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.
Your Role in the Performance Review
Marie is a client who is presently seeking a new opportunity in her field. When I asked her why she was looking to leave her current role and company, this is what she told me: There have been a number of disagreements, or misalignments in perspective, with my current boss over the last year and…
What’s in a Name? A Lot!
My first name, Debra, is spelled in a nontraditional way. I spell it out for people, and it still comes back “Deborah.” You would think that I would have become accustomed to this by now, but to be truthful, each time it happens, it’s slightly more annoying than the previous infraction. My name is part…
Expressing Your Opinion Can Hurt Your Brand
The other day, I was reading an article on LinkedIn about gender equality at the executive level. It was written by a female executive who noted that there are very few female C-level executives in any size company and that diversity only helps companies to succeed. The article was in no way inflammatory, and it…
Interview Questions You Should Always Be Prepared to Answer
Interview preparation is hard work. You need to practice your STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses. You have to vet out possible behavioral questions and craft compelling responses to them. You must ensure that your image reflects your professionalism—your shirt must be ironed, and your shoes must be polished! Be sure that you are focusing…
Four Things You Should Know about References
I field many questions about professional references, and there is an abundance of both misunderstanding and erroneous information out there. I want to dispel the many myths that there are, so here are the top four things you should know about references. They can say anything: Many people tell me that their former employer will…
How Can I Create a Stand Out Presentation for an Interview?
Dear Deb: I have a third interview coming up, and as a part of the process, the hiring team has asked me to put together a presentation on how I would craft a digital marketing strategy for one of their products. I want to show them I know what I’m talking about, but I’m having…
When Interviewers Get It Wrong
After my last blog post, I was flooded with comments and emails bemoaning the current state of interviewing. Many people reached out to me to point out that there is just as much, if not more, bad behavior on the part of the interviewers as there is on the part of those being interviewed. In…
Ten Things that Have Nothing to do with Your Background and Experience, But Will Cost You the Job
People write to me all the time, seeking advice in securing their next position. Typical advice is to research the company, research the hiring manager, and above all, practice your interviewing skills. All of this, while important, comprises only 20% of the total challenge. In other words, your content is 20%, and your presentation is…
You Really Did Learn Everything You Need to Know about Effective Business Writing from Your English Teacher
Remember when you were in school, and your English teacher assigned an essay? Everyone groaned and complained. Maybe some people opined that writing a five paragraph essay was a waste of time and not something that you’d ever have to do out in the “real world.” Then you got out into that “real world” and…
The Savvy Networker: When to Pass on an Industry Event
Almost every career expert can agree that networking is essential for careerists. With that advice, some may feel like you can’t get enough of a good thing. Running here and there, and attending every event possible is not the best strategy. Savvy networkers know when to pass on a networking event. The following are a…