Welcome to the Social Networking podcast.  I'm your host, Paul Kavicky and with me are Jonathan Ross and Roberta Terrell who work with DTN Productions International – Hallmark of Etiquette.

So Roberta how does all of the social networking today affect the job search for the college grad?

Well first, here is a critical statistic to digest – 77% of recruiters and hiring managers conduct background searches on all candidates via the social networking sites as part of the interview process.

No kidding! 

So just a few things we'd like to emphasize include:

• Don't say it online if you wouldn't say it in person
• Think long and hard before you post or blog anything
• Use discretion at all times
• Keep your sites PG-13
• Monitor what others might be posting about you on their sites – and that includes pictures that may not be "employer friendly"

In other words, remember to protect your BRAND!

Most of us join multiple sites – it's important to abide by the rules for each site - if you can't do that, then don't join that site!

And don't be a spammer or the one who sends the chain letters – you know who you are!

Yes, although we could give countless dos and don'ts on various good and bad behaviors, our focus is on what will impress or turn away potential employers

Such as….

Tweets that are less than discreet or an intended private conversation becoming a wall post on your Facebook

Nothing derogatory or sexual – that shows both poor taste and poor judgment

There are also sooo many career sites on which to post resumes

Yes, so in addition to wowing potential employers on those sites with your professionalism and credentials, make sure that there is no disconnect when they visit the social networking sites

You don't want them questioning "who is the real person?" – they will simply move on to another candidate whose message on all sites is congruent

There is a lot on the line – you want to censor and self-monitor what a potential employer sees – ask yourself if your content comes across as mature – someone ready to move into their corporate world

Yes, recruiters state they have no desire to babysit the new hires – they want to hire the right people who embody                the right behaviors

Thanks Roberta and Jonathan for your thoughts!