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.
Asking for LinkedIN Endorsements
Dear Debra: Is it alright to ask my colleagues to endorse me for certain skills on LinkedIn? Is that like asking for a favor? How should I approach this? Thank you, Carla Dear Carla: Yes, it is acceptable to ask your trusted colleagues that you know well. You might ask in person or send a…
Brand Yourself for a Career Change
One of the most vexing brand challenges is how to prepare for a career change. If you are changing your career, you want all expressions of your brand to reflect your current career goal. Your LinkedIn profile, your resume, your professional affiliations, and every other aspect of your brand should paint a picture of the…
Explaining a Salary Dip
Dear Debra: What is the best way to explain a dip in salary? I took a new job four years ago. The salary was $8,000 less than the salary at my previous employer. I left because I was concerned that the company was going under. I was worried about long-term unemployment. I was 42 at…
Branding Help: Shiny Shoes & Your Appearance
Does your appearance impact your career? Yes, it makes a difference, not only in an interview but on a daily basis as you are seen by others. From your perfectly-styled hair to your shiny new shoes, you are making an impression on others. That impression leads to a brand. Many people are so busy performing…
Consistency Builds Your Brand
A pattern of behavior leads to the development of a reputation. A reputation supported by your positive image and communication generates brand equity. Strong, consistent brand equity is what every smart professional desires. With brand equity, you gain the attention of prospective employers, clients and partners. How do you generate brand equity? The secret is…
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…