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.
Is Your Resume Ready for ATS?
ATS refers to Applicant Tracking Systems. These systems help recruiters and employers automatically scan resumes. In years past, experts advised candidate to include keywords on a resume so the ATS could pick up keywords. The early systems were based on semantic search functionality that facilitated the identification and counting of keywords. Due to advancements in ATS,…
Résumé Help - Profile Polish…No Pronouns Please!
The first several lines of Ben’s résumé could be putting his job search on hold. If Ben made changes using basic résumé guidelines, he could overcome this problem. Résumé guidelines are not arbitrary. They are based on an understanding how the human brain receives written communication and how recruiters and employers select candidates for an…
Using correct verb tense
Dear Deb, My sister helped me by writing my first résumé last weekend. In my current job she used the verbs, “supervise,” “control” and “write.” Shouldn’t it be “supervises,” “controls” and “writes?” I don’t want to insult her because I know she spent a lot of time writing it for me. But, I would be…
How to Handle Transitional Jobs on Your Résumé
If you are fortunate, you find a new job before you leave a current role and move in an upward trajectory. However, layoffs happen and it may take several months to get back on track. In the meantime, you need a paycheck - pronto! Some have a skill set that lends itself to temporary work…
Is a College Education Still Worth the Time and Financial Investment? Part Two
We reviewed the pros and cons of attending a traditional college, including the financial challenges many face. Despite the downside and challenges, college is the right choice for many. If you decide that college is right for you, here are suggestions to optimize the experience. Overcoming Financial Burdens of College OPM (Other people’s money).…
Résumé Help - Basic Grammar Skills are a Must!
If you are the best in your field, but your résumé reflects poor grammar, you may not get many interview requests. Good communication skills are expected and in most cases the résumé is the first indication of those skills. If you read through today’s example, you will make assumptions about the candidate’s abilities based on…
How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have?
Dear Deb: How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have? Should I have one for each possible career path? I am a pottery artist, registered nurse, and a wedding photographer. My instincts are to have one profile for my pottery and photography and another one for my professional life as a nurse. Do I need to…
Is a College Education Still Worth the Time and Financial Investment? Part One
Years ago, a college degree in the U.S. was assurance for a middle class or better lifestyle. Today there are many factors that have changed that paradigm. Is a college education still worth the time and financial investment? Beyond career requirements, there is a societal pressure for a college degree. High schools are judged by…
Can the President of the United States Create Jobs?
Every presidential candidate, as well as the current President of the United States, has a plan to create new jobs. However, can the President really create new jobs? The simple answer is, “no.” Based on the U.S. Constitution, it takes the efforts of the Senate and House of Representatives to make changes. The President can…
Résumé Help: Structure Is the First Step
When you read this candidate’s résumé, it’s frustrating to follow. Many readers would stop after the first glance. The document has three different fonts and multiple font sizes. It’s also full of inconsistent spacing, both vertically and horizontally. The biggest issue to address is the structure. In this candidate’s case, the order should be: Name…