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    On the plus side, 29% found something positive to motivate them to hire a candidate, whether it was a good reference or something harder to define, like good communication skills.

    Here are five tips on how to get into that 29%:

    Search yourself

    As I’ve said before, go beyond Google, to Bing and other sites. If you know what information about you is out there on the web, you may get a better understanding of what potential employers might find. While removing anything unwanted is certainly not easy, there are steps you can take to try and remove any entries about you.

    Alt delete

    Delete anything that you might have found hilarious on a Friday night. The task of cleaning up your online profile will be made a lot easier if you don't have to go through dozens of embarassing photos taken while out with friends.

    Think back to the past

    Look through your search results for dormant blog profiles, article posts and message board posts you’ve forgotten about. It may be best to delete old, inactive accounts that clutter up your search results. If you don’t control the sites contact the editors or admins to remove the content.

    Be consistent

    Make sure all your online profiles add up to the person you want to be reviewed and considered. This even comes down to having a good, professional photo of yourself on your various sites. You don't have to turn all your social media into "work" accounts, but try and make sure that you're putting your best foot forward.

    Go private

    Systematically go through your different social accounts adjusting privacy settings and limiting any sensitive information you’re giving up. Decide which social network posts you want to be public or private (although assume anything could end up in the public domain).

    You can find out much more advice with our free ebook, Creating A Personal Profile That Works.

    Did you know that 34% of potential employers find information that causes them not to hire a candidate?