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.
Should I Share Personal Information With Recruiters?
Dear Deb: How can I determine if a recruiter is a scam artist trying to gather my personal information? What type of information should I share with a recruiter? Thank you, Cole Dear Cole: Be careful when sharing your personal information. Recruiters typically need a current resume and in some cases they will ask for…
My Occupation Is Changing -- What Should I Do?
Dear Deb: I have been in my industry for 27 years. I am a media buyer, mostly cable and infomercials. My occupation is changing and when my previous employer was bought by a large international company, I was downsized. The problem is that companies are using more sophisticated specialized software and reporting systems. In the…
Should My Employer Cover My Training Costs?
Dear Deb: My manager suggested that I get a certification in a software application that I commonly use. It is an online course. The website indicates that program will take two months if I apply about ten hours per week in the coursework and exam preparation. My manager has not offered to pay for the…
Avoid Negative Comments While Networking
Dear Deb: When I am networking in a one-on-one setting, how do I handle negative comments about my current boss? My boss has a reputation as a very domineering and difficult person and has made more than a few enemies in our industry. It’s a small world, so I always get comments like, “Oh, ____…
How to Present a Co-authored Article on a Resume
Dear Deb: I have several publications in accounting journals. In two of those examples, I was the co-author with a colleague. I assume that I need to share the credit. How should I present that on my resume? I am not sure if I should how to show it. Thank you, Thomas Dear Thomas: Yes,…
Follow-up after a Panel Interview
Dear Deb: I completed a panel interview with three interviewers. At the end of the interview, they did not tell me the next steps. I did not feel comfortable asking about the next steps and how long before I would hear from someone. I also did not get business cards. I only wrote down the…
Recording a Job Interview?
Dear Deb: Is it a good idea to record my job interview with my smart phone? I want to listen to it later so I can improve my interviewing skills. Would an employer appreciate my commitment to improving myself or be annoyed? Do I have to tell them that I am recording? Thank you, Aaron…
Is Short Term Disability Considered Unemployment?
Dear Deb: I took a one-month leave of absence from my job two years ago to recover from back surgery. It was covered by sick days and two weeks of short-term disability. Do I need to show that month as unemployed on my resume? How would I present that? Thank you, Ted Dear Ted: No,…
How Can I Ensure I Receive a Positive Reference from a Previous Employer?
Dear Deb: I am considering a career move. How can I be sure my prior employers will not say negative things about me? I have always left on good terms and received excellent reviews in all but one job. One of my past bosses (from 8 years ago) was a really stern person who never…
How can I tell my manager that my team member is stuggling?
Dear Deb: How can I tell my manager that the newly-hired team member is not up to the task? He hired someone, who exaggerated her abilities and after 30 days on the job she is still struggling to perform her work. So, two of us on the team are picking up the slack, correcting her…