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.
Need More Vacation Time
Dear Deb: I am planning to return to work as a marketing director after a 12-year break. I want to communicate to the employer that I will need time off to accompany my husband when he travels to Europe and Asia for work. Most times, we have a 2 to 3-week notice of the trips.…
5 Ways to Compensate for a Lack of Paid Professional Experience
Don’t let lack of recent paid professional experience keep you from your dream job. There are at least five ways that you can gain skills and experience necessary for your target career. You may discover that you already have experience that proves that you are qualified for the job. 1.) Professional Certifications If you are…
Is YouTube Success Resume-Worthy?
Dear Deb: I created a video, posted it on YouTube, and it has 543,000 hits. It’s a humorous song about the plight of a rare beetle. There is no offensive language. It has nothing to do with my career in commercial real estate leasing. However, I wonder if it would make me seem unique. Should…
3 Networking Success Stories
Recently, a steadfast non-believer in the power of networking challenged me to share three examples of clients who earned a job through networking. That’s easy. I’ll take that challenge any day of the week. Many of my clients have gained introductions, interviews, and ultimately job offers through networking. Here are just three examples of how…
What to Include on a Resume for Retail
Dear Deb: Is it necessary to bring a resume for a job at a retail shop in the mall? What would it say? I have only worked at an Italian ice cart at a local amusement park and also some intermittent work as a catering server. It might make me look silly to show that…
Branding Tips: Can Your Email & Phone Numbers Tarnish Your Brand?
Yes, the email address that you choose and how you display your phone numbers on your resume and webpages reveal a lot about who you are. It also contributes to your brand. Your brand is how others perceive you. If your email and phone number suggest that you are outdated or not a serious professional,…
Showing That You Are Qualified for a New Project
Dear Deb: What is the best way to show that I am qualified to handle a large, complex project if I have never led a project of considerable scope before? I am in the running to lead a $5.3 million implementation of a new data storage system for 43 sites across North America. The largest…
Branding for the Not-So-Average Person
Recently a client asked me, “Why do I need a brand? I am just an average person. It’s not like I am an executive, celebrity, or an entrepreneur.” My answer was, “That is exactly why you need to think about your personal brand.” Do you want to be perceived as average? No; you want to…
Connecting with Competitors on LinkedIn
Dear Deb: Is it a good idea to accept a competitor as a LinkedIn connection? Isn’t there a chance I could lose potential customers if they see their names and start shopping? I am a consultant in the field of environmental impact studies. Thank you, Doug Dear Doug: Thanks for writing. Yes, accepting an invitation…
Face-to-Face Networking
Face-to-face networking may be one of the most detested phrases a career professional can hear. You mean I have to talk to strangers in person? Can’t I just email them? Isn’t it enough if I like their posts on LinkedIn? Sure, it is great to connect online. Most of our daily professional and personal interactions…