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.
Using Your Full Name
Dear Deb: I rarely use my entire name, but I would like to on my resume so that I am easily identifiable when someone searches for my transcript or GMAT scores. My name is Michael Alban Adams Jr. My son’s (only six months old, but it may matter someday) name is Michael Alban Adams, III. …
Secondary Language Profile on LinkedIN?
Dear Deb: I am bilingual and seeking an international humanitarian program leadership role in South America. Some of the jobs are with US organizations, and some are Latin American. Should I have two LinkedIn profiles – one in English and one in Spanish? Thank you, Aron Dear Aron: Yes, in your situation it is smart…
How to Send a Cover Letter
Dear Deb: Now that I have a terrific new cover letter, how do I use it? In other words, should I copy and paste the letter into an email message box? Or, do I attach it to an email message along with my resume? Should I also send a copy by mail? What’s common these…
Should I Ask to Be Paid to Set-Up My Desk?
Dear Deb: My employer is moving to a larger facility next week. We are a 6-month old start-up company. The owner said he’d like “all hands on deck” to help with the office set-up. We’re essentially moving our own desk contents, but professional movers and technicians will have already set up furniture and computers. They…
How Long to Wait Before a Second Follow-Up Call?
Hi Debra: How long should I wait before making a second follow-up call? I sent my resume to a job opportunity two weeks ago. One week after, I called to be sure they received my resume. The HR assistant checked and confirmed it was received. It’s been two weeks. Shouldn’t I have heard by now?…
Need More Vacation Time
Dear Deb: I am planning to return to work as a marketing director after a 12-year break. I want to communicate to the employer that I will need time off to accompany my husband when he travels to Europe and Asia for work. Most times, we have a 2 to 3-week notice of the trips.…
Is YouTube Success Resume-Worthy?
Dear Deb: I created a video, posted it on YouTube, and it has 543,000 hits. It’s a humorous song about the plight of a rare beetle. There is no offensive language. It has nothing to do with my career in commercial real estate leasing. However, I wonder if it would make me seem unique. Should…
What to Include on a Resume for Retail
Dear Deb: Is it necessary to bring a resume for a job at a retail shop in the mall? What would it say? I have only worked at an Italian ice cart at a local amusement park and also some intermittent work as a catering server. It might make me look silly to show that…
Showing That You Are Qualified for a New Project
Dear Deb: What is the best way to show that I am qualified to handle a large, complex project if I have never led a project of considerable scope before? I am in the running to lead a $5.3 million implementation of a new data storage system for 43 sites across North America. The largest…
Connecting with Competitors on LinkedIn
Dear Deb: Is it a good idea to accept a competitor as a LinkedIn connection? Isn’t there a chance I could lose potential customers if they see their names and start shopping? I am a consultant in the field of environmental impact studies. Thank you, Doug Dear Doug: Thanks for writing. Yes, accepting an invitation…