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.
Translating jargon into plain English
As linguists know, language is, by its nature, constantly evolving. Language is also supposed to be communicative and cohesive. However, we all know that corporate lingo is an entity unto itself and that quite often, this particular lexicon does little to provide clarity, direction, or, quite frankly, sense. That is why I am providing my readers with this condensed translation guide, organized by corporate context….
RERUN: Considerations if you are returning to a former employer
It is undeniable that the entire culture of work has dramatically changed over the past 35 years. Until the 1980s, it was not uncommon for someone to graduate, go to work at a company, and work in a succession of roles of increasing scope for 40+ years until retirement from the same company. This is all but unheard of today. “Job hopping”—the practice of staying with an employer for a short period and then moving on—is no longer something that arouses suspicion on the part of employers. It is simply the way it is and the way that younger generations approach their careers….
Feel the Burn(out)
For many, what was initially a “woot woot!” moment has become a case of burnout resulting from the collision of remote work, homeschooling, and professional uncertainty….
Performance reviews: outdated, outmoded, and slowly dying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….