Why social media habits expose you more than your resume

You may have spent hours pondering just the right action verbs for your resume and crafted the perfect cover letter, but if you have not cleaned up your Facebook page, all that work could be for naught. Not only do social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow you to connect and network as you search for a job, but they give you a platform to sell yourself – or shame yourself – to future employers.

"Today, making sure you are buttoned up on your social media sites is as important as drafting a perfect resume and cover letter," says Phil Schmitt, who teaches a class on preparing students for their job searches. "It is not uncommon for a prospective employer to go to your Facebook page during the review process. I have even heard of employers asking interviewees to pull up their Facebook pages while in an interview."

South Florida's high unemployment rates have had many casualties. Most devastating however for the region's future is the rate of unemployment among young adults, as new workers struggle to find a professional foothold after graduation.

One new program however hopes to open up more employment opportunities for Miami-Dade's youth this summer. Miami-Dade County has partnered up with the South Florida Workforce Investment Board to launch the 2012 Career Pathway Compact Summer Employment Program.

"Enhancing the work-readiness skills of our young adults through special programs like the one created by South Florida Workforce is critical to the continued economic growth of our community," said Mayor Carlos Gimenez in his statement launching the new program.

Is your resume working for you? There's never been a better time to take a close look and make sure it is. With today's high rate of unemployment, many Americans are competing in a tight job market. Will your resume grab the attention of a prospective employer? Does it accurately reflect your qualifications?

A resume is an essential selling tool in any job search. The document presents a clear, concise outline of your qualifications, skills and accomplishments. "The function of a resume isn't to get you a job, but to get you the interview," says Tammy Smith, director of career services at Brown Mackie College - Hopkinsville. "It's up to you to land the job."

Tips on overcoming the workplace blues

Do you have problems sleeping on Sunday nights knowing that you have to return to work the next morning? Are you constantly daydreaming about your dream job? Are you always checking the clock at work, counting down the minutes until the day ends? If so, you might be suffering from workplace blues.

Don Thibert, director of academic affairs for Everest College, has decades of experience helping thousands of individuals a year move into progressive new careers. The seasoned career expert says it's important to evaluate your work situation and offers great advice for finding career happiness.