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.
What personal details am I required to include on my CV?
Dear Deb: I am a U.S. citizen, living and working in the U.S. I am considering relocating to the U.K. What personal details am I required to include on my U.K. CV? Thanks, Carla H. Dear Carla: In the not-so-distant past, you would have included date of birth, gender, marital status, driving record, and citizenship. However,…
Liar, Liar, Career on Fire!
Last month I was helping a client, who reminded me of Tommy Flanagan in the Jon Lovitz pathological liar sketch on Saturday Night Live. In draft one of his Résumé, he exceeded sales by 12%. Draft two, he emails me, “Actually it was 23% and I was Producer of the Quarter, yeahhh, that’s the ticket.” …
Résumé Help: Elementary School on Your Résumé?
Karen’s résumé is starting with some of her least impressive information. A prospective employer or a recruiter will likely delete Karen’s résumé before he or she gets to through the first half of page one. First, the objective she has can be replaced with a summary statement to overview her relevant skills and characteristics. The…
I made a mistake leaving my last job for another opportunity
Dear Deb, I made the biggest mistake! I quit my job six months ago. I was at that job for more than five years. I thought this new position with a higher salary would be better. I was promised the chance at a more profitable territory. So far, that has not happened. The salary is…
The Rebound Job
After a long relationship comes to an end, sometimes a rebound relationship helps you get back on your feet. It may not be the love of your life, but it’s a friendly and fun relationship to help you heal. Smart people recognize the rebound relationship for what it is, so nobody gets hurt. Sometimes that…
Résumé Help: Highlighting the Education
Today’s candidate had quite a few issues with her résumé. However, the area that caught my attention was the fact that she mixed her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas in with several one-day workshops and seminars she attended. It is practically buried in the other content, so that when the…
Should I include expired licenses on my résumé?
Dear Deb, I have two professional licenses that expired in 2008. Should I include them on my résumé? Thank you, Patrick Dear Patrick: If these licenses are relevant to your current career goal, I assume that you are working toward reinstating these licenses. If this is the case, you should include this on your résumé. …
Résumé Help: Professional Experience Revamp
The professional experience section is critical because it backs up the promise a candidate makes in the profile summary and core competencies (areas of expertise) sections. This is the candidate’s opportunity to present the scope of his or her responsibility and examples of specific accomplishments. It is important to quantify the responsibility and the accomplishments. …
Who is the Happiest Woman You Know?
As Americans, we celebrate freedom on July 4th every year. Does freedom mean we are entitled to attain all we desire? We are free to pursue happiness within a framework of rights and laws. Naturally, life is full of limitations based upon our unique talents and circumstances. Even the wealthiest of Americans with the best…
Is it OK to put a job on a résumé if you did not get paid?
Dear Deb, I began working for my husband’s photography studio soon after graduating college. I have been there in a full-time capacity for the last 8 years. It’s the only job I have had, with the exception of working in the campus bookstore part-time in college. I don’t how to address this on a résumé because…