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.
Victim of a company downsize
Dear Deb: I was terminated in May as part of a large-scale company downsizing. My severance pay is through December. What do I use as my ending date on my resume? Thank you, Duane Dear Duane: Ask the Human Resources Manager at your former employer to clarify which ending date you should use on your…
Update Your Resume with 2013 Achievements
As the holidays wind down over the next few days, consider updating your resume with all of the achievements you accomplished this past year. Doing so will allow you to get ahead of a potential job search in January and February. So what kinds of achievements should you include? Here are three tips. Promotions. This…
Cover Letter Help: Defining the Next Step
Let’s put an end to the tired cover letter cliché: “I hope to hear from you soon.” It sounds so sad and desperate. Picture the candidate anxiously checking his phone and email on the chance that he will hear from the hiring company. Waiting for news creates a sense of anxiety. While waiting we feel…
Showing Some College Experience on Resume
Dear Deb: I did not complete my college degree. It’s been nine years since I stopped and I have about half of the hours complete. At this point, I doubt I will complete the degree. I notice that a lot of customer service manager positions will state, “Some college experience” in the job requirements. How…
Resume Help: How to Craft an Accomplishment Statement
The lack of powerful accomplishment statements is the most common resume shortcoming. If a candidate does not include relevant and compelling accomplishments on his resume, his chances of earning interviews are diminished. A hiring employer may receive hundreds of resumes. The resumes lacking accomplishments will be cast aside. In most cases, the resume is the…
Ask Deb: Handling a Question About a Failed Business
Dear Deb, What is the best way to answer an interview question about why your company failed? I started a graphic design firm and after sinking $30,000 into it; and after 18 months of long hours and no weekends off, I have given up. We just could not compete with more established firms. I am…
Lists of Cocktails Guaranteed to Get Your Party Started!
Tired of ordering the same old same old at the bar with your holiday party coming up soon? Here are a few website recommendations highlighting alternative cocktails that you can try out this year that can expand your playbook and impress your boss and colleagues at the same time. I can’t speak to the strength…
Resume Help: Editing Your Profile
Mina has several good concepts in her profile area. However, the entire profile area requires a thorough edit. Additionally, updating the style of her resume is important. As a graphic designer, she will be judged by the appearance of her resume. Today, we will tackle the issue of editing the content. The profile statement…
Should You Hide a Disability?
Dear Deb: My brother has suffered with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following his return from Egypt. He was on an international charity mission for impoverished children. He witnessed the uprising, including violent deaths and other horrible things. It has taken many months, but he is on the road to recovery to a point where…
3 Ways to Re-Energize Yourself and Your Career This Holiday Season
You work hard and play hard and if you have a young family you just work hard and don’t play at all…ever. It’s mid-December, your reviews are done, the multiple holiday parties you were asked to attend mostly complete, and you are counting down the days to the Christmas and New Year holiday - period.…