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.
Are life experience degrees impressive to employers?
Dear Deb: I only completed one year of college due to lack of funding. Also, I was successful in my part-time sales position and ultimately, that became a career which has provided an excellent income. Now, I feel deficient because I don’t have a degree. I have researched the possibility of getting a life experience…
Four Major Cover Letter Mistakes
Often job seekers will ask me what they can do to improve their cover letter. The answer varies for each person; however, there are four major cover letter mistakes that I frequently see. Perhaps you have made one of these four major cover letter mistakes? Read our list and review your cover letter. Borrow my…
Cover Letter Help: The Not-so-fine Line Between Obnoxious and Amusing
In an effort to stand out from the crowd, some job searchers turn to cute quips and humor in their cover letter. It is true that creativity and sharp writing skills will impress a prospective employer. If your attempt at humor misses the mark or your creative expressions are misunderstood, don’t expect an interview invitation. …
How many credentials after a name on a resume?
Dear Debra: I have my credentials at the top of my resume and cover letter just after my name. A recruiter told me that this is an overload. Here is what I show: “Marcia Bolen, MST, PA, BSA, ABA, RTRP, CBM, CDFA, CMA, CFE.” What do you think? Thank you, Marcia Dear Marcia: Wow, you…
The Cost of Being “Out of Touch”
One problem with being out of touch is the lack of awareness that you are out of touch. It’s what you don’t know that you don’t know that is hurting you. If you are a job-seeker, there is a cost associated with being out of touch – your target job. These are just three easy…
Completed Courses at Community College
Dear Deb: I attended a community college for two years and then transferred to a more prestigious school for the last two years, culminating in my Bachelor of Business Administration. Do I need to list the community college on my resume? I did not earn a degree there, just completed a bunch of courses allowing…
Interview Blocking Resumes: Warning Signs Hiring Managers Spot in a Minute
How’s your resume response rate? In other words, are you getting many calls for interviews? If your resume is not generating interviews, it’s time to evaluate your resume. Hiring managers look for signs that a candidate will not be successful or a proper fit for the job. Is your resume sending signs to hiring manager? …
Interested in the Same Position as a Friend
Dear Deb: My friend is applying for a job that she is in no way qualified to perform. She does not even have the basic education and knows nothing about finance, audits, or accounting. On the other hand, I am perfect for this job. Not only do I have the BA in Accounting, I have…
How to Recover from a Huge Career Set Back
If you’ve been a fan of AMC’s Mad Men, you’ve witnessed the rise, fall, and recovery of the ever-suave, Don Draper. It’s been a theme of the show from the start. The opening montage of the man falling with skyscrapers in the background forebodes what we can see through the seasons. But, will he hit…
Resume Help: Quick Clean Up Tips
In the spirit of spring / summer cleaning, let’s help Remi clean up her resume. Like most of our readers, Remi has accomplished a lot in her career. However, her resume has caused a stall in her job search. My first reaction to Remi’s resume was that it was a big wall of words that…