in my department because I run the final accounting reports. Lately, I have seen my co-worker and my boss getting very flirty in his office. Last night, I walked past and saw them rather intimate in his car in the company parking lot. We are a small…
How to Deliver Application
Dear Deb: I am applying for a sales position. The posting says to apply online or in person. It is at a national bookseller. I am looking for a second job to supplement my primary job as a network administrator. There are rumors that my company is downsizing so I am trying to earn extra…
Reference Letter vs. Letter of Recommendation
Dear Deb: What is the difference between a reference letter and a letter of recommendation? I want to be sure I use the correct term when asking my former manager to write a letter on my behalf. Does it have to do with the type of job you hold? I am an customer service representative.…
Numbers on a Résumé
Dear Deb: On my résumé, I want to show that I have 24 years of experience in event marketing. Do I write “24” or “twenty-four?” Thanks! Margo Dear Margo, Great question! On a résumé, we use the numbers. So, it would be “5” instead of “five” and “14” instead of “fourteen.” That is because résumés…