Job candidates who maintain profiles on social networking sites, such as Facebook or MySpace, may want to rethink their postings: More than one-quarter (26.9 percent) of the organizations responding to a recent poll conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that they have "Googled" or reviewed job candidate profiles on social networking sites.

"Students need to be aware that information they have posted online and made public could be viewed by potential employers," says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

Among respondents that reported having used this practice, just 7.4 percent reported that it was standard practice and that they conduct such a check on all or most of their job candidates.

The largest group—41.2 percent—said they "Google"/check online profiles occasionally, while 35.3 percent characterized their use of this practice as "infrequent." A few—2.9 percent—reported that they "Google"/check social networking sites only for certain positions. The remaining respondents (13.2 percent) gave other responses.

Respondents were also asked if they planned to "Google"/review social networking sites in the future when considering job candidates. Among those that do not currently engage in this practice, results were mixed: Just 1.1 percent of responding organizations that have not engaged in this practice up until now reported plans to do so in the future, and the biggest group (39.5 percent) said they do not plan to do this. However, nearly as many (35.1 percent) said they may do so in the future, and 24.3 percent were unsure of their future plans in terms of this practice.

From June 22 through July 3, 2006, NACE - leading source of information about the job market for new college graduates -  polled 1,195 of its employer members regarding the practice of "Googling" job candidates or reviewing their profiles on social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace.

A total of 254, or 21.3 percent, responded. Among respondents, 53.9 percent represented service-sector organizations, 37.8 percent were manufacturers, and 7.9 percent were government/nonprofit employers. One respondent could not be classified by sector.