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.
White Space on Your Resume
Dear Deb: I keep hearing about having enough white space on my resume. Is there a metrics that I should follow regarding margins, font size, and space between lines? Appreciate the help, Shawn Dear Shawn: Yes, white space is important for all types of written materials, including ads in a magazine, webpages, outdoor advertising, and…
Listing Technical Skills on Your Resume
Dear Deb: Should I list all of my technical knowledge on my resume? My current resume has extended into three pages, and I have a half page listing all of my technical proficiencies. What’s the best strategy? Is it better to have three pages with all of my skills from the last 16 years? Or,…
Asking for a Reference
Dear Deb: Is it necessary to ask someone to be a reference? Or, can I use someone’s name on an application without asking them? I don’t want to bother them, especially if they never get a call. Secondly, most employers really don’t check references, right? Thank you, Sebastian Dear Sebastian: Yes, absolutely, you should ask…
Two Page Resumes Online
Dear Deb: Because resumes are read online, do I really need to start the second page with my name and “page 2 of 2” at the top? Thanks! Charlene Dear Charlene: It is true that initially almost all resumes are viewed online. However, quite often, at some point a resume is printed. It is the…
Non-Disclosure Agreements
Dear Deb: I signed a non-disclosure agreement regarding large transactions and names of clients. How do I show my accomplishments on my resume? Thank you, Josh Dear Josh: If you signed an agreement, you must abide by that agreement. However, that does not prevent you from sharing your accomplishments on your resume. You can write…
How do I Ensure that I leave a Job on Good Terms?
Dear Deb: I have been offered a new job with a greater chance for promotions. I think it will be a big surprise to my manager. She has been a mentor to me over the last five years and I want to be sure I do not burn a bridge with her or the company. …
How Many Pages Should My Resume Be?
Dear Deb: I have struggled to reduce my resume to one page and I can only get it down to two pages. I have been working for 12 years for four employers and have earned a degree and one insurance industry certification. I don’t know what to cut to get to one page other than…
Presentations on LinkedIn
Dear Deb: How do I add my presentations to my LinkedIn profile? I don’t see a category for presentations. Thank you! Louise Dear Louise: As of today, LinkedIn does not have a category for presentations. However, the closest match for that information is the publications section. Add any major presentations that are related to your…
Relocating for a Spouse
Dear Deb: I am leaving a job and relocating to a new state because my husband has a new job. What do I write on my resume and LinkedIn profile? Does it make me seem less professional to leave for my husband’s opportunity? Thank you, Indira Dear Indira: It is very common for someone to…
Include language skills on resume if it's not relevant for a position?
Dear Deb: Should I list language skills on my resume if foreign language skills are not listed as a requirement for the job that I am pursuing? I am fluent in English and Spanish. I am also fluent in Greek and Standard Croatian. Are those languages worth showing on my resume? It is not too…