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.
Resume Help: Catching up with the Times
Today’s resume example illustrates a common issue. The candidate is using a very outdated resume strategy. The problem is twofold. It brands the candidate as “behind the times.” Secondly, by using an old-fashioned resume format, the candidate is missing valuable chances to market herself. We’ll focus on just the top section of the resume. Let’s…
White Space on Your Resume
Dear Deb: I keep hearing about having enough white space on my resume. Is there a metrics that I should follow regarding margins, font size, and space between lines? Appreciate the help, Shawn Dear Shawn: Yes, white space is important for all types of written materials, including ads in a magazine, webpages, outdoor advertising, and…
Instagram & Your Job Search: Answering Your Top Questions
Does the thought of using Instagram for your job search seem ridiculous? Instagram is yet another way to leverage social media to enhance your professional brand and accelerate your job search. If you are still puzzled, continue reading and perhaps we can answer your top Instagram questions. Should I have one Instagram account or two?…
Listing Technical Skills on Your Resume
Dear Deb: Should I list all of my technical knowledge on my resume? My current resume has extended into three pages, and I have a half page listing all of my technical proficiencies. What’s the best strategy? Is it better to have three pages with all of my skills from the last 16 years? Or,…
It’s Not Too Late to Snag a Summer Job
You may be on break from college or just looking for additional income; the summer can be a great time to pick up a part time job. Many businesses face a summertime rush and require part-time help. The competition can be tough as the supply of labor for part-time jobs also increases in the summer due…
Resume Help: Profile Power
Today we are reviewing Clark’s resume. His resume could be excellent, if the profile was not a total turn-off. Clark is a highly-qualified program manager with nearly twenty years of experience handling multi-million dollar information systems projects. His employers and clients include Fortune 100 companies. However, the profile fails to pitch Clark for the top-tier…
Asking for a Reference
Dear Deb: Is it necessary to ask someone to be a reference? Or, can I use someone’s name on an application without asking them? I don’t want to bother them, especially if they never get a call. Secondly, most employers really don’t check references, right? Thank you, Sebastian Dear Sebastian: Yes, absolutely, you should ask…
Branding Tips for Men Age 50+
Branding is essential for a career. In a competitive market, meeting 100% of the job qualifications may not be enough. You must show how you are better. ExecuNet’s survey of 3,785 executives indicated that a Vice President over the age of 50 takes 20% longer to get hired than a 45-year-old competitor. Another interesting data…
Two Page Resumes Online
Dear Deb: Because resumes are read online, do I really need to start the second page with my name and “page 2 of 2” at the top? Thanks! Charlene Dear Charlene: It is true that initially almost all resumes are viewed online. However, quite often, at some point a resume is printed. It is the…
Resume Help: Finance Executive
One of the most common resume issues is underselling or not selling at all. Today’s candidate has climbed the ladder to hold highly-responsible senior-level positions. However, each of the job descriptions on her resume is nothing more than a list of duties. Hiring managers know the basic duties associated with a particular job title. What…