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.
Margins on a Resume
Dear Debra: What is the minimum margin for a resume? My resume is one and a half pages. If I reduce my font (Andalus) to 10 pts and decrease the margins to .5” all around, I can fit on one page. Of course, I had to drop some less important items like my volunteering and…
Do People Still Send Cover Letters?
The short answer is: yes! Cover letters have changed in recent years. The format is slightly different, and there are more options for the delivery method. However, the basics of the cover letter remain the same. I’ll answer some of the most common cover letter questions that I receive. If you are a serious job…
What is Your Biggest Weakness?
Dear Deb: How should I answer the interview question about describing my biggest weakness? Thank you, Elliot Dear Elliot: I applaud you for preparing for one of the most common interview questions. Don’t avoid the question asking for your weakness by saying, "I don't have a weakness." That is disingenuous and shows a lack of…
Interviewing Well: There is a Method to Increase Your Success
So many candidates say, “Write me a good resume to get me in the door. I can wing it from there.” For some people, maybe they can “wing it.” Mostly, though, I think people need to plan to interview well. Even those people who are ok with flying by the seat of their pants would…
Providing Complete Work History
Dear Deb: I had a phone interview today, and the employer said that for further consideration, I must provide the following by the end of the week: * Complete work history going back to date of graduation. * Complete dates for all jobs. * Salaries for last five years. My dilemma is that my…
5 Specific Ways You Can Be a Networking Giver
Today I read a post by a leader of one of my LinkedIn groups. It struck a chord. He was asking the group to spread the word about his business, listing the ways we can promote his business. What was missing? How does promoting his business add any benefit to my clients or me? In…
Choose Alliances that Enhance Your Brand
People are quick to form impressions of others. It can be your job title, the clothes you wear, your home address, or your alma mater, which are just a few of the things that people think about when forming an impression. The people with whom you associate with impact your brand, as well. Building relationships…
Marketing Yourself for a Career Change
Dear Debra: I earned BA and MA degrees in history and had strong grades – 3.84, Dean’s Lists most semesters through undergrad, and finished my MA with a 3.67. I graduated two years ago and started teaching, which I hated. It’s not for me. So, I earned a paralegal certificate to get myself on a…
Relocating Without a Job
Dear Deb: I am relocating without a job. How do I job search from 800 miles away? Thank you for your advice. Aaron Dear Aaron: In a relocation, it is helpful to include some details in your cover letter to prove that you are serious about relocation. That includes a reason why you are relocating.…
An Insider’s Job Search Tips: Get in the Back Door for an Interview
It’s time to face facts. Submitting your resume online with hundreds of other candidates is not the best way to get in the door for an interview. In a competitive market, you can get lost in a sea of resumes. You need to access the back door to increase your chance of getting an interview.…