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.
Getting Back Into The Workforce After a Lengthy Gap
Dear Debra: I started work as an equity sales assistant in 1984 after earning my MBA. After five years, I worked at a large international bank providing sales trading covering until 1999 when I left to raise my daughter. It was too tough taking her to childcare at 6:00 am so I could commute to…
Dealing with Potential Employers who Require Online Samples of Your Work
Dear Deb: How do you deal with recruiters and/or companies who require online samples of your work before they meet you when all or most of your work is proprietary, covered by a non-compete or NDA, restricted, etc.? Redacted samples would STILL appear to fall into that category. Would they want you to parade their…
Editing Your LinkedIN Profile
Dear Debra: Is it appropriate to change the order of my LinkedIn sections? I don’t have a lot of work history and the history that I have is not related to my career goal. Is it OK to lead with my education and skills? How do I do this? Thank you for your advice, Benjamin…
Showing Your Latest Role On LinkedIN
Dear Debra: I set up my LinkedIn account and it is showing a volunteer unpaid position in my summary at the top of my profile. That does not seem right. Is this because I am currently unemployed? What do you recommend that I do? Thank you, Sarina Dear Sarina: LinkedIn places your latest "role" as…
What Should I Include In My Resume If I am Changing Careers?
Dear Deb: I have been a Pilates instructor at an upscale studio for 10 years. I am looking to make a change into a sales rep position for a fashion, fitness, or beauty brand. I don’t have a college degree and have only worked in fitness since the age of 20. What can I put…
Am I Paranoid?
Dear Deb: I am interviewing for a high level R&D position top tier global company. I signed non-disclosure agreements before the second in-person interview, which is somewhat standard in this industry and at this level. However, I wonder if they were spying on me during the ride back to the airport. They arranged my car. …
Lying On A Resume
Dear Deb: I fudged my resume to indicate that I earned a degree. In fact, I did not earn the degree. I only attended for two years and dropped out. It was mostly because I was in a program that was not a match. Since then, I discovered my true calling (coding) and have earned…
My Manager Hasn't Acknowledged My Resignation Letter
Dear Deb, I sent my resignation notice to my manager by email five days ago and he never replied. I know he is in his email constantly, as it is a critical means of communication in his role. Should I say something to him or write him again? Or, do I assume that he has…
I Don't Want to Be the Office Party Planner
Dear Deb: Not by my interest or request, I have earned the reputation as the party planner at work. I think it is because I am the only female CPA in an office with 6 other CPAs. There are also about 15 administrative, IT, marketing, and customer service workers. Somehow, I am the one asked…
Can I Bring My Dog To Work?
Dear Deb: My 17-year-old, 12-pound terrier is now blind. He lies on his pillow bed all day. I can barely rouse him to go for a walk because of his age. I want to bring him to work with me. How do I ask my manager this? We are in a company-owned building with about…