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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.
Is there a way to respond to questions about my preferred pay?
Dear Debra: May I ask you a question about pay? I only separated from the Air Force in March where my pay was more than $5,000/month. At my most recent job my wage was $24/hr. Some job applications ask what my preferred pay is as well as my past pay. I want to be honest,…
A Résumé for Every Generation: Part 3 of 3
In this three-part series, we have been examining the challenges and solutions for writing a résumé in every major life stage. We have shared résumés strategies for job seekers age 40+, age 30-40, and age 20-30. Just as products go through a lifecycle (introduction, growth, maturity, and decline), careerists also have a lifecycle. Smart marketing…
Résumé Help What Not to Do: Part 2 of 2
In our last Résumé Help blog entry, we introduced this two-part series, “What Not to Do.” I suggested that we need to see and discuss the truly disastrous résumés to learn what not to do! We thought things were bad in the first half. In the second half, we see more mistakes, mostly of a…
Dogs in the workplace?
Dear Deb, OK, this may be your oddest email ever. I went to a job interview at a manufacturing company with 130 employees. I met the operations director about an HR manager position. Then he brings me to meet with the owner. He is in his office with two slobbering bull dogs on the floor.…
Conducting Job Research
This is a Guest Post written by Samantha Peters, an avid blogger who enjoys writing about various career and job related topics. Sam manages The Education Update and lives in beautiful San Diego, California. When it comes to finding a career, preparation is the key. For this reason, conducting research to discover more information about potential businesses and…
A Résumé for Every Generation: Part 2 of 3
Your résumé and your attitude should evolve over the years if you wish to stay relevant and in-demand in the workforce. In this three-part series, we will look at the challenges and solutions for writing a résumé in every major life stage. Just as products go through a lifecycle (introduction, growth, maturity, and decline),…
Résumé Help: What Not to Do: Part 1 of 2
Many résumés that we receive to critique are “solid B” résumés. As you know, many times a “B” is not good enough to get the interview. So, I point out ways to elevate those résumé up to an “A.” Lately, I have received some résumés in need of a complete overhaul. At first I wondered…
Am I paranoid for not wanting to be on Facebook?
Dear Deb: I am probably the only person in my generation not on Facebook. As a field sales representative, I have always been worried about my private info becoming available to my clients and prospects. Also, I have a lot of immature friends. With cell phone cameras and lots of 20-something friends, it’s a matter…
A Résumé for Every Generation: Part 1 of 3
Fashions, music, and technology change dramatically over the decades. Your résumé and your attitude should evolve over the years if you wish to stay relevant and in-demand in the workforce. In this three-part series, we will look at the challenges and solutions for writing a résumé in every major life stage. Just as products…
Résumé Help: References on a Résumé?
I focused on the reference portion of this candidate’s résumé. He had a second page that only contained his references. Let’s take a few minutes to review this example and identify how to share references in your initial resume submission. It is almost always best to create an addendum to your résumé when showcasing references. An…