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.
Help your professional network to receive job search karma
What better venue for this cliché than the career search process? Let’s explore a little bit about how ‘what goes around comes around’ related to job search. I have a short story: I recently had a client who worked in the financial function within the alternative energy space. Pretty hot area right now. He explained…
Personal introductions lead to professional job interviews
Q: I was introduced recently to a senior vice president at a company that I wish to work for. We had a very nice discussion; and at the end, he handed me his business card. Is it acceptable for me to now follow-up to see if I can schedule an in-person meeting to explore potential…
Beyond LinkedIn, Twitter and your online job search
Q: I have been using the internet as the primary method to conducting my job search; but I am not receiving very many calls for interviews. Can you give me some other ideas to help move my search along? A: The internet should not serve as the primary way you search for opportunities. In many…
US Department of Labor Employment Report looking up?
Some new May jobless numbers were released last week and it seems like the employment market is getting better. Or is it? When you dig a bit the picture isn't quite as rosy as it may appear. While the jobless rate dropped a bit from 9.9% to 9.7%, which may at first glance seem to…
Career Query #2 - The hiring manager hasn't called, what do I do?
Q: I went for an interview with a company over a week ago. The hiring manager told me that I would hear back by the end of the week. So far I have not heard anything. What should my next course of action be? A: If you haven’t already done so (and I hope you…
Do you really need a resume for your job search?
I hear from some so-called personal branding pundits, that resumes are no longer needed, that they are passé. They say that resumes are too static and don’t help you stand out in the crowd. They say you should have a blog and you should be active in social media and you should get your name…
Explaining multiple job changes on your resume
Q: I have moved around more than I had hoped during my career. Some of the reasons are related to failing companies, and other reasons are related to relocation. I am not a job hopper, but the movement makes it look like I am not willing to make a commitment. How can I reflect on…
Introducing "Ask Deb" - answering your career questions
"Ask Deb" is a series of questions and answers that my resume and coaching clients have. In an effort to share information with my readers and anyone interested in this blog, I am going to publish the questions and answers here on an ongoing basis. Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are…
Job search support and career inspiration
Reflecting on the clients that I have had the pleasure to work with I thought it appropriate to provide some observations regarding career search. One thing that immediately hampers a job search is poor feelings of self-worth. The power of positive thinking is something that should not be dismissed as unimportant. The happier you feel,…
Introducing a personal branding tool for professionals
A while back I posted my musings about the resume of the future. As I indicated, having a positive online presence is just as (if not more) important than a traditional printed document. Your personal brand MUST extend to the virtual world. In fact, when employers evaluate you, they look for you online. Having nothing…