Let’s be honest. Who hasn’t used Facebook or another social media website before to dig for dirt on an ex-boyfriend, check out a picture of a potential set up, or see how that old classmate you despised is looking these days (and secretly hoping she didn’t age well).

If you’re checking out their profiles, they may be looking at yours too. And they’re not the only ones. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, 37 percent of companies reveal they use social networking sites to research job prospects. Of the employers who don’t use social networking sites to get information on candidates, 15 percent say their company prohibits the practice. Eleven percent report they don’t currently use social media but plan to start using it to screen in the future.

Want to know more about why hiring managers use social media to research candidates and what you should — and shouldn’t — post on your social media profiles if you want to get hired? Take a look at the infographic, below.

WATCH: Video on using social media to connect with employers

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

Social media is exploding. It seems that with each day comes a new social network or socially powered business model and what we’ve learned is that consumers (and job seekers) are relying heavily on their own connections with friends and families to influence their purchasing decisions, as well as their job search.

How does CareerBuilder.com play into all of these spaces? Well, consider your current location as home base. TheWorkBuzz.com is a place for career and job news, job search advice, tips and resources on how to start your career and provide you with information on how to continue progressing in your field throughout your life. And hopefully we can do that with a little light-hearted fun mixed in.

Our social networking sites provide this content and other quality content from career experts to allow you to stay in the spaces you’re already in daily and keep you in the loop. In addition to information, we use our channels as a place to communicate with job seekers and engage in dialogue and answer questions.

Here are all the places we’re at on the Web, and we hope you’ll connect with us:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest - for fashion, healthy eating, fitness, quotes & inspirational spaces
• Spotify - for playlists to soundtrack your day or job search
• Instagram (find us @CareerBuilder) - to see what happens here at CB
• Visual.ly - for all of our infographics

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

Tax day is finally here. Hopefully by now you’ve filed your income taxes — or at least filed for an extension. If you’re finishing up your forms last minute, make sure you’re not making any of the common tax-time mistakes, as reported by the IRS. Frequent errors include a missing social security number, math mistakes or no signature.  

Want more tax-day facts? Check out the recent CareerBuilder and Liberty Tax Service survey on some of the job-search and work expenses you may not know you can claim on your taxes. Want to procrastinate a little bit longer? Check out these 10 companies hiring this week.

1. AccuQuote
Industry: Insurance
Sample job titles: Inside sales account executive, staffing specialist, administrative trainer

2. Auto Truck Transport
Industry: Transportation
Sample job titles: OTR truck driver/CDL driver

3. Citi
Industry: Financial services
Sample job titles: Mortgage default processor, customer service associate, consumer finance sales representative, home lending specialist

4. Fred’s Stores
Industry: Retail and pharmacy
Sample job titles: Store manager, senior operations expert — retail, operations expert — retail, pharmacist, pharmacy technician

5. GAITS
Industry: Information technology
Sample job titles: Cyber security, systems administration, helpdesk, scientific computing, programmer, database administrator, information assurance

6. H&E Equipment
Industry: Construction/sales
Sample job titles: Service technician, outside sales representative, parts and service manager, branch manager

7. Lutech Resources
Industry: Oil and gas
Sample job titles: Senior piping engineer, process engineer, materials manager

8. Ryerson
Industry: Mining/drilling/resources
Sample job titles: Service center operator, inside sales associate, tax generalist

9. Tara Therapy
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapist, occupational therapist assistant, speech-language pathologist

10. Victaulic
Industry: Manufacturing, engineering
Sample job titles: Territory sales manager, sales trainee, project engineer, manufacturing engineer

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

Recently we shared the six most in-demand jobs in the U.S., based on information from CareerBuilder’s database. Today, we’re highlighting one of those jobs — commercial driver’s license, or CDL, drivers who work in the trucking industry.

Having a CDL means that drivers must pass their state’s regulatory requirements. According to CareerBuilder’s Supply & Demand Portal, the average national salary for a CDL driver is $44,500, and the top cities hiring for these positions are Chicago, Dallas and Columbus, Ohio.

Watch the below video for more details on this position:

And if you’d rather see it as a snazzy infographic, we have that too:

Check out all the CDL driver positions we have on CareerBuilder.com today!

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

With tax day quickly approaching on April 17, a new survey by CareerBuilder and Liberty Tax Service has revealed that many job seekers may be missing out on tax deductions related to either their job-search or work expenses.

According to the survey, only 20 percent reported to have claimed work-related expenses on their tax returns, with just 7 percent claiming job-search expenses.

Job seekers may hesitate when claiming such expenditures, because they can’t clearly identify what’s eligible. That’s why it’s important to consult a tax professional to understand what items you could be deducting.

Eligible job-search expenses
At least three out of four workers surveyed weren’t aware that you may be able to claim professional résumé-writing services and résumé paper. While more than half didn’t know travel to and from job interviews may be claimed, the majority of workers were aware that costs associated with relocating for a job may be tax deductible.

Number of workers who didn’t know you could potentially claim the following job-search expenses:

• Professional résumé-writing service – 78 percent
• Résumé paper – 84 percent
• Travel (parking, tolls) to and from job interviews – 57 percent
• Relocation to another city or state for a job (moving trucks, travel, temporary housing, etc.) – 38 percent

“Documenting the costs of a job search may deliver a tax break whether it results in a new position or not. Job-search expenses may be deductible when, totaled with employee expenses and other miscellaneous deductions, they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income,” says John Hewitt, CEO of Liberty Tax Service.

READ “9 TAX TIME TIPS FOR CONSULTANTS & FREELANCE WORKERS”

Eligible work expenses
Workers were across the board in terms of understanding which items were and weren’t tax deductible.

Number of workers who didn’t know you may be able to claim the following work expenses:

• Uniforms – 37 percent
• Steel-toe boots for work – 42 percent
• Safety glasses for work – 44 percent
• Travel to see clients – 50 percent
• Travel to work at different locations – 53 percent
• Home office equipment – 38 percent
• Home office phone/Internet services – 40 percent
• Home office furniture – 59 percent

“Home office expenses may be claimed if you exclusively and regularly use your home office as your principal place of business and/or meet other requirements. It’s important to be aware of the criteria for any eligible work-related expense, so you can appropriately maximize your return,” Hewitt says.

Eligible education expenses
Continuing education is another area in which workers often overlook potential tax deductions. Only 23 percent said that they claimed their education expenses on their tax return, while 55 percent were not aware that going back to school for new skills in their current occupation may be tax deductible.

As more and more individuals continue their education to supplement their skills, it’s good to know what relevant tax breaks there may be. Again, consult with a tax professional or with someone from your school’s financial aid office to understand the full tax implications of your education.

“With so many workers transitioning to faster-growing industries post-recession, we see greater investments in acquiring new degrees and certifications,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “If you’re not researching which educational or career-related expenses are tax-deductible, you could be leaving money on the table.”

What are we doing with our tax returns?
Good news — it seems most people are spending their tax refunds wisely or saving it. Forty-one percent of those surveyed said that they plan to pay off their bills, and 34 percent said they were going to put their return into a savings account. Here’s what other people were planning to do:

• Make home improvements – 11 percent
• Go on vacation – 9 percent
• Invest it – 7 percent
• Pay back money they owe to people – 5 percent

The national study, conducted by Harris Interactive from Feb. 9 to March 2, 2012, included 6,000 workers across industries and company sizes.

Click here for more CareerBuilder surveys

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

Over the years, we’ve provided nearly a metric ton of résumé tips and we thought, “Why not just put some of our best and most popular posts on the topic together for people? What a gift that would be!”

Gift, indeed. So I’m happy to present you with some of our best résumé articles from this blog and the Career Advice & Resources section on CareerBuilder.com.

But first, let’s hear from employers on how you can address a gap on your résumé:

You can check out the rest of our Expert Advice series on our YouTube channel, as well as our #AskCB series.

So what should you be doing with your résumé? Check out these articles that can put you on the path of what to include and how to write a stellar résumé:

The importance of résumé keywords

Don’t bury the lead on your résumé

6 things you should take off your résumé 

20 unusual résumé tactics to avoid

The elements of résumé style

10 useless résumé words (and 10 eye-catching ones)

Résumé missteps that hurt your career search

In addition to these articles, did you know that CareerBuilder offers résumé writing services and résumé upgrade opportunities?

Once you’ve implemented these tips on your résumé on CareerBuilder.com, we’re going to give you the opportunity to take $15 off of our Résumé Upgrade service by using this code, which expires 5/31/2012:

RUWB1

After logging in to the site, determine which resume you want to upgrade and use the code above in the ‘Coupon Code’ section.

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

With tax day quickly approaching on April 17, a new survey by CareerBuilder and Liberty Tax Service has revealed that many job seekers may be missing out on tax deductions related to either their job search or work expenses.

According to the survey, only 20 percent reported to have claimed work-related expenses on their taxes, with just 7 percent claiming job-search expenses.

Job seekers may hesitate when claiming such expenditures, because they can’t clearly identify what’s eligible. That’s why it’s important to consult a tax professional to understand what items you could be deducting.

Eligible job-search expenses
At least three-out-of-four workers surveyed weren’t aware that you may be able to claim professional résumé-writing services and résumé paper. While more than half didn’t know travel to and from job interviews may be claimed, the majority of workers were aware that costs associated with relocating for a job may be tax deductible.

Number of workers who didn’t know you could potentially claim the following job-search expenses:

• Professional résumé-writing service – 78 percent
• Résumé paper – 84 percent
• Travel (parking, tolls) to and from job interviews – 57 percent
• Relocation to another city or state for a job (moving trucks, travel, temporary housing, etc.) – 38 percent

“Documenting the costs of a job search may deliver a tax break whether it results in a new position or not. Job-search expenses may be deductible when, totaled with employee expenses and other miscellaneous deductions, they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income,” says John Hewitt, CEO of Liberty Tax Service.

READ “9 TAX TIME TIPS FOR CONSULTANTS & FREELANCE WORKERS”

Eligible work expenses
Workers were across the board in terms of understanding which items were and weren’t tax deductible.

Number of workers who didn’t know you may be able to claim the following work expenses:

• Uniforms – 37 percent
• Steel-toe boots for work – 42 percent
• Safety glasses for work – 44 percent
• Travel to see clients – 50 percent
• Travel to work at different locations – 53 percent
• Home office equipment – 38 percent
• Home office phone/Internet services – 40 percent
• Home office furniture – 59 percent

“Home office expenses may be claimed if you exclusively and regularly use your home office as your principal place of business and/or meet other requirements. It’s important to be aware of the criteria for any eligible work-related expense, so you can appropriately maximize your return,” Hewitt says.

Eligible education expenses
Continuing education is another area in which workers often overlook potential tax deductions. Only 23 percent said that they claimed their education expenses on their tax return, while 55 percent were not aware that going back to school for new skills in their current occupation may be tax deductible.

As more and more individuals continue their education to supplement their skill base, it’s good to know what relevant tax breaks there may be. Again, consult with a tax professional or with someone from your educational institution’s financial aid office to understand the full tax implications of your education.

“With so many workers transitioning to faster-growing industries post-recession, we see greater investments in acquiring new degrees and certifications,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “If you’re not researching which educational or career-related expenses are tax deductible, you could be leaving money on the table.”

What are we doing with our tax returns?
Good news – it seems most people are spending their tax returns wisely or saving it. Forty-one percent of those surveyed said that they plan to pay off their bills, and 34 percent said they were going to put their return into a savings account. Here’s what other people were planning to do:

• Make home improvements – 11 percent
• Go on vacation – 9 percent
• Invest it – 7 percent
• Pay back money they owe to people – 5 percent

The national study, conducted by Harris Interactive from February 9 to March 2, 2012, included 6,000 workers across industries and company sizes.

Click here for more CareerBuilder surveys

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

Let’s face it — job searching is stressful. So if there’s anything that can be done to help bring positive energy to the experience, it’s worth exploring. That’s why the practice of feng shui is so intriguing. While feng shui may seem like something you do when decorating your house, its applications can extend beyond the abode and into your job search.

According to the Encarta World English Dictionary, feng shui is “a Chinese system that studies people’s relationships to their environment, especially their home or workspace, in order to achieve maximum harmony with the spiritual forces believed to influence all places.”

“Feng shui is about how the space you live and work in affects your mood, energy level and your decisions,” says Donna Stellhorn, feng shui expert and author of “2012: Year of the Water Dragon.” “By making the appropriate changes to your physical environment, you shift the energy flow and prime your subconscious to recognize success opportunities.”

Stellhorn notes that when it comes to the job hunt, it’s easy to feel down and defeated by what seem like insurmountable obstacles. “To protect ourselves from these obstacles, we can set up blocks to new opportunities. We may not feel these blocks, only those opportunities seem to stop coming. By making Feng Shui changes, we stimulate the energy so the opportunities can come again.”

So how can job seekers benefit from feng shui? Stellhorn shares the following five tips to help bring balance and positivity to your job search:

1. Avoid horizontal lines on your résumé or cover letter. “Horizontal lines break up the flow of energy, giving the reader a chance to look away — the same way we may close a book when we come to the end of a chapter,” Stellhorn says. “Horizontal lines may cause the reader to pause to check email or answer the phone, and once their attention is lost they may not return to finish reading your résumé.”

2. Choose paragraphs over lists. Stellhorn says that if you’re pursuing a position that requires certain expertise, try using paragraphs instead of just bullet points. “Studies show we have an internal clock that judges the amount of time it takes us to scan information. The longer we linger, the more complex it seems. A paragraph gives the impression of more in-depth knowledge and a stronger skill set.” Conversely, Stellhorn says that if you’re applying for a position requiring people- and sales- skills, bullet points work well, because they exude the energy of being more straightforward and easy to understand.  

3. Focus your energy on interviewing. After applying for a position, Stellhorn suggests blocking out a few dates and times on your calendar when you’re available for interviews. “Make a point of marking them in your calendar, and picture how the company will contact you. By focusing your intent on getting the interview, you call the energy of opportunity to you.” And no matter what happens, a little positive thinking never hurt anyone.

4. Choose your interview clothes wisely. When picking an outfit for an interview, Stellhorn recommends choosing clothes based on the position for which you’re applying. She suggests wearing darker colors when interviewing for a management position, as black and navy indicate a person of power and authority. Lighter colors — grays, tans and creams — are good for a supporting role, because they can indicate a person who is willing to work hard. “If the job involves communication, consider wearing blues; if it involves making quick decisions, then wear red; if it’s financial, consider wearing charcoal.”

5. Be mindful of your movements. Stellhorn says that during an interview, job seekers should be cognizant of their body language. Men should avoid folding their hands in their lap as this may send a subconscious message that they’re feeling threatened. “Women should avoid playing with their jewelry during the interview. This can be seen as covering up a lie.”

While there’s no silver bullet when it comes to conducting a successful job search, integrating feng shui may just help you better focus on your future.

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

According to new job openings data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the number of openings was little changed from January to February 2012, the number has increased 46 percent since June 2009. The retail trade and health care and social assistance industries saw increases in the amount of job openings over the year prior, as did the Midwest and South regions.  

While some industries were looking to hire more workers than others in February, here’s a list of 10 companies across a variety of industries that are hiring now.

1. Aggreko
Industry: Generator rental (energy – utilities – gas – electric)
Sample job titles: Generator equipment technician, industrial sales representative, area sales manager, engineer

2. Armchem International
Industry: Wholesale industrial supply
Sample job titles: Outside industrial sales

3. Citizens Bank/Citizens Financial Group
Industry: Banking
Sample job titles: Lead business systems consultant, solution architect IV, application programmer

4. eHealthInsurance Services Inc.
Industry: Insurance, Internet/e-commerce
Sample job titles: Sales, information technology, human resources, marketing, customer service

5. Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Team leader-new store, manager-IT desktop support, store ordering forecast analyst

6. Ingersoll Rand
Industry: Manufacturing
Sample job titles: Account manager, sales manager, sales, HVAC technician

7. Integrity Staffing Solutions
Industry: Warehouse
Sample job titles: Various warehouse and light industrial positions

8. MRI Software LLC
Industry: Computer software
Sample job titles: Software engineer, software support representative, inside sales, account executive

9. Seckel Capital
Industry: Mortgage
Sample job titles: Mortgage loan officer

10. Visiting Angels 
Industry: Home health care
Sample job titles: Caregiver/companion, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, scheduler, registered nurse

Courtesy: The Work Buzz

By Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing

STEM careers — those that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics — require special skills, and many of the workers in these fields are highly skilled in their areas.

In the new edition of his book, “150 Best Jobs for Your Skills,” Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., says that STEM careers include “work that discovers, collects and analyzes information about the natural world; applies scientific research findings to problems in medicine, the life sciences, human behavior and the natural sciences; imagines and manipulates quantitative data; and applies technology to manufacturing, transportation and other economic activities.”

Here are the top five jobs for people interested in a STEM career:

1. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Top skills: communication, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $85,270
Percent growth: 15.1
Annual openings: 4,000

2. Computer network architects
Top skills: equipment use/maintenance, science, technology/programming
Annual earnings: $75,660
Percent growth: 53.4
Annual openings: 20,830

3. Civil engineers
Top skills: management, mathematics, science
Annual earnings: $77,560
Percent growth: 24.3
Annual openings: 11,460

4. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Top skills: mathematics, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $76,700
Percent growth: 40.4
Annual openings: 6,620

5. Environmental engineers
Top skills: mathematics, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $78,740
Percent growth: 30.6
Annual openings: 2,790

Lori Michelle Ryan is the Marketing Communications Specialist at JIST Publishing, America’s Career Publisher. In this role, she helps job seekers, career changers, students and working professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the job market and world of work.

Courtesy: The Work Buzz