DENVER -- Looking for a new job? Have your resume polished? What about your "online footprint?"

Recruiters at Robert Half Technology believe a polished professional reputation -- including online -- can make or break an applicant's chances of landing a coveted position.

If you don't believe your digital footprint is wide-ranging and easily accessible, just look at Obama administration director of speechwriting, Jon Favreau. Shortly after Barack Obama was elected president, a photo from Favreau's personal Facebook page surfaced that showed him at a party, groping a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton. It was something Favreau probably hadn't thought about until it became public.

Adam Glod, the technology recruiting manager for Robert Half Technology, told TheDenverChannel that more and more employers are searching the Internet for information about job applicants and that means you should pay close attention to what information is out there about you.

Glod discussed seven tips for managing your online reputation when you're hunting for a job. The tips are from Dave Willmer, the executive director of Robert Half Technology.

1. Take stock. Discover what information about you -- if any -- already is online by performing a search using popular search engines. If you discover an item that you wouldn't want hiring managers to see, ask the person who posted the information or Web site administrator to remove it. Similarly, untag any inappropriate photos of yourself.

"Pretty much everyone with a PC on their desk has Googled their name," said Glod. "But they stop there and don't move to the next level."

Glod suggests Googling your name in Google news, Google images, Google video, YouTube and Blogs.

"A lot of people fail to talk to their family and friends," he said. "Go to friends' Web sites, blogs, and Facebook pages and see where you are mentioned."

2. Activate privacy settings. If you belong to social networking sites or have a personal Blog, adjust your privacy settings so you control who has access.

"If you're connected to everyone out there and you've got hundreds and hundreds of links, it becomes impossible to manage what's said about you. Also, take a close look at who you are "friends" with online. Ask yourself, 'Who's judging me by the company I keep?'"

3. Exercise discretion. When interacting online, be selective about which venues you participate in and who you allow into your personal and professional networks. If you regularly contribute to blogs or forums, give thought as to how your statements may be interpreted by those outside your community. Consider using a pseudonym if you wouldn't want a potential employer to see your posts. You can use BlogPulse or Technorati to track online conversations about you or your sites.

"Professionals should always post prudently -- not just when they're looking for work," said Willmer. "The business world is more transparent than ever, which means people need to be aware that what they say and do online can have both positive and negative consequences."

"That's true in every aspect of your life," Glod said. "Now, it goes beyond just your work persona. Exercise discretion in every aspect of your life. Don't publish anything online that you wouldn't want your boss or your grandmother to know about. Don't think maybe they just won't read it or peruse it."

Worried about something out there that you can't get off the Internet?

"Always have an explanation for why you've done what you done and that goes for any action," Glod said. "You'll also have to explain why you left previous jobs."

What if it's something really bad and your potential employer asks you about it?

"Apologizing for something is not a bad way to go," he said. "You could offer something such as, 'You know it was a lapse in judgment and I've learned something from it.'"

4. Network wisely. When using professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to look for job opportunities, behave graciously with everyone you encounter and follow posted protocols. Thank anyone who assists you, and be sure to return the favor when possible.

"Be really helpful to your friends and professional contacts," he said. "I'm as helpful as possible to provide people with an opportunity to move to that next level. That way, they're going to be willing and eager to help you in the future."

5. Stack the deck. Business information Web sites such as ZoomInfo and LinkedIn allow users to post information about themselves, so consider including details about your professional involvement and qualifications on these types of forums.

"Know what's out there and put out as much positive information about you as possible. This includes public charity groups and professional organizations," Glod advised. "Make the likelihood of finding positive information about you increase."

6. Share your insights. Posting useful advice and commentary on industry forums and authoring online articles in your area of expertise can add to your credibility.

"If you are an industry professional, you have a certain degree of knowledge. Share that knowledge on professional sites to raise your footprint," he said.

7. Monitor the conversation. Set alerts using Google or other tracking services under your name so you receive an e-mail notification every time something new is said about you online.

"You've Googled your name, but don't just stop there. Go out and continue to follow what's happening about you. Make sure you continue to follow up at the places you're already searched," said Glod. "The idea here is, when you're looking for a job you're going to work hard to make sure your resume is polished. You'll shine your shoes and wear clean and pressed clothes to the interview. Do not fall into the trap of stopping at that moment. The interview process starts from the moment your resume shows up to the time you are hired."

For additional tips on conducting an online job search, download a free copy of Search Smarts: Best Practices for Conducting an Online Job Search. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com.