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.
Reason for Leaving on Resume?
Hi Deb: What should I say if I am asked why I left a position? I quit because I hated my boss and I could afford to take time off work to be a stay-at-home mom for a year. Now, I need to get back to work and start earning money. I don’t want to…
5 Tips on Improving Your Professional Profile
February is almost over, which means that the end of the first quarter is right around the corner. If you are positioning yourself for a promotion this year or considering a job switch, here are five things you can start doing today to increase your professional profile and make yourself more attractive to new managers…
Thank You Letter Help: A Second Chance to Sell Yourself
A thank you letter should be a part of your job search routine. Erin follows this advice and sends a thank you letter immediately following every interview. The problem is that her thank you letter is so weak. She merely thanks the interviewer and she does not take advantage of the chance to pitch herself…
How to Show Multiple Career Goals on LinkedIn
Dear Deb: I have been unemployed for 9 months. My severance pay ended last month. At this point, I am open to almost any possibility. I was a Project Manager. I have worked in the past as a Systems Administrator, Analyst, and Development (but my development skills have diminished). I enjoyed leading projects and coordinating…
In Person Interview Strategies That Will Make You Shine
Competition is so fierce in today’s job market; you need to give yourself a competitive advantage by developing and managing your personal brand. Your traditional resume, digital presence, and in-person persona all act in unison to demonstrate your qualifications. Here are a few interview strategies that can help set you apart from your peers and…
Resume Help: Don’t Be Dense When It Comes to Your Resume
This week we received a resume from a very bright and accomplished senior technology project manager. The problem is Chad has presented a dense block of words with not so much as a bullet or space. The only thing separating one thought from another is a hyphen interspersed between some of the sentences. A reader…
Questions about Ethnicity & Country of Origin
Dear Deb, I had a phone interview and the hiring manager asked me what country I was from. I said, “I was raised in New Jersey and moved to NYC in 2009.” Then he asked, “Was English your first language?” Then I got really uncomfortable. I have a slight accent, but I am very articulate. …
Career Lessons from AMC’s The Walking Dead
After great anticipation, Walking Dead fans were treated recently to the mid-season premiere. It is no surprise that this drama is so popular. As you might have guessed, there are career lessons to be gleaned from the series. As you watch the post-apocalyptic battle of the undead and survivors unfold, see you if you can…
Guest Post: Springboard a Healthcare Career As A Nursing Aide
Thank you to Chris Salvato for his guest post on "Springboard a Healthcare Career As A Nursing Aide Have you ever wanted to be a nurse, but didn't know how to get started? Interested in nursing, but you aren't sure if it's right for you? There's actually a job that's perfect for you - a…
Resume Help: Resumes that Repel Interviews
As a writer, career coach, and former human resources director, I have seen many resumes. It is surprising when a candidate submits a resume like the example below. Clara is an excellent salesperson. She has the gift of interacting with others and closing the sale. She has sold multi-million-dollar beachfront homes. She launched a logistics…