I got an “A” on the assignment BTW.. But here’s the key point.

Careerbuilders.com released this survey:
Twenty-two percent of hiring managers reported they used social networking sites to research candidates, up from 11 percent in 2006. Of those who have screened job candidates this way, 34 percent found content that caused them to dismiss the candidate from consideration:
41% – candidate posted information about them drinking or using drugs
40% – candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
29% – candidate had poor communication skills
28% – candidate bad-mouthed their previous company or fellow employee
27% – candidate lied about qualifications
22% – candidate used discriminatory remarks related to race, gender, religion, etc.
22% – candidate’s screen name was unprofessional
21% – candidate was linked to criminal behavior
19% – candidate shared confidential information from previous employers

Unfortunately, many job seekers believe that if they keep their profiles private, they will not be discovered. Employers are researching how an individual interacts with others, so they look at your public comments and forum post, as well. Even though an employer can’t see your profile, this doesn’t mean that you’re hidden from the world. If you post on a controversial topic with very inappropriate language, they can still read the comment if it’s on someone else’s public blog, forum, etc. within the social network.

I believe you have managed to create these opportunities for yourself by honing your communication skills and combine them with a healthy interest in technology – and perhaps most important of all: being consistant and “present”. I do not think I can recall any Lockergnome newsletter that didn’t follow the regular schedule.

This is however not the case for most other people. It is a matter of time and how much effort one is willing to put into being visible on the net. I have been around on the net for about .. ummm … is it 15 years now? 14? Anyway – I am pretty visible myself as such, but my business proposals, contacts and opportunities comes from people I have met IRL or communicated with in real time over the net.

Actually, come to think of it – I do not think anyone has ever bothered to check my background. They are usually happy with the online CV I send them. And this is also the best way of catching other peoples attention – either we are talking about future clients or employers.

But again – this is of course also something that depends on what kind of projects – or positions – you are applying for. There are many facets to this discussion.