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.
Why are you looking to leave your current role?
This can be a sticky, tough question for a lot of job seekers. On the one hand, you don’t want to give away too many details as to why you’re looking for a new role. On the other, you don’t want to come off as wishy-washy with a non-answer. How do you best effectively answer…
10 Things to Avoid During a Phone Interview
Are phone interviews “real” interviews? This is a question I am asked frequently. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Phone interviews are just as important to the interview process as any other interview. Most companies now require a phone screening before advancing candidates to further rounds of interviews, and many others require all initial interviews,…
Here’s what to avoid if you want to be taken seriously at work.
You want to be taken seriously by your managers, peers, and clients. But are you doing everything you can to ensure that you are? It’s possible that some things you do are undermining your credibility. Brands are collective. They’re built on the sum of experiences. While your big accomplishments are notable, it’s the little things…
Your content may be boring
Content. We hear about it all the time and are encouraged to produce more of it. But what is content? Simply put, content is anything that you create that communicates an idea. Content can be a blog, a white paper, a video, or an audio recording. “Content marketing” is the practice of creating and distributing…
Everyone hates the open office. Now we have research to prove its inefficiency.
Office space has become more and more open for the past few decades. The days when managers automatically got private offices have been replaced by cubicle culture. When cubicles initially became standard fare in offices, they were generally relegated to lower level employees. As time wore on, more senior folks found themselves staring at the…
No degree—Is it a problem?
During the period following World War II, until the late 1970s, the American economy experienced unprecedented growth, driven by the middle class. About half of those among the postwar middle class were blue collar workers. Buoyed by strong wages and often protected by labor unions, the working class was also the middle class. The factory…
Soft skills—what are they and why should you care?
Soft skills are also known as “people skills.” These are the character traits that set you apart from the masses. They are what make you an awesome employee and person, outside of your technical job skills. For job seekers, soft skills are often what make or break the deal. That’s why it’s important that you…
Conference Call Hell
Hi, who is on the line? I’m sorry, I think I have to unmute you. Wait, or am I muted? Let me see if I can figure this out. Darn, I’m going to have to call Marco and ask him how to work this thing. How about you all dial back in in 5…
My Boss Won't Stop Micromanaging Me!
Dear Deb: I was recently recruited to a new company. I was so excited to be sought out by this company, which is a leader in the industry and I knew that this move would be a boon to my career. My excitement has tempered a bit over the last few months on the new…
Unpopular opinions and uncomfortable truths—workplace edition
Other than you, no one cares what your goals and aspirations are. Don’t highlight these in an interview. Instead, focus on the business problem the hiring company has and how you can help solve those. Always have someone other than you proofread your written work. Always. It is very challenging to catch all errors…