Students use social media more than ever – and so do potential employers. Here’s how students can make sure their online profiles won’t sabotage their real-world chances.

With up to 79% of employers saying they use social networks to screen job candidates, college students have to be that much more careful with what their networking habits reveal about them.

Here’s five pieces of expert advice from U.S. News &World Report for students heading into the job market:

1. Create positive content: This is more than just smiling in your profile pic. Posting links to interesting stories, following CEOs on Twitter and making LinkedIn connections with recruiters and internship coordinators shows employers you’re really interested in a prospective field.
2. Delete those embarrassing photos: Inappropriate pictures (including drug and alcohol-related content) account for over half of the reasons employers had for turning down an applicant. Upping your privacy settings is a good start, but deleting them altogether is the safer bet.
3. Google yourself: Find out what’s on the internet when people look for you, and learn how to use positive keywords and terms to bring people to your website or blog.
4. Quit complaining: Don’t let your status updates become a forum for ripping on friends, co-workers, authority figures or your current job. It looks unprofessional to future employers.
5. Expand your focus: Make your online presence about more than just what you’re eating for lunch or asking for jobs – be interactive and add something valuable to the ongoing conversation provided by social media.

What else do students need to know? Add to the list in the comments section.

Tags: social media, twitter, U.S. News & World Report