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.
Thanksgiving: A Chance to say, “Thanks,” and Network!
If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you know that Thanksgiving is approaching. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reconnect with others and share gratitude. It is not just about family. Many people impact our lives in a meaningful way. Take the opportunity to reach out (network). Why is Thanksgiving a good time to…
Résumé Help: Responsible for a Bad Résumé
The biggest issue on this résumé example is that every job description begins with “Responsible for.” What does “responsible for” connote? For one thing, it does not clearly say you did anything. I may be responsible for producing sales of $5 million, yet I only produced $300,000. It also sounds like a job description issued…
No College Degree
Dear Deb: I never completed college. I tried three different times at three different colleges, once as a full-time student right after high school and twice more on a part-time basis while working over the last 14 years. My studies include general, business, IT, and psychology coursework. I have been in customer service management my…
A New Job for the New Year? The Time to Start is Now!
In January, we will see many blog posts, newsstories, and talk shows discussing “new jobs for the new year.” Why wait and get lost in the crowd? Now is the time to get started! The job market varies significantly based on your geographic location, industry, and occupation. However, in general we know this is a…
Résumé Help: Asking Questions to Uncover Accomplishments
Clara’s résumé has great potential. The best way to improve her resume is to add a few strong achievements. Clara shared many of her job functions. However, Clara has had a difficult time going beyond her daily functions. This is very common. If you feel like your résumé does not have the punch you feel…
Should I include my Mensa affiliation on my résumé?
Dear Deb: A recruiter recently asked me to remove my Mensa affiliation from my résumé. I really want to showcase my intelligence and if someone is intimidated with my intelligence, I don’t want to work with or for him or her. How is that wrong? Regards, Edward Dear Edward: I understand why you are proud of…
Résumé Help: Strategies for Recent Grads with Limited Experience
Today’s candidate, Don, is a recent graduate with limited experience. If you have very little experience, you must make the most of the experience you do have. It appears that Don copied and pasted the job descriptions onto his résumé. We only see the minimal requirements and skills. Also, Don duplicated the information from one…
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…