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.
Performance reviews: outdated, outmoded, and slowly dying
It’s the first quarter of the year. An employee gets an automated email announcing that review time is coming, and the employee must complete the self-review. Then she sits down with her manager to discuss her achievements of the previous 12 months; the manager points out a few areas for improvement and then gives her a 3 on a 1-5 scale. The meeting ends, and the employee and manager never speak of this until the following year….
Building a more inclusive workplace
I recently received this question from a client:
I am in the final rounds of interviews for a new position in my field. The work is exciting, the company is growing, and the compensation is well within my desired range. I am nervous about undergoing a background check. I am concerned that verifying my education is going to raise some issues with them. I am transgender and conferred both my undergraduate and graduate degrees under my previous name, Stephanie. I’m now a man, and I go by Stephen. I dread the thought of having to explain myself to total strangers (yet again) and justify my identity. What should I do?….
Help! My job search is going nowhere!
Probably the question that I am asked most frequently is this one: “Why am I not getting interviews/callbacks/offers when I’m putting in all this effort?” I know that job seeking can be frustrating; the process is often lengthier than candidates would like. To make it less frustrating, you need to be strategic and precise in how you execute your search. Most job seekers go about executing their search in ineffective and inefficient ways. Here are some things that might be making your job search more arduous than it needs to be….
Are your language and messaging sexist? They might be!
There is no doubt that sexism, misogyny, and inequality still exist in the 21st century. The wage gap shows little sign of narrowing, let alone going away, and a glass ceiling still holds women back. Here are some things that women commonly hear in the workplace that are inappropriate and sexist. If you’re doing any of these, STOP, post haste! ….
Easy tips to help you improve workplace communication
The workplace is a social entity. Like all human interactions, it is built upon communication. Healthy, honest communication is the foundation of long- and short-term success. It is how you build relationships and get things done. Here are some quick tips that can help you better communicate with your colleagues, customers, and prospects….
Ask Deb: Should I go back to school?
Hi Deb:
I was laid off from my job of the last five years. It has been over 10 months, and I still do not have a full-time role. I’m beginning to think that maybe I should go back to school for my law degree….
If Job Interviews Were Honest
Interviewer: Thanks for applying for the role. Tell me about yourself.
Candidate: I’m a mid-career manager, looking for a low-stress environment where I can phone it in and do as little as possible for the foreseeable future. My ultimate goal is to have a role with limited responsibility, so that I can stay off the radar….
Why your employer’s reputation should matter to you
Reputation and brand are critical imperatives for businesses. Companies that make concerted efforts with their brands and reputations reap many benefits, including more revenue opportunities, lowered marketing costs, decreased employee attrition, and public trust. Being associated with such a company through employment helps your brand, too. Here are a few tips to help you with your research….
Getting Up When You've Been Knocked Down
We’ve all been there – especially more recently – the global pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. For job seekers who have been furloughed or laid off entirely, the situation has had an emotional, and in a lot of cases physical toll….
Looking forward to 2021
At the end of each year, we look forward to the new one with anticipation, hope, and excitement. Those feelings have never been more apparent than this year when we close out 2020. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am looking forward to putting 2020 in the archive and moving on, whatever “moving on” from 2020 may mean.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to in 2021….