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.
Balancing a Demanding Career with Motherhood
Every mother is unique. Although there are standards we can set as a society for being a “good mom,” we can’t define motherhood for everyone. Balancing the priorities of career and motherhood have long been discussed and analyzed. What can we share on the subject that is new? How can we perform better as mothers…
Resume Help: Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot
Judy, Judy, Judy! Judy’s resume example is one for the records. I have never seen a resume with a “My Weak Points” category. Judy, who is a highly- knowledgeable and experienced program manager, is shooting herself in the foot by hyping her top weakness at the very top of the resume. She is scaring away…
Is MS Word the Standard for Resumes?
Dear Deb: I applied for a job at a major bank for a private banking position. I have 5 years of experience and should have been one of their top candidates for the opening. However, they did not respond, not so much as even an acknowledgement of my submission. I called the VP numerous times. …
Personal Brand Makeover: Kicking It Old School
Whether you consciously develop it or not, you have a personal brand. Your boss, clients, co-workers, and anyone else with whom you interact have an impression of you. You can’t control someone’s perception of you. What you can control is the image you present, such as your appearance, communication style, interactions with others, online presence,…
How to Show a Phone Number on a Resume
Dear Debra: My wife said that using periods is the new way to write phone numbers. Have you seen phone numbers that look like this, “555.555.1212?” Is this how I should add my number on my resume? Thanks, Dan Dear Dan: There is no right way to write a phone number. You can use dashes…
How to Solve the 3 Biggest Resume Problems
A resume makeover does not have to be an all-weekend event. You can squeeze a quick resume makeover in a couple of spare hours. My advice is to tackle the three biggest resume problems now! After that you can fine-tune your resume to perfection. There is no time like the present to improve your resume. …
Resume Help: Your Resume Is a Skills Test
Benjamin is a seasoned sales professional with a history of success. He’s hoping his resume will open doors to interviews. The critical thing that Benjamin fails to do is to sell himself. Yes, the seasoned sales pro does not use his resume to sell himself. The hiring employer is reviewing resumes of dozens of sales…
How to Show Incomplete Certifications
Dear Deb: I have completed all the coursework for my CCNPS (Cisco Certified Network Professional: Security), but I have not taken the test yet. Can I add this to my resume? I take the test in May. But, I have jobs I want to apply to now. Thank you, Joel Dear Joel, Good for you! …
Why Mothers Make Great Employees
In May, we take time to appreciate mothers and motherhood. However, we tend to relegate motherhood to a place outside the workplace. In fact, mothers take great effort to prove that motherhood will not interfere with what is considered traditional work life. (After all, there is no harder job than being a mother!) Today we’re…
Photos on Resumes
Dear Deb: My career counselor told me that it is not appropriate to put a photo on my resume. I am applying to jobs as a business systems analyst. I saw a report on the news that attractive people earn higher salaries. Wouldn’t it make sense to leverage that asset on a resume? What do…