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These Facebook Faux-Pas May Cost You a Great Opportunity

Chances are you are one of Facebook's 400-million active visitors.

It is the go-to site for professional and personal networking; a place where people connect with former and current colleagues, clients and potential employees.

In fact, a recent CareerBuilder survey showed that 30% of employers use Facebook to vet new hires. That's more than those who check LinkedIn or Twitter!

Given it's power, social networkers on Facebook must tread cautiously. One wrong post could be a career-killer!

Here are four Facebook mistakes to avoid.

1. Inappropriate pictures.

This may seem like a no-brainer, right? Wrong!

People have a bad habit of posting inappropriate pictures on their Facebook profiles - or their friend's profiles. This can be very dangerous because it may damage the persona you want to present in your professional life.

Don't post anything you wouldn't want your employer, client, or grandparents to see!

2. Job-related complaints.

It could be a full note about how much you hate your office, or just a status update about a bothersome associate. Job-related complaints should not be aired out in the open for everyone to see. And, it's certainly not the kind of impression that sits well with a potential boss.

3. Posting conflicting information to your resume.

If you say on your resume that your degree is from Harvard, but your Facebook profile says you went to UCLA, you're likely to be immediately cut from the interview list.

This type of conflict will leave you looking careless, or worse - a liar!

4. Not understanding your security settings.

Believe it or not, you can control what your friends post to your profile. You can also control who sees your pictures and whether your full Facebook profile pops up in a Google search. However, many people do not fully understand these settings, or don't bother to check who has access to what

Get to know your Facebook privacy settings - fast!

A good rule of thumb is to lock down your personal profile on Facebook. Only friends should have access.

Then, consider creating a public profile on Facebook for professional use. Use this type of fan page to post your resume or any other information you would want a potential employer to know.

A Facebook profile may be your best friend or worst enemy. The key is to always use GOOD JUDGEMENT!

Adapted from article 6 Career Killing Facebook Mistakes by Erin Joyce.