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.
Increasing Self-Confidence in the Workplace
One thing that I have learned from my years of working closely with people is that one of the biggest assets, not just in your career but in life, is self-confidence. In particular, developing confidence in the workplace is not easy. It requires work, time, and dedication. If you struggle with gaining confidence in the workplace, here are some tips….
Making the Lateral Move
You have been working hard, tracking your accomplishments, and promoting your brand within your organization — all the right moves to obtaining that promotion you know you deserve. However, instead of receiving the promotion, your boss calls you in for a chat and informs you that they are considering you for a newly opened position – a role within a different part of the organization yet with the same or similar title and pay grade. It would be a lateral move….
Likes, Comments, and Shares
LinkedIn launched in the early 2000s and fundamentally changed how people network. What began as a professional networking site became a social media platform. Whereas people previously only posted or shared updates of a professional nature, such as starting a new position, it has become a place where people come to brain dump. There are now “content creators” who regularly post on LinkedIn. Some of this is helpful, some of it cringey….
What The Sopranos Can Teach Us about Gen Z
Gen Z only knows the world of high-quality, prestige TV. They never experienced the struggle of having nothing to watch but reruns of Gilligan’s Island or mandatory commercials. They expect to be able to watch what they want when they want, and most don’t even use a television, opting to watch on their laptops or phones. They are shaping this into a different world, and a fresh crop will graduate in a few weeks. If your business wants to keep up and attract young talent, you must learn from Hollywood’s mistakes and adapt.
Here’s what Gen Z wants out of work….
Critical Areas of Focus for Job Seekers
During the course of my career, I have counseled thousands of people. Some people seek assistance in writing a resume. Some want help crafting a succinct elevator pitch. Many want advice as to how to move their careers forward and how to achieve their end goal. Almost invariably, I give my clients the same pieces of core advice. Now, I’m going to share that advice, gleaned from many years and my experience with various people, with you….
Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch
These days, we toss around the term “elevator pitch” without understanding what that is. Everyone knows they need an elevator pitch when looking for a job. When working on your 30-second pitch, you need to focus on the value you bring to a hiring manager and your ability to solve problems. In those 30 seconds, you want to convey that you are the answer to the problems the hiring manager is dealing with. Most so-called elevator pitches fail—they are too wordy, overly complicated, and not compelling….
Ask Deb: What if I Don’t Want a Promotion to Management?
I don’t want to be a manager or director. I enjoy being an individual contributor. I like my work, I’m good at it, and I’m not interested in the additional responsibilities that come with taking on a management role. How do I let my manager know that I don’t want to be promoted or lead people?….
Propaganda, Groupthink, and Corporate Terrorism
Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of otherwise well-intentioned people makes irrational decisions out of an urge to conform. One of the most useful tools for promoting groupthink is propaganda. Corporate propaganda can be used to agitate, anger, and encourage fealty among employees. People come to believe company propaganda because they’ve been convinced that the company exists as an entity separate from the people. When this illusion of separateness persists, it can have devastating and even bizarre consequences. Anything good is the company. Anything bad is due to people….
Cinderella Syndrome
We all know the story of Cinderella. It is the classic rags-to-riches tale filled with supernatural components and the stuff of a good fairytale. It is a story about overcoming oppression and receiving a just reward; a universal tale about the triumph of good over evil; and a story of the desire for love, acceptance, and a higher standard of living. Fundamentally, Cinderella is the story of the universal human desire for belonging and acceptance….
It’s not you. It’s the market.
If you’ve been searching for a new role this year, you might be wondering if there’s something wrong with you or your job search strategies. You’re doing everything you think you should be—networking, customizing your resumes and cover letters, practicing your responses to common interview questions, and improving your narrative—but you’re not getting any offers. Maybe you’re not even getting any requests for interviews. I’m here to tell you that it’s not you. It’s them….