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.
Don’t Let This Happen to You: Networking Faux Pas
We are told from the time we start our careers that networking is essential. Although not enjoyable to all, networking leads us to knowledge, partnership opportunities, lessons, and more. Networking is important because we need other people to be successful. Networking ranges from the very subtle, such as a brief interaction on a commuter train,…
Networking with Your Rival
The business world is pretty competitive. It is natural to compete for positions, promotions and other things to keep yourself “in the game.” Likely you have one (or possibly more) rivals. It may be a person working for your company’s competition. Perhaps you have a rival working in your company, and you will see that…
Brand Yourself for a Career Change
One of the most vexing brand challenges is how to prepare for a career change. If you are changing your career, you want all expressions of your brand to reflect your current career goal. Your LinkedIn profile, your resume, your professional affiliations, and every other aspect of your brand should paint a picture of the…
Branding Help: Shiny Shoes & Your Appearance
Does your appearance impact your career? Yes, it makes a difference, not only in an interview but on a daily basis as you are seen by others. From your perfectly-styled hair to your shiny new shoes, you are making an impression on others. That impression leads to a brand. Many people are so busy performing…
Consistency Builds Your Brand
A pattern of behavior leads to the development of a reputation. A reputation supported by your positive image and communication generates brand equity. Strong, consistent brand equity is what every smart professional desires. With brand equity, you gain the attention of prospective employers, clients and partners. How do you generate brand equity? The secret is…
Do People Still Send Cover Letters?
The short answer is: yes! Cover letters have changed in recent years. The format is slightly different, and there are more options for the delivery method. However, the basics of the cover letter remain the same. I’ll answer some of the most common cover letter questions that I receive. If you are a serious job…
Interviewing Well: There is a Method to Increase Your Success
So many candidates say, “Write me a good resume to get me in the door. I can wing it from there.” For some people, maybe they can “wing it.” Mostly, though, I think people need to plan to interview well. Even those people who are ok with flying by the seat of their pants would…
5 Specific Ways You Can Be a Networking Giver
Today I read a post by a leader of one of my LinkedIn groups. It struck a chord. He was asking the group to spread the word about his business, listing the ways we can promote his business. What was missing? How does promoting his business add any benefit to my clients or me? In…
Choose Alliances that Enhance Your Brand
People are quick to form impressions of others. It can be your job title, the clothes you wear, your home address, or your alma mater, which are just a few of the things that people think about when forming an impression. The people with whom you associate with impact your brand, as well. Building relationships…
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…