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.
Explaining the Reason for Leaving a Job
Dear Debra: In my first job, nearly 8 years ago, I was fired for excessive absences. I was having a tough time with attendance because my baby had frequent ear aches, ultimately requiring a minor surgery. The job I held after that (now for 7 years), I have performed well. I am starting a job…
Asking a Potential Employer About Paid Training
Dear Debra: Is it appropriate to ask an employer about paid training and certification sponsorship during a job interview? In my industry certifications are very expensive and the only way I can get them quickly is for my employer to sponsor me. Thank you, Carson Dear Carson: Sponsorship of professional development is an important part…
Handling Conflicting Resume Advice
Dear Debra: It seems like every person that reviews my resume gives me new advice. I’ve gone through about five major overhauls. One said, “Lose the summary.” A former manager told me I must present my 16 years of project management history on one page. Then there are the endless comments about font, all bullets,…
What to Wear for an Interview
Dear Deb: Is it alright to wear the same suit to a second interview, one week after the first interview? Thank you, Marcus Dear Marcus: Yes, that is fine. If your suit is a solid neutral color (blue, grey, black, dark brown), it is unlikely that the interviewers will recall the color. For the second…
Is it alright to reject a LinkedIn connection?
Dear Deb: Is it alright to reject a LinkedIn connection? I have an ex co-worker who was rather negative and a boundary crosser. I’d rather he not know what I am up to. Thank you, Aileen Dear Aileen: Yes, it is alright. On LinkedIn, you have the option to accept an invitation or ignore it.…
How Long Should a Resume Be?
Dear Deb: Is it true that anything over a page means you are including too much fluff on your resume? I read that each job should consist of two to three short bullets. Also, how far back should I go in my work history? I have worked for 21 years. Thank you for your advice,…
What to Include in a Resume
Dear Deb: I read on LinkedIn an article that had some “no exceptions” advice about resume writing. The article reported that including an objective statement, a summary, and any type of highlights or areas of expertise is a bad move. That seems to be contrary to a lot of other things that I have read.…
Sharing Ideas at Work
Dear Debra: I have an idea for my company. We have an annual golf tournament for our distributors/sales force, and I have some great ideas (if I do say so myself) for promoting that event. I am a part time customer service rep, currently a junior in college. I am not sure that my boss…
Interviewing During Working Hours
Dear Debra: What is the best thing to tell your current boss when you have a job interview during working hours? Thank you, Clarisse Dear Clarisse: Honesty is my policy. However, I don’t believe in full disclosure of personal items in certain situations. This is one of those situations. If your company has a policy…
Taking all the Credit for a Project
Dear Debra: When writing my résumé, I worry about taking too much credit for a project. We work in a team setting, and each of us contributes to the planning and deployment of new hardware systems at our company’s 186 stores nationwide. There are twelve, on the team and we go to sites in groups…