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.
When Interviewers Get It Wrong
After my last blog post, I was flooded with comments and emails bemoaning the current state of interviewing. Many people reached out to me to point out that there is just as much, if not more, bad behavior on the part of the interviewers as there is on the part of those being interviewed. In…
Asking a Potential Employer About Paid Training
Dear Debra: Is it appropriate to ask an employer about paid training and certification sponsorship during a job interview? In my industry certifications are very expensive and the only way I can get them quickly is for my employer to sponsor me. Thank you, Carson Dear Carson: Sponsorship of professional development is an important part…
Ten Things that Have Nothing to do with Your Background and Experience, But Will Cost You the Job
People write to me all the time, seeking advice in securing their next position. Typical advice is to research the company, research the hiring manager, and above all, practice your interviewing skills. All of this, while important, comprises only 20% of the total challenge. In other words, your content is 20%, and your presentation is…
Handling Conflicting Resume Advice
Dear Debra: It seems like every person that reviews my resume gives me new advice. I’ve gone through about five major overhauls. One said, “Lose the summary.” A former manager told me I must present my 16 years of project management history on one page. Then there are the endless comments about font, all bullets,…
You Really Did Learn Everything You Need to Know about Effective Business Writing from Your English Teacher
Remember when you were in school, and your English teacher assigned an essay? Everyone groaned and complained. Maybe some people opined that writing a five paragraph essay was a waste of time and not something that you’d ever have to do out in the “real world.” Then you got out into that “real world” and…
What to Wear for an Interview
Dear Deb: Is it alright to wear the same suit to a second interview, one week after the first interview? Thank you, Marcus Dear Marcus: Yes, that is fine. If your suit is a solid neutral color (blue, grey, black, dark brown), it is unlikely that the interviewers will recall the color. For the second…
The Savvy Networker: When to Pass on an Industry Event
Almost every career expert can agree that networking is essential for careerists. With that advice, some may feel like you can’t get enough of a good thing. Running here and there, and attending every event possible is not the best strategy. Savvy networkers know when to pass on a networking event. The following are a…
Is it alright to reject a LinkedIn connection?
Dear Deb: Is it alright to reject a LinkedIn connection? I have an ex co-worker who was rather negative and a boundary crosser. I’d rather he not know what I am up to. Thank you, Aileen Dear Aileen: Yes, it is alright. On LinkedIn, you have the option to accept an invitation or ignore it.…
Who’s Reading Your Social Media Profiles
A recent LinkedIn survey of 4,000 talent recruiting decision makers spanning 31 countries revealed some interesting statistics concerning the use of social media as part of the candidate recruiting and screening process. The following are a few highlights of the report by LinkedIn. 55% of surveyed recruiters admit to reconsidering a candidate after viewing the…
How Long Should a Resume Be?
Dear Deb: Is it true that anything over a page means you are including too much fluff on your resume? I read that each job should consist of two to three short bullets. Also, how far back should I go in my work history? I have worked for 21 years. Thank you for your advice,…