Aside from customary reference checks of previous jobs, prospective employers are increasingly using these common internet sites to quietly and informally investigate your background and discretely probe your private life.  Whether this is intentional or not, a future employer can and will use the internet to Google your name and check your past.  For example, for those job seekers who still have not cleaned up their MySpace or Facebook page, you are only decreasing your chances of landing a job.  With the job market as tight as it is these days, employers are not impressed with your pictures of last night’s crazy party or that wild weekend with friends.  That said, what you do in your private life is your business.  Just keep in mind that the photos or videos you put on MySpace YouTube and what you write on Twitter will be exposed to the world.

What can you do to make your social networking page employer friendly?  Here are some suggestions: 

·       Resist putting up pictures or videos you think would potentially shock or offend an employer.

·       Avoid writing anything you feel would be too personal or embarrassing for an employer to read.

·       Be mindful of what you post at all times.

            Don’t forget that social networking sites can be an asset when you’re looking for work; just remember to use them as a means to enhance your background, not hinder it.  Best of luck in your job search!      

  Wendy Oliveras is a columnist, author, search consultant, and career planning and development advisor in Jersey City.  She can be reached at (201) 947-6662, via email wo@oliverascoinc.com; http://twitter.com/WendyOliveras; or http://linkedin.com/in/wendyoliveras.  For further information please visit www.oliverascoinc.com.

During tough economic times, some recruiters may feel tempted to engage in practices that are not illegal but may be considered unethical by others. We all want to engage in ethical behavior; but how does a recruiter draw the line between, playing tough and playing unfair/unethically?  Let's take a look what ethical recruiters need to look out for when aiming to be fair during hard times:

1.  Be honest.  Don't use deception to secure clients or candidates. Many candidates have complained that recruiters have engaged in "cattle calls" for jobs that don't exist.  While others misrepresent the benefits of a job, especially salary.  Also, avoid "inflating" a lackluster candidate's experience and competency simply to secure a job order.  Being honest will increase the chances that your business will survive the recession and beyond.
2.  Treat everyone with dignity and respect.  Right now the job market is tight for candidates; however that does not mean that it is okay to disrespect a candidate.  If a candidate has taken the time to submit an appropriate resume and has taken your assessments, you should take the time to respond with at least a thank you email. This can be an automated process. It's tough out there for candidates and a little compassion can go a long way.
3.  Submit candidates with class. If you are attempting promote candidates, do not submit candidates to firms unless they have pre-approved the submission.  Do not in any circumstances ‘blast’ their resume to multiple firms hoping for a hit.

Editor's note:  If you would like to more about ethical guidelines for recruiters, please visit http://www.nalsc.org/.