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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.

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How to “Come Out” in the Workplace

On Monday, Sports Illustrated posted an article on its website in which Jason Collins shares, "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."  I thought, really?  It is difficult to believe this is a milestone just achieved in 2013. Some say that America and many parts of the world have made significant progress…

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Résumé Help: Y2K…Why Bother?

  What is the lesson here?  In the words of a Janet Jackson (a pop diva from Glen’s heyday), “What have you done for me lately?”   Employers are interested in a candidate’s most recent ten years. Because of this, candidates should only show their most recent ten to fifteen years of relevant work history.  By…

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Looking for proof? It is there!

As Americans, countless times we sing the Star Spangled Banner. Sometimes we might stumble over the words; none the less, these words are a love song to our nation.  The particular words that create the most beautiful imagery for me are “And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the…

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Following Up After an Interview

Dear Deb: How long should I wait before sending a hiring manager a follow-up email after an interview?  It was a first interview and I met with the HR manager and the customer service manager in the same day.  Also, whom do I write to? Thanks, Carly P. Dear Carly, Great question!  Most candidate do…

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What is a Professional Résumé?

What is a professional résumé? There are several critical fundamentals to a professional résumé.  If a candidate misses the mark on any of the fundamentals, it can diminish the results of the candidate’s job search campaign. The fundamentals are résumé structure, content, effective language, sophisticated style, and accuracy.  Résumé Structure The backbone of your résumé includes…

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It is April 15th. Will you wear your number 42 today?

Perhaps you are one of the 27 million people who saw the film, “42,” when it opened on Friday.  Most of us were not around during this ground-breaking time in the late 1940s. For that reason, it is worth your time to hit the theatre and reflect on the life of Jackie Robinson and what…

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Doing personal work for your boss after hours?

Dear Deb: My nightmare boss asked me to set up his home computer network last month.  I did it at no charge and he gave me a $20 Amazon gift card for the two hours of work.  Now, he has asked me to set up his brother’s computer network and media system.  My wife said…

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Résumé Help: Just Doing Your Job Is Not Enough

Ted is a Midwest regional sales director who produces annual sales revenue of $189 million.  His employer owns 13 national brands, claims 61% of market share, and the Midwest region is the largest in company.  Since he took the job Ted has driven sales up 312%.  He’s a winner, right?  Well, if you read his…

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It’s Time for Your Social Media Image to Grow Up

If you are making the transition from college life to professional life, it is time for your social media profile to grow up. It only takes one ill-considered post to curtail a job opportunity. The time to develop and nurture your digital brand should take place before you graduate.  In the Student Career Development Study…

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