For example, companies now routinely search a candidate’s name on the web and check social networking sites as part of their research. “Does your Facebook or MySpace account evidence less than professional information?” cautioned Mr. Graber. “Don’t forget to note what others may have posted on your site. Everything is subject to scrutiny.”

Another often overlooked “reveal” that might not project the type of image you want is your screen name or personal e-mail address. “Some of these monikers were created years ago.” noted Graber. “At that time there was little career downside to choosing cute or suggestive labels. Unfortunately, like a tattoo, in today’s market these can often create cases of, ‘too much information.’ Be sure all of your on-line identifiers are appropriate.”

Graber offered two other non-internet “tells” that might spell trouble:

• Personalized license plates on your car. “These can be misconstrued as personality profiles,” notes Graber. “Put yourself in the place of a corporate executive and imagine how you would react to your employee handing out a business card with what is on the license plate. Is it less than professional? If so, it might be time to surrender them.”
  
• Bumper stickers. “Political affiliations, social action positions, and even allegiance to a particular sports team might work against you in some cases,” warns Graber. “Such public proclamations of personal information can be the tipping point when a company is making a hiring decision.”
  

“Employers try to get as complete a picture of a potential new hire as possible, so be certain that the elements of the image that you can control are flattering and in keeping with professional standards,” advises Graber.

-- Article courtesy of WallStJobs.com, a premier recruiting source exclusively for financial service professionals and member of the Jobosaurus family of uniquely specialized recruiting sites.