Sex, Lies or Videotape
Don't let it be why you aren't hired!

Chandra Fox

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As a job seeker we should all know the importance of a good impression in an interview, but with the Internet we need to be sure we know what happens after the interview as well. These days recruiters use the Internet to their advantage to avoid sending candidates that are not appropriate for their clients to interview. So they do a little more homework on their candidates in most cases. Be sure to think of those late night blog chats, online dating profile or videos of your attempt at Survivor and how they may have a link to your resume in some way. If your e-mail is also your screen name, an employer may not have too hard of a time finding out a little more about you than you'd like, so be sure you professionalism passes the Internet search with flying colors.

Sex
Let's suppose you've been searching for Mr. Right and have been pouring your soul to find the perfect mate on a video for a web dating site; make sure it cannot be linked to your resume. Use a different name or have an e-mail specific for job search that is only used on the resume. Make sure that nothing inappropriate is out there in cyberspace for your next boss to view. It is crucial to maintain your professionalism during the hiring process. If your screen name and e-mail address are similar, change your e-mail on your resume to one specific to job search. Even something as simple as your e-mail being unprofessional is a bad idea. Many people have e-mail addresses that have sexual undertones and use this e-mail on their resumes. It is inappropriate.

Lies
If you have a personal website, be sure it is professional and doesn't give out too much information to an employer. It should back up your resume not contradict it. Throughout the interview process you create an image of professionalism and you can wreck this image with a website that doesn't work to your advantage. It can make the hiring process more challenging. Instead, use a personal website to your benefit and give more intriguing information about yourself that you can't put on a resume such as your hobbies or that you are President of PTA. Since you know they are looking, make it work to your advantage.

Videotape
If your Survivor application videotape is ready for submission, just be sure you are professional in the video and wouldn't mind an employer's knowledge of that information. Nudity, profanity and inappropriate behavior should be avoided on a video submission of any kind. Reality TV submissions, Webdating sites and Youtube submissions are the most likely places you may find yourself with your guard down. You never know who's watching so be sure to keep your private life your private life.

Be sure you're professional in your resume presentation, cover letter, interview and follow up and keep your personal life – personal, then you can land the job of your dreams. Don't let the Internet wreck your chances of a new job; make the Internet your best friend in your job search.

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