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.
Are you conflict-resistant?
You probably are. At least to some extent, most of us like to avoid conflict rather than face it head on. But conflict is a necessary and unavoidable part of the human experience, and avoiding it can be detrimental. What do you do if you are conflict averse, but a big part of your job…
Do I have to use my old boss as a reference?
Dear Deb: I have a question about references. Do they have to be from a previous manager? I’m concerned because my last boss was kind of. . . odd. Sometimes he would be really friendly and jovial, and tell everyone how great they were doing. Other times he would be verbally abusive and tell…
Blowing the referral
Did you know that an application that is submitted by another employee of a company has a 14 times greater chance of being viewed than one that is submitted blind? And did you know that many companies give priority to interviewing candidates who are recommended by employees. Employers use their current employees to source candidates…
Internship? Returnship?
Internships have long been avenues by which college students or recent graduates gain some practical experience in their field to complement their areas of study. I advise all students to do at least one internship before graduation so that they have a practical understanding of their field, as well as a familiarity with the work…
Bad writing reflects poorly on you
I remember teachers always impressing upon students the importance of being able to write clearly and cogently. I was a strong writer, and banging out a quick five paragraph essay posed no problem for me, only minor inconvenience. I knew that not everyone was as adept at writing as I, but I also recognized that…
To share or not to share.
A client recently shared an email she received from a colleague. It was sent to the entire team. Here it is, below, with personal information redacted: Hi All: I just wanted to let you folks know a little more, as it may impact my work schedule. I’ve already informed [boss’s name redacted]. [Child’s…
Yes, you really do need to customize your resume.
In simpler times, back before everyone had a home computer, and before the emergence of the Internet, people used to use typewriters, paper, and postal mail. When you wanted to search for a job, you sat down at your typewriter and typed up your resume. If you were engaged in an aggressive job search, you…
The gender pay gap—it’s worse than you thought
Worldwide, women are paid 23% less than men who do the same jobs. This gender pay gap may be ardently disputed, but its existence is well documented and indisputable. The inherent problem with the pay gap is not only the disparity in earnings between the genders, but also the fact that a lifetime of economic…
Sell me this pen!
Gimmicks—video resumes, sending cookies to your interviewer, etc.—will not get you hired. But what about those situations in which the candidate is subjected to gimmicks, and is asked to perform parlor tricks for the interviewer? Yet another symptom of the lack of interview training on the part of managers, these types of questions are highly…
Inspiring Innovation
You’ve noticed. Business has radically changed. No longer can you sit back and enjoy increased revenues from the same products, year after year. You need to do something different. Maybe you need to find a new market for your products. Or perhaps you can find a way to solve new and emerging problems for your…