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.

Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

Résumé Help: Career Change Strategy

Anna is aiming to shift from an analyst role to that of a corporate diversity program director.  She has attempted to make this change by copying and pasting the job posting content into her summary.  She’s also skipped over the core of her actual professional experience and started with her role on a corporate diversity…

Read More
Ask Deb Debra Wheatman Ask Deb Debra Wheatman

Who did you report to?

Dear Deb: Should I add “reported to _______” to each position listed on my résumé?     Thanks, Henry Dear Henry: It is not a clear-cut “yes” or “no” answer when it comes to showing the “reported to” info on your résumé.  For most positions, it can be assumed the level to which you reported. …

Read More
Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman

Are Cover Letters Old-Fashioned?

Although cover letters are a long-standing part of the job search, they are not outmoded.  Cover letters or cover emails are more relevant today than ever.  Job seekers are facing steep competition in today’s job market.  A misstep will cost you a job.  Some ask, “Why is the letter so important when much of the…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Resign Your Job without Ending Your Career

Most of us, at one point in our career, fantasize about quitting a job in a bombastic, dramatic, or humorous fashion.  Remember the Jerry Maguire mission statement about the sports agencies?  Or, how about the “I quit song" from the movie, “That Thing You Do?”  How liberating to leave in a blaze of glory!  Acting…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Pursuing a Cyber Security Career

The following is  a guest post by Erin Palmer, a contributor to U.S. News University Directory.  The following represents the views and opinions of the source and does not necessarily reflect the views of Careers Done Write. Cyber security is a field that has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. With the level of…

Read More
Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

Résumé Help: Clean Up Your Résumé

It was challenging to sort through the cluttered presentation to find Gary’s skills and accomplishments. The first step is to clean up this résumé!  With two fonts, three font sizes, inconsistent tabbing, and many other issues, it is tough to read this document quickly.  Overall, this résumé is visually unappealing.  Not only does not this…

Read More
General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

Thank you, thank you very much!

When coaching clients, I frequently hear, “Do I really need to send a thank you letter after an interview? Isn’t that old-fashioned? I reply with a question, “Do you really want the job?”  Of course, you should send a thank you letter. The goal of the letter is to thank the interviewer for their time,…

Read More
Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman Job Search Strategies Debra Wheatman

Gender Neutral Language

Are you seeking a position with an organization with a gender neutral language policy?  Perhaps in your industry, gender neutral policies are common.  In some industries or settings, female or male-specific terms could be perceived as exclusionary, discriminatory, or objectionable.  If this is the case in your targeted industry, it is wise for your job…

Read More
Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

Résumé Help: Excellent English Skills Are Essential

If the reader notices numerous grammar errors and sentences that do not flow well, it will give the impression that the candidate does not have command of the English language. English is the predominant language in the United States.  If a candidate cannot communicate in the language that the company uses in business, he will…

Read More
Ask Deb Debra Wheatman Ask Deb Debra Wheatman

Should I downplay my education?

Dear Deb: I am frustrated after trying to get any job for eighteen months.  I know the economy is slow, but I need to begin working soon.  Sometimes the company will tell me in the interview that I am over qualified for having a degree.  I am considering not including my education on my resume…

Read More