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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.

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Looking for a Job after the military

Dear Deb: Most of my 8-year career has been in the military.  Now that I am out, I want to get a job in the insurance industry in claims management or possibly for a corporation as a risk manager.  I was an armor reconnaissance officer.  I don’t know how to explain my Army experience in…

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Job Market Trends Debra Wheatman Job Market Trends Debra Wheatman

More Temporary Work in 2012?

Based on reports from the American Staffing Association, temporary employment has been higher in 2011 compared to the same months in 2010. There are a variety of statistics reported by the American Staffing Association, but the numbers show that companies are continuing to use contingency (temporary) workers.  This data supports an increase in demand for temporary jobs…

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Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman

Discrimination against the Unemployed Job Seeker: Practical Strategies

We all have obstacles to overcome.  We may experience discrimination due to our gender, race, sexual orientation, appearance, or religion. Some of us may be at a disadvantage due to lack of a college degree.  In today’s job market, we are witnessing a bias against the unemployed.  Have you seen job postings that include discriminatory…

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Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

Résumé Help: Formatting the Education & Professional Credentials Section

This highly-qualified finance professional has listed her education and professional designations together in one category.  It’s presented in a very dense manner, which means it will take the reader longer to sort through the information.  Some readers may be frustrated and stop reading or miss an important qualification. In the worst scenario, this candidate could…

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Will cloud computing eliminate system administrator jobs?

Dear Deb: I am a 54 year old systems administrator and I see the writing on the wall.  Will cloud computing eliminate my job?  What can I do about it?  My kids are in college and I can’t afford to retire for at least 12 more years!  Will, Kansas City, MO Dear Will, At least…

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Job Market Trends Debra Wheatman Job Market Trends Debra Wheatman

Career Profile: Human Resources Manager

Have you considered a career as a human resource manager?  Human resource managers oversee activities involving the selection, training, and retention of qualified employees.  This involves management of staffing strategies, recruitment, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee welfare, regulatory compliance (such as EEO), and labor relations. It was reported in May 2011 by the Bureau…

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Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

Résumé Help - From Kitchen Help to Culinary Star

Although Claire is a very strong candidate, it was a struggle to read through Claire’s resume, especially the skills section.  There are a few great lessons for us in this section.  First, text boxes are used for formatting the two blocks of content.   A text box is useful in some situations.  Resumes are often either…

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Gaps in Career History

Hello, Can you give me advice on explaining gaps in my resume? There were two, and lasted about a year each time. I was looking for work.  Should I try to document on my resume or just explain during interview? Thank you for any help.  S.A. Dear S.A., When marketing ourselves, we want to avoid…

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Staying in Shape Despite Your 14-hour-per-day Desk Job

If you are deskbound most of the day and into the evening, it can be devastating on your waistline and your  health.  You know what you need to do - adopt a moderate diet and exercise regularly.  Easier said than done when you factor in long-work days that creep into the night, stress, food temptations,…

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Résumé Help - Adding Impact to the Top Third of Your Résumé

If we read Rachel’s entire résumé, we will find she has managed accounting and auditing for high-value operations.  The problem is that the reader may lose interest in Rachel within the first few lines of her résumé and Rachel misses an opportunity. That’s a common issue and easily repaired. She starts off with her primary…

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