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 do YOU think?
I really want to hear what you are thinking. This month’s hot topic is the lottery. Lottery fever hit most of the U.S. this week, culminating in two big winners striking it rich. Take a moment and email me. One lucky person who emails me before December 15th will win a free LinkedIn profile written…
A Little Soft in Soft Skills
This year Millennial Branding conducted a survey of 225 employers using Experience Inc.’s data pool of over 100,000 U.S. companies. The subject was the “Student Employment Gap.” What caught my attention was the perceived deficit in soft skills for entry-level employees. Often candidates, especially recent graduates, overlook soft skills when preparing for a career. Education,…
Résumé Help: Don’t Be Afraid to Shine
Periodically I hear from clients that they don’t want their résumé to look too fancy or stylish. I say, “Why are you afraid to shine?” I am not suggesting anything garish or over-the-top. However, don’t be afraid to shine! The point of the entire job search process is to shine. You want to present a…
Fitting in With New Co-Workers
Dear Deb: What is the best way to fit in with co-workers at a new company? I start my first job next week and I am kind of shy and feeling really anxious. I will be on a team of six contract analysts and we will work in a bull pen setting. The company has…
The Value of an Expert
Is it worth the investment to hire a genuine expert? In many cases, hiring an expert represents long-term value. How many DIY home projects have you seen gone awry at your home or for one of your friends? My favorite is a friend who saved $50 on the connection of a new refrigerator only to…
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…