Employers have also been known to browse through their employees' SNW profiles after they are hired. This practice is highly unethical, but the user must also take personal responsibility for how they manage their online presence and SNW profiles. Therefore, the following rules and recommendations apply for how to use social networking to advance one's career.

1. Keep work and play separate. One way of doing this is by creating two separate profiles on one SNW site like Facebook. Another way of keeping work and play separate is by creating profiles on two different SNW sites, such as Facebook plus LinkedIn. By managing one profile for work and one for play, it is easier to keep track of who sees what information.

2. Make sure only trusted individuals have access to private information. Create separate groups for friends in Facebook, restricting access to photos, status updates, and other personal information to those who are not actual friends....

When "friending" strangers, make sure they are assigned to a group with limited profile access.
3. Be discreet. It is a good idea to be discreet when using SNW, not sharing too much with friends and family let alone strangers.

4. Be proactive. Manage a work-only SNW profile and use it wisely by posting more than just a dry resume. Use social networking to its fullest potential by becoming members of professional organizations, fans of related groups, and friends of those you admire in your field.

5. Network! Social networking is about networking. The best way to find ideal jobs is to actually expand the circle of friends and put yourself "out there." Traditional methods of networking, such as attending parties, is important too, but sometimes the only way to get invited to a party or event is to become a member of a group or page on Facebook. Therefore, attend events in person and also befriend as many work-related people as possible.