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

Men vs. Women: Who is More Competitive at Work?

During my career, I have reported to, worked with, supervised, and competed with both men and women. Having experienced the full spectrum of personality types, I have encountered extremely competitive men and women. The prevailing thought seems to be that men are competitive in the sense that they take greater risks and compete for high-reward…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Overcoming a Bad Performance Review

There are times when an employee nervously enters the performance review anticipating bad news; he has seen the signs.  Other times, employees are completely blind-sided and shocked to receive a poor or below-satisfactory evaluation.  Either way, it stings.  Before you get defensive and catapult a situation from bad to worse, take a deep breath and…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

5 Tips on Improving Your Professional Profile

February is almost over, which means that the end of the first quarter is right around the corner. If you are positioning yourself for a promotion this year or considering a job switch, here are five things you can start doing today to increase your professional profile and make yourself more attractive to new managers…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Thank You Letter Help: A Second Chance to Sell Yourself

A thank you letter should be a part of your job search routine.   Erin follows this advice and sends a thank you letter immediately following every interview.  The problem is that her thank you letter is so weak.  She merely thanks the interviewer and she does not take advantage of the chance to pitch herself…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Career Lessons from AMC’s The Walking Dead

After great anticipation, Walking Dead fans were treated recently to the mid-season premiere.  It is no surprise that this drama is so popular. As you might have guessed, there are career lessons to be gleaned from the series. As you watch the post-apocalyptic battle of the undead and survivors unfold, see you if you can…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

The Goldilocks Principle & Resumes for Candidates over Age 45

Remember Goldilocks?  She is the ever-curious child known for breaking and entering into the three bears’ home. She tested the bears’ beds and porridge in search of accommodations and dinner that was “just right.”  She did not want a bed that was too soft or porridge that was too hot. A resume must follow the…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Do You Need a Summary Paragraph on Your Resume?

I received this question this week from a client who has not updated her resume since 2001. As a general rule, you should include a summary paragraph on your resume. This summary area is a great way to showcase, by way of example, what you have done in the past that will serve as an…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Questions to Ask when Networking

When you meet someone new who could potentially point you in the right direction toward a new job or opportunity, you have to ask the right questions to maximize your time and the value of the meeting. You should think carefully about the purpose of your meeting is – is it to ask for a…

Read More