Social networking sites are a relatively new phenomenon which is growing by leaps and bounds. People are reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances and making new ones with these great sites. In fact social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace are very valuable for marketing and other business applications. They are however, a two-edged sword.

On a social networking site, it is quick and easy to inform all your contacts that you are indeed looking for a job. In fact, it is wise to do so and you may be pleasantly surprised with the job search help you receive. However, the other side to social networking is that anything and everything you put on your profile is public information, as is anything a friend might say about you. You might be prudent enough to never mention your reckless youth online, but a friend who is not as careful may make comments on your profile about things you did together in the past. Nowadays, companies are checking social networking sites before hiring potential employees and the information they find there may just cost you the job you are wanting.

Use social networking wisely and to your advantage. Put filters on your profile, so only the things you want seen can be viewed by others. Be careful of what you say in blogs and anywhere online, especially if your name is attached to what you write. It may come back to haunt you.