Facebook & Myspace: Who else is looking?

Recently, NBC Nightly News conducted a short story about facebook and the job search:
http://www.collegerecruiter.com/weblog/2006/05/nbc_interview.php

According to the report, 77 % of employers use search engines when completing candidate background checks, and 35% of employers have eliminated a potential employee as a result of the information found on-line. Even more extreme; some employers revealed that they recruit students to conduct the research for them.

Although it may seem like this type of activity is a breech of personal privacy, the internet is public domain. While we certainly have the right to post anything we wish, employers also have the right to view our profiles.

The next time you go on-line, ask yourself, "would I allow EVERYONE to see my profile?" If the answer is no, then it's time to clean up the digital dirt. Here's how:

1. Clean up those pages: Start with the digital information that you know is out there. Remove any questional photos, quotes, and posts that may harm your reputation
2. Google yourself: Even if your pages are clean, someone else may have posted some incriminating evidence on another site.
3. Build up your on-line presence: To cover up the digital dirt you can't get rid of, create a new presence. Join Linked In (http://www.linkedin.com/) or begin blogging (http://www.blogger.com/)

One quick tip: Use social networking sites to your advantage. If you are applying for a job, and your potential employer has a page, conduct some research on their interests, causes, and posts. If they can check you out, you should be checking them out as well!