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.
As If the Job Market Wasn’t Bad Enough, Intuit Makes Things Exponentially Worse
This week, software company Intuit laid off about 1800 people or 10% of their workforce. As if that was not bad enough, CEO Sasan Goodarzi publicly announced that about 1050 employees being let go were underperforming and not meeting expectations, effectively branding any former Intuit employee looking for a job now as a poor performer….
From Apology to Assertiveness: Transforming Your Communication Style
Um, yeah, hi, like it would be really great if I could, like have your attention. Please? Sorry, but you know, this is uh an uh really important topic and like sort of important, so could you please pay attention?
These two sentences are perfect examples of apologetic, non-assertive language. Aside from the use of meaningless garbage fillers such as “like,” “um,” and “you know,” also included is one of the worst words that you can use in your business communications: “SORRY.” Nothing tanks a message like a “sorry” does. Why? Because the word has become so overused and milquetoast that it signals the oncoming lame and unnecessarily apologetic screed. No one has time for that….
Why Employee Surveillance Backfires
Last week, Wells Fargo fired several staff members after claiming they were faking keyboard activity to make it appear like they were working when they were not. The bank said that its staff had either been fired or resigned “after review of allegations involving simulation of keyboard activity creating impression of active work,” according to the BBC….
Navigating the Digital Job Market: Challenges and Strategies for More Experienced Workers
The job market has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. Today, the internet is a primary tool for job searching, networking, and career advancement. While this digital shift offers numerous opportunities, it also presents unique challenges, particularly for senior workers who face difficulties getting responses and traction from potential employers. Despite their vast experience and skills, senior workers often find it challenging to gain visibility and engage with hiring managers. Here are some lesser-known strategies to enhance job search outcomes for seasoned professionals….
The Inception of Collaboration Tools
Setting: A corporate America conference room, complete with whiteboard and glass walls.
Characters: Developers/Engineers; Clueless Boss; Users (silent role)
Scene: An average day at MacroBurst, maker of widely used business software known for its extremely non-intuitive, frustrating pseudo-solutions….
Chipotle CEO's Bizarre Interview Highlights the Critical Need for Media Training in Business!
Chipotle was all the rage a few years ago. The fast-casual chain offered ample portions, speedy service, and reasonable prices. Recently, the chain has fallen out of favor with its target market, who claim that the portion sizes have shrunk while the prices have skyrocketed. In response to the public outcry (and declining business), Chipotle CEO Brian Nicoll took to cable news to set the record straight. What ensued was a bizarre interview….
What You Need to Know About the Class of 2024
This year’s class faces a tougher job market than last year’s grads, with only a small percentage graduating with employment already lined up. Nonetheless, they’re inevitably going to be your colleagues, peers, and direct reports. Here is what they want from their employers….
Bullies, Mean Girls, and Remaining Professional When Things Get Personal
Bullies from high school often grow up to become bullies in the workplace (as well as outside of work), resulting in many of us finding ourselves in situations that are unfortunately similar to our dark days of adolescence. The worst part – these bullies are much stronger and vindictive. Workplace bullying takes many forms; it includes behavior that intimidates, offends, degrades, or humiliates an employee, possibly in front of coworkers and clients….
Don’t Be a Martyr for the Cause
You need to think of yourself as the CEO of your career, which means always thinking about what is best for you. You are a free agent.
The most essential asset in your career is you. Prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, and ensure your professional journey aligns with your personal values and health. Do not sacrifice yourself for an employer. Ever….
Considering Taking a “Hush Trip”? You May Want to Reconsider.
The biggest learning from the pandemic has been that being present in one physical workplace is not essential for every job. In other words, work from home works just fine. As offices have reopened, many workers continue to work remotely. Enter the phenomenon of the “hush trip….”