So, your resume is perfect, your credentials are exemplary, your interview skills are top-notch, and you're still not landing the jobs you're up for? It could be your Facebook page that's bringing you down.

According to a recent survey by Career Builder, nearly half of all employers report that they use social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn to screen potential employees during background checks. And of these, over one-third report that they've found content that's caused them to eliminate a candidate from the running.

Tom Cooke, president of Learning Outsource Group (www.learningoutsourcegroup.com) and managing principal of Print Management Solutions Group ( www.printmanagementsolutionsgroup.com), advises employers on a variety of issues, including screening and evaluating sales candidates. He, like many others, finds it a useful supplement to traditional background checks. “Just the other day, I Googled a candidate's name, and found information on his social networking profile that was different from what he'd told us on his resume and in an interview,” said Cooke. “So I definitely recommend it to our clients.”

The variety of inappropriate material posted by candidates is staggering. The CareerBuilder survey found that many employers have dismissed candidates for posting provocative photographs, posting content about drinking or using drugs, bad-mouthing previous employers or coworkers, showing poor communication skills, lying about qualifications, making discriminatory comments, and sharing confidential information from a previous employer.

On the bright side, however, 18 percent of employers report that a candidate's social networking activity has made a positive impact that led them to extend a job offer. The bottom line for candidates — and for anyone who participates in social networking activities on the internet — is that these tools can be used in a variety of ways, and can be either beneficial or detrimental to your career development. Perhaps the best way to think about it is to consider your online activity as an extension of your personal brand. If you want to be seen as a professional, then behave like one — both online and off.
 

If you feel overworked, you're not alone. Last year's Copier Careers Salary Surveys revealed that many copier industry employees are working longer hours than ever before. In 2009, sales managers reported working 55 hours per week on average, service managers reported working 52 hours per week, and service technicians reported working 51 hours per week. But in an economy like this, who's complaining? If you've got a job at all, you can count yourself lucky, and you can bet that your employer is counting on you to keep up the hard work. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your workday.

1. Check your email less frequently. Although checking your email constantly and answering emails the second they arrive in your inbox may feel like it's efficient, it's not. A better tactic is to check your emails once every hour or so, so you can answer several at once.

2. Stay organized. A messy desk, briefcase, service vehicle, or took kit is only going to slow you down. If everything is in its place, you won't have to waste time looking for it.

3. Take time for breaks. It's easy to get so busy that you think you don't have time for breaks. But you should take them anyway, even if it's only for five minutes. Have a snack, go get a cup of coffee, or go for a quick walk around the block. You'll return feeling more refreshed and better able to focus on your work.

4. Get enough sleep. There's nothing like lack of sleep to slow you down and ruin your focus. It can be hard, but try to get to sleep early at least a couple of times a week. You'll feel better and be more productive if you do.

5. Use your vacation time. Americans have less vacation time than workers in most other industrialized nations, but a lot of us don't even bother to use the vacation time we do have. Take a break once in awhile — it's important to recharge your batteries to avoid burnout. If you don't feel comfortable leaving work for an entire week, at least take a long weekend every once in awhile.

6. Delegate. Are there time-consuming meetings or tasks that could be eliminated from your schedule or performed by someone else in your organization who has more time? Talk to you boss to make sure that you're using your time in the best way possible.

7. Stay positive. If you've still got a job in this economy, you're probably doing something right. Working long hours can be tough, but being unemployed is a lot tougher. Keep up the good work.

In our February newsletter, we asked you whether you think Managed Print Services (MPS) creates more challenges for the sales department, the service department, or the back office. With 828 votes, the results were as follows:

Do you believe that you're compensated fairly for your work and your achievements?

1. Yes
2. No