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.
Résumé Help: Project Account Management Professional
Setting the tone of a résumé is critical to a candidate’s success. Before someone reads a résumé, they form an impression based on the overall appearance. Plenty of white space, an attractive design, an easy-to-read font, and a strong headline help create a positive first impression. Unfortunately, this example résumé is weak or remiss in…
Conducting Company Research
Dear Deb: Several articles have said that need to research a company prior to an interview. I also would like to conduct general research to find companies that are expanding and hiring. What is the best way to do the research without spending money? Any tips? Etienne, St. Paul, MN Dear Etienne: You must be…
Out of work for more than a year? Take these 4 steps to a new career!
If you have been out of work for several months or even longer, this is the time to dig in and rededicate yourself to your job search. There are jobs out there, but you may need to modify your goals. Consider taking these steps to get your career back on track. Step 1: Analyze the job…
Job Searching on the Go
Job searching is so much easier now that so many clever smart phone apps are available. Here are a few of my favorite free applications. You can explore career options, search job postings, and apply for a job all in a matter of seconds using your smart phone. We’re keeping our eye out for the next big…
Résumé Help: Formatting the Professional Experience Section
The reader of our featured résumé may be frustrated by the poor formatting, grammatical errors, and inconsistency of punctuation and verb tense. The good news is those are all things we can easily correct. Below is a “before” and “after” of a portion the résumé. The font is very small and difficult to read. On…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…