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.
I’m returning to work after eight years. What should I put on my resume?
Last week, I discussed the challenges of deciding to remove yourself from the workforce, and how it should be a carefully considered decision. A follow-up to that is another question I get frequently, which goes like this: I’ve been home with my kids for the last eight years, and now I’m ready to go…
What are you going to do differently?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. This worn out and tired saying is so often repeated (and, therefore, worn out and tired!) because it is true. The beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on what you’re going to…
What can job seekers expect in 2018?
2017 was a year of change in the job market. The improving economy and market record highs have made for low levels of unemployment. Just a few short years ago, employers held all the cards, but that has changed. In a tight labor market, candidates wield power that they didn’t have until recently. The job…
Checklist for more effective communication
Studies confirm our experience. Two thirds of all presentations are rated as mediocre or worse. How often have you been subjected to a 73 slide PowerPoint deck with dense, illegible slides, and a presenter who reads them to you? Have you been on the receiving end of a memo that is so chock full of…
The best advice I can give you
Over the course of my career, I have counseled thousands of people. Some people seek assistance in writing a resume. Some want help crafting a succinct elevator pitch. Many want advice as to how to move their careers forward, and how to achieve their end goal. Almost invariably, I give my clients the same pieces…
The Hidden Cost of the New Job
You’ve been searching for months. You’ve been on countless interviews. You’ve had more Skype conversations with strangers than you ever hoped you would. Now you have it. Offer in hand. Congratulations! But, maybe not so fast. Before you accept the new offer, have you run through the costs of changing employers? There are both tangible…
Whatever you do, don’t use a functional resume.
If you are changing careers or fields, or if you have a significant gap in your work history, you might hear the advice to use a functional resume, rather than one that lays out your career experience in a chronological format. If you get this advice, you have my permission to ignore it. In fact,…
13 Reasons Why I Didn’t Consume Your Content
Are you looking for answers regarding why your intended audience is not reading your content? Here are “13 Reasons Why.” It’s not optimized for search. You didn’t use keywords, and your UX is garbage. I couldn’t find your content. Your content is all about you, your products, your services. I’m not interested in…
Ode to a Catered Lunch
The cart is wheeled in All turn to look Sandwiches! Turkey, roast beef, grilled vegetables Speaker droning on Slide after slide But all attention is fixed on the buffet Finally! We break for lunch The line moves slowly Each sandwich scrutinized, the drones search for the perfect one No tuna? Too much mayo on…
Are you conflict-resistant?
You probably are. At least to some extent, most of us like to avoid conflict rather than face it head on. But conflict is a necessary and unavoidable part of the human experience, and avoiding it can be detrimental. What do you do if you are conflict averse, but a big part of your job…