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.
Bad Credit and Background Checks
You know that job searching, particularly when unemployed, can be a long, slow, painful process. Imagine that you’ve been out of work for more than a year, and you’ve finally received a verbal offer, which is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. You start to sweat. . .you’re worried because your once-stellar…
Another example of the broken recruiting system
This recently happened to my client. She applied online through a company’s ATS, for a position for which she was perfectly matched. She had little faith that anyone would ever see her application and assumed that she sent it off down a black hole. A few weeks later, she received a text message from…
Tips for managing your boss
It’s important to do your job and to do it well. But that is only one component of your career success. Obviously, it’s a critical one, but also important is your ability to work well with others, to be seen as a resource that can be depended upon, and one that isn’t talked about very…
Because people are strange. That’s why.
In my line of work, I field many questions about human behavior, as if I have some special insight into how people think and act. I talk to many people in varied industries, and from these conversations, I can glean some universal truths about human behavior. The first is that most people are insecure and…
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…