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.
Résumé Help: Work Experience Blahs to Ahhh!
<Yawn> Excuse me! I just finished reading today’s résumé sample from Jim and I almost dozed off. It is very “blah” as in boring, which means no interviews for Jim. Jim is an extremely bright guy with a great work history, but his résumé shows a lack of effort, professionalism, and confidence. That is a…
A Career Break
A career break is just as it sounds. It is a break which may range from two months to two years. One type of career break is a sabbatical, which is a paid or unpaid break granted to professors and in some cases other professionals for the purpose of research. Career breaks are not limited…
I feel like I am unemployable
Dear Deb So I've come to a point in my career where I feel like I am unemployable. I've had several different jobs over the last 10 years, and it seems that I either get written up for mistakes and this last time I was fired for too many absences. I am starting to feel…
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…