The Internet has evolved a lot over the years. Now it provides employers to run background checks on potential employees or job candidates. The practice of searching for information about job applicants on the Internet on Search Engine websites has become a very common one. Nowadays, employers have also started to check the personal profiles of their candidates on social networking websites, such as Orkut, MySpace and Facebook. Although there are many who believe that this practice of researching job applicants online is more a myth than fact, there are a number of organizations that do follow this practice.
Many candidates have found that controversial blogs posted by them have had a negative impact on their employment chances. Removal of such blogs may be a good idea. But the research is not just limited to your web publishing habits. Sometimes your profile on social networking site such as Orkut,  MySpace and Facebook, can also affect your employment chances. One tends to forget that whatever he/she posts in these sites is not just viewable by his/her friends but the entire planet, including a potential employer. Funny catchphrases of sexual or other controversial nature may be a hit to intensify your image but they may just not go down well with your employer. Keep in mind that MySpace and Facebook have more than 100 and 10 million members respectively. All it takes, are a few clicks and anyone can have access to your personal profile.

So how can you manage your online PR. Well, you will be glad to know that your Internet presence can also be an asset in your job search and enhance your employment opportunities. Some of the different ways you can do the same are given as follows :

• Search for yourself on Search Engines such as Google, Yahoo! and MSN Search. If the information you find is not impressing you, it's highly unlikely that your potential employer will like it either. Try to remove such information.

• There are privacy settings on all social networking sites, use it. Your online alias may not always be successful in hiding your identity.

• Internet is just not the right place for any kind of sensitive personal information. Try to abstain from posting any questionable remark, statement or question.

• Use your profile to post positive career information about yourself. Blogs and social networking websites provide you with a brilliant opportunity to advertise about yourself.

The world of the Internet is widening every passing day and it's essential for you to understand its limitations as well as advantages. Your personal profile on MySpace and Facebook is nothing short of your second resume and you should be aware of that fact.