If you want to land that dream job, be wary of what you post on the Internet. A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges found that future employers are likely to peep social networking profiles as part of the hiring process.

With sites like MySpace and Facebook being popular amongst college students, it is almost inevitable that someone, your boss included, will log on to dig up some dirt on you.

NACE study found: "More than one in 10 employers (11.1 percent) responding to NACE's recent Job Outlook 2007 Fall Preview survey reported plans to review profiles on social networking when considering candidates for jobs." And the survey found more companies admitted they may look at social networking sites in the future. "Moreover, profile information may have at least some effect on an employer's hiring decisions: More than 60 percent of employers who review social networking sites said the information gleaned there has at least some influence on their hiring decisions."

Its great to know that the antics of crazy college kids can be discussed and shared but not when it comes back to haunt your professional career.

"It makes a great deal of sense for an employer to go ahead and get creative about the sources they are turning to to get that information," said Joe Spartz, of the Employers Association Inc.. "The Internet is an incredible vehicle by which employers are able to gather information in a way they weren't able to do as little as four to five years ago."

But Spartz recommends employers carefully consider if the information they are gaining is accurate and relevant to the skills the employee will need to do his or her job.

I dont know about you but lurking an employees blog is almost as bad as asking one's sexual preference during an interview. Its sneaky. Still, NACE's advice needs to be taken.

"You have to make sure that whatever is written about you on the Internet is something you want other people to see because it is out there forever."

mistressmissy

Grand Rapids, MI

March 2003

MAR 21, 2007 08:03 PM

My boss hasn't heard of things like direct deposit or insurance so I'm none to worried about the internet.

Acrid

SUICIDEGIRL

California, USA

MAR 21, 2007 08:04 PM

this is exactly why the majority of my shit is set to private

SignalNoise

USA

February 2004

MAR 21, 2007 08:17 PM

I'm always kinda surprised that, like, employers would care about this. I mean, presumably the people who *don't* post pictures of their dirty bong water and keg stands still did/do those things. I suppose, this is one of those things (like being nekkid on the internet) that seems scandalous for a few years .... until the people doing the hiring are on/understand things like myspace and Facebook themselves. Then it becomes yawn inducing and very "2007."

Margot_Dent

Los Angeles, CA

February 2004

MAR 21, 2007 08:19 PM

heh, we do that at our office when people apply. it's been very...enlightening.

meatpieboy

Korea, D.P.R.

June 2004

MAR 21, 2007 08:21 PM

Dent, enlighten us! How does it affect the process?

Priest_

USA

January 2007

MAR 21, 2007 08:22 PM

This really shouldn't be that shocking to anyone. Employers generally don't view drug use very kindly. Not at professional workplaces anyway. And for whatever reason even the shitty jobs like Wal-Mart and McDonalds probably give drug tests. (oddly enough, my office job didn't require one)

They also wanna know that the people they hire won't be coming to work hungover. Shocking.

PaulNikon

Palm Bay, FL

February 2003

MAR 21, 2007 08:23 PM

You know that place to put "Your Companies" on Myspace? Some people that work for the place I work put our company name in there. Then has some less than professional items on the page.

Bad idea.