Do You Know Who's Researching You Online?

On my Blue Sky blog, I just wrote about Colleen Kluttz, a TV producer, who blames her My Space profile for the loss of two freelance assignments.

She explained what happened to the Daily News:

"A friend of mine posted a picture of me on My Space with my eyes half closed and a caption that suggests I've smoked something illegal," says Kluttz.

While the caption was a joke, Kluttz now wonders whether the past two employers she interviewed with thought it was so funny. Both expressed interest in hiring Kluttz, but at the 11th hour went with someone else.

I talk to my clients all the time about the importance of branding themselves effectively online. Sometimes I feel like a broken record. But stories like Colleen's are only going to become more common as blogging and online networking grow in popularity.

So how do you manage your online image when blogs and social networking sites allow friends, family and even enemies to post comments about you?  Some would advocate staying away from these technological developments to avoid hurting your job search. But is it better to be invisible online? Will potential employers think less of you if they cannot find your name online?

Right now, I have more questions than answers, but one thing is for certain. The Internet is changing job search and there's no going back.

Comments

[Javier]

Well, I don't know if that hurts your career prospects, but I am about to find out.
I bet I am the only blogger around today writing about social bookmarking, robotization, offshore outsourcing, etc...who is also featured naked in a gay blog!
However, I am not mentioned by my surname in said blog, so I hope will be fine
Another interesting point: not only employers will check you out, but also potential partners will, if you are single...and if you are honest in your blog, do you want this to happen? Would you give them the address?
I enjoy your blog