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.
How Much Notice Should I Give My Employer?
Dear Deb: How much notice should I give my employer? I was just offered a terrific job. That company has a big conference in two weeks and my new manager really wants me to attend to meet everyone from the other locations. If I quit today, it will be exactly two weeks. My boss is…
What Does Your Hairstyle Say About Your Professional Brand?
Yes, your hairstyle can influence your brand. A hairstyle can lead to an impression regarding your intelligence, self-assurance, and personality. It is important that you select a hairstyle that is consistent with the brand you are aiming to project. Dr. Marianne LaFrance of Yale University led the “First Impressions and Hair Impressions” study to determine…
Should I Share Personal Information With Recruiters?
Dear Deb: How can I determine if a recruiter is a scam artist trying to gather my personal information? What type of information should I share with a recruiter? Thank you, Cole Dear Cole: Be careful when sharing your personal information. Recruiters typically need a current resume and in some cases they will ask for…
The First Step to Building a Strong Brand
Are you actively building your brand? Most professionals don’t make a conscious effort to create a professional brand. They are focused on getting through the workweek, or one major project or challenge after another. Mindful brand building becomes a low priority. Don’t be that person. Today we’ll show you how easy it is to take…
My Occupation Is Changing -- What Should I Do?
Dear Deb: I have been in my industry for 27 years. I am a media buyer, mostly cable and infomercials. My occupation is changing and when my previous employer was bought by a large international company, I was downsized. The problem is that companies are using more sophisticated specialized software and reporting systems. In the…
Brand Building: Are You Living in a Bubble?
Someone once told me that if you pay attention to what a person says, over time they will reveal their genuine self. What you say can alter your brand. After all, we are a product of our life experiences and the knowledge we gather informs our perspective. If you are living in a bubble, you…
Resume Help: Are You Sure about How to Present Your Education?
Education is an important qualification on the resume. Therefore, it is important to present your education in the proper format and in a position to balance your education and experience. Today’s example resume could be improved by changing the location of the education and editing the actual content in the education category. 1.) Move the…
Should My Employer Cover My Training Costs?
Dear Deb: My manager suggested that I get a certification in a software application that I commonly use. It is an online course. The website indicates that program will take two months if I apply about ten hours per week in the coursework and exam preparation. My manager has not offered to pay for the…
Can Poor Grammar Skills Tarnish Your Brand?
I admit to forming an impression of someone based on their grammar. Recently, a peer recommended an event planning professional to me. Her client list was very impressive. To gather more information, I read her website. My favorable impression was spoiled when I spotted a few grammar goofs. I did not expect her to be…
Resume Help: How to Create Positive Energy on Your Resume
Today’s resume example is very bland. It does not compel the reader to take action. One of the most common resume mistakes is to list one’s career history using very bland descriptions for each job. Some candidates take a short cut by copying and pasting a job description provided by the candidate’s former employer. A…