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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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Summer Internships

Dear Deb: I am a sophomore in college.  There is such competition for summer internships and office jobs. Those jobs generally go to upper classmen.   It looks like my summer job options are limited to a local summer day camp counselor position or a painter’s helper position.  My college counselor told me it is better…

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P.S. Statement on a Cover Letter

Dear Deb: I read online that one should always have a “P.S.” on a cover letter/email.    If I do include a P.S. statement, what would I say?  “P.S.  I have extensive experience in CRM customization.”   What do you think? Thank you, Kathy S. Dear Kathy: I have seen advice like that online too.  Some experts…

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General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

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…

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Resume Help Debra Wheatman Resume Help Debra Wheatman

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…

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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. …

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Professional Branding Debra Wheatman Professional Branding Debra Wheatman

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,…

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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…

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General Debra Wheatman General Debra Wheatman

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. …

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