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.

General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Job Search Vacation

When is it appropriate to take a break from your job search?   It is the peak of vacation season, so why should you continue your job search grind? You could be on a sandy beach somewhere.   Don’t you deserve a couple weeks off the search so you can return refreshed and invigorated? Ah, but then…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Retirement Planning: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir?

Don’t you love those retirement commercials with the grey-haired couple living their retirement dream opening their vineyard in Napa?   It seems that is the ultimate end game.  Wow, real estate in wine country must be soaring!  For most Americans the goal is not to spend their golden years crafting fine wines.  The goal is to…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

It Is Not Enough to Be Good at Your Job

Do you ever feel like you work so much harder than your colleagues, but you are not getting the credit you deserve?  That’s a common feeling.  You can blame it on a bad manager not noticing the work you do.  More likely, it is a personal brand management issue.  Just as a company controls its…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

LinkedIn: What You May Be Missing

You set up your LinkedIn profile because you have been indoctrinated to believe that a professional must have a LinkedIn presence.  Online networking is critical, right?  You join groups, “like” comments, and grow your network.  That’s a great start, but many people are missing something.  Here are a few elements to consider. Skills & Expertise…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

College Tuition: The American Nightmare!

You can’t deny the power of a college degree when it comes to salary and long-term financial well-being.  An individual (age 25 to 34) with a high school diploma earns on average $25,000 per year.  An individual in the same age group with a four-year college degree earns on average $40,000 per year according to…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

The Science Behind Your Résumé

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to your résumé.  The trick is to be sure the most impactful parts of your résumé are viewed and absorbed by the recruiter or hiring manager.  Other than mind control, (which is not an option) how can you direct the reader’s eyes to particular places…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Photo Study - A Survey of LinkedIn Profiles

The Careers Done Write team conducted an informal study of LinkedIn profile photos. They analyzed 200 profiles and categorized the photos. Of the 200, a little more than half (112) uploaded a quality headshot photo. 27 did not upload a photo.  Three uploaded a cartoon image. The remainder fell in the following categories:  photo of…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Three Signs That You Are on the Job Search Ferris Wheel

Have you lost control of your job search?   Are you stuck on a Ferris wheel, going round and round, and not getting anywhere?   If you have been searching for months without a job offer, it is time to evaluate your job search strategy and performance.  Either you are not doing something that you should be…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Newman! Dealing with Difficult People

The ultimate example of a difficult person is the character Newman from the TV sitcom, “Seinfeld.” If you are a fan of the show, like me, you can imagine an exasperated Jerry, saying, “Newman!” In 2010, the character Newman was named on "TV.com's Top 10: The Most Annoying TV Neighbors."  You probably have a Newman…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Deciding on a Career as a Prosecutor, beyond a Reasonable Doubt

This month blogs, news reports, and cable talk shows are full of courtroom drama.  Several of these high-profile cases provide us with better entertainment that any reality show could.  The Jodi Arias murder trial, O.J. Simpson’s hearing, and the sentencing of Kermit Gosnell are examples of court room dramas that have captivated the nation.  What…

Read More