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.
How to Resign with Dignity, Grace, and Professionalism
Most of my advice to job seekers centers on the broad topic of searching for and securing a new role. But just as it is important to approach your job search with professionalism, it is also critical that you resign from your current role in a dignified and diplomatic manner. You may not think resigning needs a strategy behind it, but it most assuredly does. Considering that your resignation will impact your brand, you want to think carefully and act mindfully when resigning….
Mastering the Art of Resume Writing: Tips to Craft Your Winning Personal Brand
You find yourself in a position to craft a resume or update an existing resume. This can be a daunting challenge for many people. So much resume advice floats around out there, and so much is outdated, outdated, or simply flawed. I’ve worked with thousands of clients across a myriad of industries, and I’m going to share with you my top 10 tips for effectively and efficiently writing a winning resume….
Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
It is a known fact that searching for a job online is not a good use of a job seeker’s time. To track down the most job leads — leading to the most interview and job offer opportunities — job-seekers must go beyond online job boards and search engines and attack the hidden job market. As much as 80 percent of all job openings are filled through (direct and indirect) referrals, not through job postings….
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
During the Second World War, women proved they could do “men’s” work and do it well. With men away to serve in the military and demands for war materials increasing, manufacturing jobs opened up to women and upped their earning power. Yet, women’s employment was only encouraged as long as the war was on. Once the war was over, federal and civilian policies replaced women workers with men….
Confident or Arrogant? Do You Know the Difference?
While confidence and arrogance may seem to be opposite forms of expression, there is often a fine line between them. Confidence positively expresses your abilities, while arrogance is often associated with believing you’re more intelligent and capable than those around you. Knowing the difference between the two is essential to ensure you remain confident, resourceful, and collaborative at work….
Working 9-5: Is It Outmoded in the 21st Century?
Many American workers live for their weekends. This is the time that they spend with their families, catch up on errands, and just relax. The practice of taking a day of rest is a centuries-old concept. In the pre-industrial era, workers would typically have off one day per week to observe the Sabbath. In agrarian settings, people worked as much as they needed to survive, hunting, gathering, and farming—probably averaging less than 40 hours per week. This pattern changed in the 18th century with the Industrial Revolution….
What to Expect from the Job Market in 2024
Despite the challenges presented by recent global events, hiring trends for 2024 indicate a renewed sense of optimism. Research from MIT’s Sloan School of Management shows that 39% of hiring leaders said they plan to increase their financial commitment toward hiring in 2024, and 70% of surveyed U.S. job seekers were somewhat or very confident about their prospects of finding new jobs. Here is what to expect from the job market as we enter 2024….
My Holiday Wish
The end of the calendar year brings with it holidays from multiple cultures and belief systems. From the most obvious, Christmas, to Hanukkah, the widely known Jewish celebration of lights, to the pagan celebration of Winter Solstice, December is the month of multiple celebrations. These holiday observations contain a unifying message- one of peace and unity….
This Protracted Job Search Is Embarrassing!
Searching for a job takes a toll on your psyche. You question your self-worth. Remove these thoughts from your psyche. The irony of these shameful thoughts is that they discount that unemployment is highly likely for millions of people….
Lessons in Innovation from a Pet Rock
No effort. No allergies. No cleanup. In the early 1970s, Gary Dahl, a freelance advertising copywriter, was having drinks at a bar with friends when the conversation turned to the destructive nature of pets. Dogs and cats chewed and clawed. Gerbils need to live in packs of 2 or more. Pet fish means regular cleaning of the tank. Then there was the fact that pets required constant attention—they must be walked, played with, fed, and cleaned up after. Dahl said he didn’t have to worry about that because he had a “pet rock.” ….