The internet has become an invaluable tool when looking and applying for jobs.  However while we are using it to research companies and vacancies, it is more than likely that the employers we are applying to are finding things out about us too.   If you have written on a public forum or posted a blog then a potential employer may well find it and judge you on it before they even meet you.

A survey carried out by CareerBuilder.com found that one quarter of employers in the U.S have used search engines to find out more information on people who have applied for positions with their company.  More strikingly, more than half of these employers have actually rejected candidates because of what they have found out about them on the internet. 

The sort of information that tends to be found is that candidates have lied about their qualifications, or they have posted information or stories about their drinking or drug taking, things that are obviously going to put companies off employing you!  Another common mistake is to moan about previous employers and/or old colleagues.  The same survey found that one in five recruiters used saw this as a reason to reject candidates.

Finally, another main issue to consider is posting your personal photos.  Although they may just seem like harmless fun and a way of sharing them with your friends, one in ten potential employers have been put off by photos they have found which they have deemed inappropriate.  This also applies to any screen names you may have. 

Everyone is entitled to a private life but at the same time, you need to be careful about what you decide to put onto the internet and be aware of the possible implications especially when looking for a new job.