If you're looking for a new job in 2012, take time to first clean up your social networks.

New research commissioned by Telstra has found more than one in four employers check out prospective job seekers online before offering them a new position.

Postings to sites like Facebook and Twitter can provide an indication of how people behave outside work as well as their attitude towards their current employer.

The research also found almost 20 per cent of employers use social networking connections to monitor what existing staff are saying about their own organisation. Start sounding off online about that boss you hate and you might get called into his or her office for a "please explain" session.

The results are not that surprising. With the treasure trove of information shared on social networks readily available, why would an employer not check out what you've been sharing?

The bottom line: don't post anything on line that you don't want the world to know about. Even if you think your privacy settings are solid, things still leak out.

And take some time to check back through your earlier posts, clearing away anything you think potential bosses may find distasteful.

Do you think you've ever lost out on a job because of social networking?