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.
Delta Airlines Dictates Guidelines for Candidates’ Underwear and Other Stupid Things
I was astounded to come across this article about Delta Airlines’ new guidelines for candidates’ grooming, hair, jewelry, and clothing—and its specific requirements for candidates’ undergarments. According to the memo, those interviewed for flight attendant roles should not wear athletic shoes and must wear heels, slingbacks, or closed-toe flats instead. Candidates must wear “appropriate” underwear that is not visible. Dresses and skirts must be knee-length or lower. Hair and eyelashes must be “natural looking,” fingernails must be “neutral,” (no neon colors, airbrushed, or long fingernails are permitted,” tattoos must be covered either with clothing or waterproof makeup, and only two earrings per ear are allowed. Whew. Interestingly, the only appearance edict specific to male flight attendants is that they must wear collared button-down shirts and ties....
Labor & Labor Day
On May 3, 1886, unarmed strikers clashed with police at Chicago’s McCormick Reaper Works factory. The deaths of six workers became a call for direct action, and a public rally was called for the following day to be held in Haymarket Square. Again, the police and the strikers clashed, but this time, a bomb was thrown, resulting in the death of seven police officers and multiple other injuries. The police, uncertain about the source of the bomb, fired into the crowd, killing four of the demonstrators....
Throwing Shade
In the world of cosmetic preparations, lipstick probably has the most intriguing and varied history. The earliest known use of colored cosmetics was in Mesopotamia 5000 years ago, where precious and semi-precious gems were ground and applied to lips and eyelids. In Ancient Egypt, much of the population used cosmetics for beauty enhancement and to protect themselves from the sun and desert wind. Lipstick became part of ancient women’s daily routines....
Conducting a Long-Distance Job Search
The decision to relocate to a new city is exciting but can also be fraught with stress. Moving can be overwhelming in its own right. Conducting a long-distance job search can add to that pressure. Whether you’re moving for a spouse/life partner’s job, to be closer to family, or simply to live somewhere different, some tactics and practices can make the long-distance job search more effective and less daunting....
Dr. Fox and the Magic of Engaging Public Speakers
In the early 70s, a group of PhD and medical students at USC attended a lecture entitled “Mathematical Game Theory and its Application to Physician Education.” A preeminent scientist gave some of them the lecture. Dr. Fox lectured to others.
Dr. Fox was introduced as an authority who authored books on the subject. There was a problem, however: Dr. Fox was a fraud. He was no expert. He was an actor named Myron Fox, hired by a team of researchers to determine which is more important to most people—substance or delivery?….
The Bear and the Big, Bad Boss
It’s been a little less than a month since the third season of The Bear was released on Hulu to a warm ovation. For many, it hits too close to home. Carmy, we feel your pain. Everyone has that one toxic boss or workplace from your past that you wish you could forget. In Carmy’s case, it was David Fields, the abusive chef from New York. Carmy describes him as “very probably mentally ill. Dead inside. Cold. Never turns it off. Accomplishes more by 10 a.m. than most people do in a lifetime.” In an Emmy-worthy scene, Carmy finally has the chance to tell David how he feels….
From Apology to Assertiveness: Transforming Your Communication Style
Um, yeah, hi, like it would be really great if I could, like have your attention. Please? Sorry, but you know, this is uh an uh really important topic and like sort of important, so could you please pay attention?
These two sentences are perfect examples of apologetic, non-assertive language. Aside from the use of meaningless garbage fillers such as “like,” “um,” and “you know,” also included is one of the worst words that you can use in your business communications: “SORRY.” Nothing tanks a message like a “sorry” does. Why? Because the word has become so overused and milquetoast that it signals the oncoming lame and unnecessarily apologetic screed. No one has time for that….
The Inception of Collaboration Tools
Setting: A corporate America conference room, complete with whiteboard and glass walls.
Characters: Developers/Engineers; Clueless Boss; Users (silent role)
Scene: An average day at MacroBurst, maker of widely used business software known for its extremely non-intuitive, frustrating pseudo-solutions….
Chipotle CEO's Bizarre Interview Highlights the Critical Need for Media Training in Business!
Chipotle was all the rage a few years ago. The fast-casual chain offered ample portions, speedy service, and reasonable prices. Recently, the chain has fallen out of favor with its target market, who claim that the portion sizes have shrunk while the prices have skyrocketed. In response to the public outcry (and declining business), Chipotle CEO Brian Nicoll took to cable news to set the record straight. What ensued was a bizarre interview….
What You Need to Know About the Class of 2024
This year’s class faces a tougher job market than last year’s grads, with only a small percentage graduating with employment already lined up. Nonetheless, they’re inevitably going to be your colleagues, peers, and direct reports. Here is what they want from their employers….