You’ve heard the warning that social networking Web sites like Facebook could hinder you in your search for a job.You’ve been told numerous times to clean up your Facebook pages, MySpace profiles, and other social networking Web sites you may use so  you appear to be a desirable candidate to hire. But what does this actually mean? Should you present yourself as boring and lifeless?The answer is no. However, because of technology today, the hiring process goes beyond the interview (whether you like it or not). How you present yourself on social networking Web sites can affect the interview process without your knowledge.According to Career Counselor Emily Salazar, the main thing to remember when doing anything on the Internet is, “Think before you do.”Employers know that Web sites like Facebook and Twitter were created for social networking, and that is how most people use them daily. Employers do not penalize you for having a social life and showing it. However, they do care about how you present yourself. If they hire you, how you represent yourself on the Internet reflects the company’s image.  Here are five guidelines to help you figure out how to format your social networking profiles.

1. Don’t post undesirable pictures or statuses. According to a survey by Harris Interactive for CareerBuilder.com, the most important reasons for not hiring individuals are because of “provocative pictures” and “references to drinking and drug use” on their social networking Web sites.

2. Who you are friends with reflects on you.Employers may also look at who and what you are affiliated with. An employer may see that you look professional, but the people you are Facebook friends with and the groups you are a member of may not be. If the girl who sits behind you in class befriends you after one conversation, you may want to ask yourself, “Do I want to be connected with this person I don’t really know?”Freshman Megan Lantz can identify with this issue. She applied for a job working at a summer camp but was turned down because of the inappropriate profile pictures of friends.”I was upset and disagreed with this reasoning. Just because these people are my friends does not mean I make the same decisions as them,” she said.

3. Communicate effectively. Employers also may look at how you communicate with others online. What do your wall posts look like? Do you post things publicly that should be sent in a private message? Even though you are communicating on a social level, your posts can still reflect communication on a professional level.

4. Google yourself, and edit accordingly.Still not sure if what you’ve put on the Internet will haunt you when job hunting? Salazar offers some warnings and recommendations about using the Internet.First, you might never know if an employer rejected your application because of something he or she saw online.Second, you should search your name on Google and see what comes up. If you see something you would not want a future employer to see, get rid of it. Even if your privacy settings prevent non-friends from seeing your profile, companies are now hiring students that may be able to view the social networking profiles of other potential employees.

5. Get LinkedIn.Lastly, register for a LinkedIn profile on LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is a strictly professional networking Web site that acts as an online resume. When an employer searches your name, your LinkedIn profile is usually the first thing to appear.Salazar said to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and never say you are looking for a job or internship. Instead, focus on what you are currently working on, like a major project or paper.Before you do anything on the Internet, think. What goes on the Internet stays there, whether you want it to or not.

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