In a previous post on my blog, I emphasized the importance of "keeping your online ID squeaky clean."

This is so vital in preserving your online reputation while you search for a job, prepare for an interview or change careers. Employers, hiring managers and recruiters are scrutinizing job candidates, whether they are actively or passively engaged in a job search. Don't fool yourself into believing otherwise. A compromising online identity can ruin your chances of being considered a potential job candidate.

Recently, I read a story on ResumeBear.com that featured "Linkedin avatars gone wrong." All the more reason to choose how you want to be portrayed online.

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I remember being told my resume should be one page. Recently, my employer was hiring and we were getting two- to three-page resumes. One person even had a section with her personal information: kids, hobbies. What are the rules? - Shiloh

J.T.: There are no set rules these days. Honestly, that's a problem: Without rules, resumes come in so many different styles hiring managers feel they are comparing apples to oranges. It's starting to seem inevitable that online profiles will take the place of resumes, creating more consistency in how people present their credentials.

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I just returned from overseas and am looking for a job in the private sector. All my Army friends say not to bother, because civilians don't understand the military and don't hire us. How do I get companies to consider me? - Bradley

J.T.: One online resource you should check out is ClearedJobs.net. This is a job board for positions that require security clearance, but it also offers extensive job search resources. As for getting companies to consider you, it starts with convincing yourself. Where do you see yourself working in corporate America? What jobs have you identified that you are confident you could do successfully? If you can articulate reasons why you will succeed, you'll have the right information to share with employers.

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I've been applying for jobs recently, and several companies have requested I send writing samples along with my resume. What are they looking for? Is there a certain format or length that is appropriate? — Anastasia

J.T.: The key is to assess the kinds of writing you would be doing in the job you're applying for. A person applying for a sales position would consider sending in examples of proposals to potential clients, while a training manager would send in samples of employee handbooks or training support materials. As for length, send two or three samples of varying lengths — a one-page summary and then a multi-page document, each displaying a very different style of writing as a way to also showcase your versatility.

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have worked for the same company for 11 years. I can retire in 15 months. I know I live in a "right to work" state and that I could be fired at any time. Are there any laws that protect me from being fired before I retire? I am honest, dependable and hardworking, yet a few times recently my boss has threatened to let me go. He did this for no reason. - Nicole

DALE: Time to turn once again to our favorite employment attorney, Scott Gordon of Rodey Law in Albuquerque, N.M. First, Scott, remind us of the general position of most employees.

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: We just found out our company is closing the plant where I and others have worked for more than 20 years. There isn't a final closing date, but it will close in three to six months. In this job market, does it make sense to wait until the plant is closing to look for a new job and thus retain severance (close to a year's pay)? Or should I start looking now and leave without the severance? - Andre

DALE: Most people don't just wait for their severance to start - they wait for it to end. There's even an old line among cynical outplacement counselors: When the newly laid-off employee asks, "How long will it take me to find a job?" the outplacement counselor responds, "However long your severance is, plus two months."

"JT & Dale Talk Jobs" is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been out of work since I had a baby in 2009. I have found it extremely hard to find a job. I live with my mother and daughter, and I feel bad I am unable to contribute to the household. I have had many interviews, but they just aren't hiring. My mother is fed up with me, but I tell her it's the economy, and ask how she could just throw me out like a piece of trash, but I don't blame her. I just keep praying and wishing that someone wealthy would come along and say, "Hey, don't despair - I'm here to help you succeed in your endeavors and pay off your debts." I'm just desperate and really don't want to be homeless. - Teresa

DALE: That lovely little fantasy reminds me of Snow White singing "Some Day My Prince Will Come." And thinking of that scene, I'm going to have to play the role of Grumpy. I need to explain why your dream isn't going to come true - because most wealthy people believe this: "If I hand a poor person a lot of money, within a year or two that person will be poor again."

Webinar Information
Date:	February 22, 2012
Time:	1:00 PM ET
Duration:	60 minutes
Host:	Jessica Deckinger
Cost:	FREE
Host Information
Jessica is a Fortune 500 brand-management executive with a background in marketing and banking. Currently a brand manager for Promotion In Motion, she leads product development and marketing for Welch's Fruit Snacks and all brand extensions under the Welch's license, as well as several additional fruit snack brands.

The corporate world provides incredible opportunities to build professional skills and cultivate your network - and those who work for large companies get to design and market products that are used the world over.

Join CAREEREALISM-Approved Partner, Blue Chip Career on February 22 at 1:00 PM ET for a totally FREE webinar on joining the corporate world. The event will cover need-to-know topics like:

Recently, I did a webinar on the unique benefits women have right now in the financial industry. In it, I shared nine questions women can ask themselves to determine if they'd be a good fit for a financial planning career.

Watch the two-minute video below to see if you'd be a fit for this industry!

Are you a female looking for a career change? The financial education industry is hiring and needs confident, entrepreneurial women... like you!

"Should I quit my job?" has been playing in your mind far too often lately, hasn't it?

It takes courage to quit especially when you aren’t even sure what you really want.

Most of us have been there. The signs maybe pointing to you having to quit your job but you just aren’t sure.