According to an article in today's Careers section of The Globe and Mail 22 per cent of hiring managers use online social networking sites to do research on job candidates. This is twice the number of recruiters who use the Internet over a similar survey just two years ago.

A full 34 per cent said that they found information online that caused them to dismiss a candidate from further advancement. On the other hand, almost a quarter said they found information that enhanced their opinion of a potential new hire.

Among the offending content included images of the candidate abusing alcohol or drugs, inappropriate behaviour and poor communication skills.

Think doesn't apply to you? Check your spelling on comments offered online or even in emails. You never know who might be doing an online background check.