How’s Your Digital Footprint?

It is estimated that 1.5 million college graduates will be entering the work force this year. Due to the slowing economy, these young workers are going to need to network more than ever.

The good news is that today's graduates have a head start, thanks to online networking tools like Facebook and LinkedIn. According to a recent survey by Robert Half International, 62 percent of senior executives believe that these professional networking sites will be a key part of their companies' recruiting efforts in the next three years.

The bad news is that many college students haven't thought ahead to the kind of impression they are making with their profiles on those sites. Wall posts, blogs and photos that depict students drinking and partying can be seen by potential employers as well as trusted friends, leaving a "digital footprint" that may end up hurting their chances of getting hired after graduation.

According to the Pew Internet and Life Project, "One-in-five working American adults (20%) say their employer has a special policy about how employees present themselves online -- including what can be shared and posted on blogs and other websites."

In a recent survey of advertising and marketing executives conducted by the Creative Group staffing agency, 50% the respondents said they search for online information about prospective hires – and that 14% of them chose NOT to hire someone based upon what they found.

Fortunately, teenagers who have grown up with online social networking are a savvy bunch. Pew reports that "Teens with visible profiles make more conservative choices with respect to visibility; just 40% said their profile was visible to anyone, while 59% reported access that was restricted to friends only."

So what do you do if your online life has been an open book? How do you counter information that might turn off a prospective employer?

Creative Group executive director Bob Willmer advises job seekers that "If there is unflattering information about you online that you cannot remove, be prepared to offer an explanation to employers who might inquire about it."

Willmer also suggests that students be selective about who is allowed into their LinkedIn networks and that they make use of forums by commenting and posting information that shows off their professional involvement and qualifications.