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.
How to Show Incomplete Certifications
Dear Deb: I have completed all the coursework for my CCNPS (Cisco Certified Network Professional: Security), but I have not taken the test yet. Can I add this to my resume? I take the test in May. But, I have jobs I want to apply to now. Thank you, Joel Dear Joel, Good for you! …
Photos on Resumes
Dear Deb: My career counselor told me that it is not appropriate to put a photo on my resume. I am applying to jobs as a business systems analyst. I saw a report on the news that attractive people earn higher salaries. Wouldn’t it make sense to leverage that asset on a resume? What do…
Does Experience as a Mom Count?
Dear Deb: I took off 8 years to care for my son who had a serious illness. He’s much better now. I want and need to get back to work. While caring for my son, I became an advocate for my son and other children with seizure disorders. If it were not for my fighting,…
Handling Skill Gaps
Dear Deb: I am applying for jobs in clinical informatics. It requires a combination of technology and clinical experience. What should I say on my resume or cover letter about a gap in my technical expertise? In other words, the job posting indicates a requirement for QuadraMed QCPR. I have no experience with that particular…
Conflict Between Work Events and Family Events
Dear Deb: I am required to attend an annual corporate golf trip. All of the management team will be there, including many from home office and our top clients from the pharm side of business (my clients). It’s basically a time to really connect on a deeper, more personal level with clients. The only problem…
Finding Temporary Work
Dear Deb: My husband will be off work four months due to a hiatus at his production company. It’s the nature of the entertainment business. They are highly compensated when they are in production and that makes up for the down time that happens every two or three years. Here’s my dilemma. We have healthcare…
Telling Co-Workers You're Leaving Your Job
Dear Debra: I just gave a two-week notice to my supervisor. She asked that I wait one week before telling anyone, including my co-workers, clients, and vendors. That’s fine. Many of my co-workers are in the other branches, but we interact frequently online and by phone. What’s the best way to say, “good-bye” to my…
Do I Really Want The Job?
Dear Debra: In my third interview for a customer service manager position, the interviewer (who runs the branch) asked me if I really wanted the job. He said, “I want to be sure that you really want this job” It’s like he wanted me to convince him. In my mind, the fact that I am…
Excluded from a Client Meeting
Dear Deb: My boss announced at the weekly department meeting that one of our top clients is coming for a visit. He said that all account executives should come to the conference room and introduce themselves. They are serving coffee and pastries. Then he tells me and another person that he knows we are swamped…
How to Present Yourself for High-paying Jobs
Dear Deb: Is it OK to list my salary requirements in my cover letter? I am a consultant seeking positions and the minimum salary that I a willing to entertain is $120,000. I really don’t want to waste my time interviewing only to find out that the salary offered is much lower than I will…