Millions of college graduates getting ready to embark upon the real world this year will find they are fighting for positions within an increasingly competitive job market. New suits, polished resumes, determination, optimism, and persistence can make all the difference in making it to the second interview…

…but it’s that first interview that will prove to be the most challenging.

Despite questions of legality, more organizations are now using social media as a way to discover and hire new interns and employees. More colleges and employment firms are recommending college grads use social media websites, such as LinkedIn, to enhance their job search. A virtual search from a prospective employer could mean the difference between getting the first interview and being immediately rejected.

We highly recommend students check their social media profiles before they begin their job search. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, more than 81 percent of Millennial’s (18-24 year olds) use social media networks to connect with friends and family, so it’s only natural that personal details in which this group has shared within their networks may re-surface when potential employers are screening applicants.

On average 96 percent of high school and college students use Facebook and 84 percent use YouTube, based on a study released by UNH Whitehorse School of Business (PDF). Imagine the type of information these students are posting on their websites:

• Pictures and videos from Spring Break where not only the owner has access to them but so do 1,000 of their ‘closest’ friends.
• Personal details and opinions about friends, politics, or other topics that could be misinterpreted if taken out of context.
• Unfavorable opinions about a job interview that could get back to a potential employer.
• Birth dates, travel plans, phone numbers, email addresses, and the like are all pieces of personal information that identity thieves can easily use to piece together an identity to be used for financial gain and personal ruin.

We recommend that college students take an objective look at their social media profile before they reach out to prospective employers. Graduates need to ask themselves if they are comfortable sharing their social profile, as it exists today—not with just their friends and family but also with potential employers and, quite possibly, the entire world.

Here are a few rules of thumb for young adults getting ready to enter the workforce:

• Conduct a thorough search of your online identity by googling your name
• Review all social networks you are are enrolled in for personal references. Also check inactive accounts that may not have been cancelled.
• Remove incriminating pictures, videos, and unfavorable comments posted on Facebook, blogs, Twitter, and other social networks.  It’s nearly impossible to remove every comment that has been posted about you, but starting over with a fresh new profile and shutting down old accounts might be your best option.

We live in a society that is enamored with technology and all the conveniences it has to offer, however, with convenience also comes risk, and consumers of all ages and demographics need to ask themselves three important questions before sharing any personal information:

1. Who needs to know?
2. Why do they need to know it?
3. How is this information being protected?

With education comes vigilance, with vigilance comes empowerment and we encourage every consumer, especially upcoming college graduates, to be vigilant when it comes to protecting their unique identities.

Related posts:

1. When a Stranger Comes Calling: Why Social Networking Could Be Fueling a New Era of Digital Burglars
2. Social Networks Increase Risks to Online Privacy
3. What Social Networks Really Reveal
4. Identity Safety for Your Teens
5. Saving Facebook: Perspectives on New Privacy Policies