Employers are increasingly using social networks to screen prospective employees. In a recent CareerBuilder survey of 2,600 employers, 45% admitted to the practice, up from 22% last year. Of those employers conducting online searches of job candidates, 29% use Facebook, 26% use LinkedIn and 21% use MySpace. 11% search blogs and 7% follow candidates on Twitter.

The obvious message to job seekers is to be mindful of the information you post online – make sure it is likely to impress employers rather than put them off. 35% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidate. The top examples cited include:

• Posting of provocative or inappropriate photographs or information (53%)
• Reference to excessive drinking or use of drugs (44%)
• Criticism of a previous employer, colleague or client (35%)
• Poor communication skills (29%)
• Discriminatory comments (26%)
• Lies about qualifications (24%)
• Sharing of confidential information from a previous employer (20%)

On a more positive note, 18% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate. The top examples include:

• Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit within the organisation (50%)
• Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications (39%)
• Evidence of creativity (38%)
• Evidence of good communication skills (35%)
• Candidate was well-rounded (33%)
• Other people posted good references about the candidate (19%)
• Candidate received awards and accolades (15%)

CareerBuilder recommends the following DOs and DON’Ts to develop a positive image online:

• DO clean up digital dirt BEFORE you begin your job search. Remove any photos, content and links that can work against you in an employer’s eyes.
• DO consider creating your own professional group on sites like Facebook or BrightFuse.com to establish relationships with thought leaders, recruiters and potential referrals.
• DO keep gripes offline. Keep the content focused on the positive, whether that relates to professional or personal information. Make sure to highlight specific accomplishments inside and outside of work.
• DON’T forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends. Monitor comments made by others. Consider using the "block comments" feature or setting your profile to "private" so only designated friends can view it.
• DON’T mention your job search if you’re still employed.

Obvious when you think about it…