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.
Getting Rid of Archaic, Outmoded Practices and Attitudes
The last 18 months have surely been disruptive to our lives, but this has also been a time of reinvention. The very idea of the workplace has been upended; we have all learned to adapt on the fly. The concept of work is constantly evolving. In this candidate market, it is critical to make your company a desirable place to work and position it as an employer of choice. To achieve this level of reputation and recruit and retain top talent, you need to excise some of your company’s outdated, irrelevant policies and attitudes….
It’s not you. It’s me.
Dear Hiring Company:
We’ve been together for about two months now, and I think it’s time for me to take a break. It’s not you; it’s me. You are great, and anyone would be lucky to work for you. Your products are amazing, and the people I’ve met would probably be fantastic coworkers. And in these two months, we have been through a lot. But it’s just not working for me anymore….
Job seeking in a candidate’s market
The job market has done a complete 180 from last year and is now red-hot. There are more open roles than candidates, and hiring companies are scrambling to fill these positions quickly. I recently wrote about things that employers should do to attract high-quality talent in these competitive times. But, as I always say, recruiting is a two-way street, and the candidates need to play an active role in the process. That means being proactive and taking control of your job search rather than leaving your career direction up to chance. So how, in a market in which job seekers hold the cards, should you best approach your search? ….
Maximize the impact of your interviews
Congratulations! Your resume made its way through the ATS and its filters and to an actual human being. You had a great conversation with the recruiter; now it’s time to talk to the hiring manager. You know you need to prepare by researching the company and your interviewer and familiarizing yourself with the job description. But, there’s something even more important for which you need to be prepared. Something that many people neglect….
Recruiting in a candidate-controlled market
Last week, I wrote about the impending “great resignation,” in which upwards of 40% of American workers are projected to leave their current positions. This will pose a daunting challenge to recruiters at companies of all sizes and in all industries. A year ago, it was an employer’s market. The power dynamic has done a complete 180; we are now in a situation in which there are more open roles than candidates. Employers should consider this a preview of what is to come….
The Great Resignation is Upon Us
According to the World Economic Forum, a wave of mass resignations is coming as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic begin to lift. With up to 40% of workers considering leaving their jobs, economists are warning that this “Great Resignation” could have far-reaching consequences for the labor market. But what is driving this impending trend? Simply put, this last year has prompted a cultural shift, and few workers want to return to the way things were….
Warning signs during interviews
Interviews are usually situations in which everyone is on their best behavior. Like a first date, each party tries to impress the other. However, as with everything in life, things often go in ways that deviate from the original plan. Much of this is due to two factors—lack of skill on the part of the interviewer[s] and lack of preparation on the part of the candidate. So, how do you identify the red flags when you’re interviewing in this inherently imperfect setup? Here are a few warning signs for which you should be alert….
An impending wave of retirement—what does that mean for you?
One of the surprising side effects of the pandemic has been an increase in retirement rates among Americans aged 55 to 65. The pandemic has accelerated many pre-existing trends, such as flexible working arrangements, a preference for online shopping, and the sunsetting of careers….
Here’s what you need to know about reference checking
Part of the hiring process usually includes reference and background checks. These may be very superficial, or they may be pretty detailed. Many people have misconceptions about how reference checks are conducted, what a potential employer may ask, and what a former employer may say. The most common reference-checking questions are usually these….
Advice to new grads
The graduation season is upon us; soon, freshly minted grads will be looking to enter the workforce. Here is what I suggest….