Competition in business and industry is fiercer than ever. As you"d expect, employers are seeking candidates who are more than just skilled for the job; the candidates must also be polished and professional.

That sounds like you, right? But what about how you behave outside of the interview room? When was the last time you Googled yourself? Checked the photos your buddies tagged you in on Facebook? Double-checked that that video didn"t make it onto YouTube?

Did you know 86 percent of our nation"s recruiters use social media to research applicants, or that swearing at work tops the list of most disliked business behaviors? More than ever, it is imperative to outclass your competition both in the office and where you aren"t thinking like a business professional.

Research shows 86 percent of recruiters look at social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to learn more about job applicants. Even more concerning is that 44 percent don"t hire applicants based on their findings.

"What you say and do online is just as important as what you say and do in the workplace," says Pamela Eyring, president of the Protocol School of Washington¨ (PSOW). "Whether you"re job-hunting or gainfully employed, inappropriate behavior can be a deal-breaker."

The PSOW has been the global leader in business etiquette and international protocol since 1988, and it"s the first school of its kind in America to become accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

"Employers have been conducting background checks on potential job candidates for years; Facebook, Twitter and MySpace just made their job a joy," says Sharon Schweitzer, founder of the Protocol & Etiquette Academy, an Austin-based etiquette consultant.

To spotlight the importance of business etiquette, Schweitzer and the Protocol School of Washington offer the following tips and advice to help both professionals and job candidates recognize and combat bad behavior and act more professional everywhere they may be found.

Historically, 85 percent of job success is connected to people skills. Up until now, this was as simple as sending a handwritten thank-you note after a job interview to show respect and distinguish yourself from the competition. With social media on the rise, so much more can be done to either improve or seriously sabotage your chances.

Below are a few reminders and pointers that may seem intuitive, but are ignored by many in the business world. How appropriate is your behavior based on this information?

Top Five Social Media Myths:

• Facebook is personal. (Facebook is now used by businesses from solo shops to the Fortune 50.)
• Facebook is private. (Default privacy settings are minimal; select privacy settings manually.)
• Only your followers read your Twitter posts. (The Library of Congress has started collecting Twitter posts as a way to record history.)
• Recruiters don"t look at MySpace or YouTube. (Recruiters look everywhere.)
• Your Facebook profile and pictures can be deleted. (Even deactivated content remains on the Facebook server.)

Top Five Most Disliked Business Behaviors Internationally:

• Using swear words (79 percent)
• Arriving at work and not acknowledging fellow workmates (77 percent)
• Speaking loudly across the room (66 percent)
• Not offering guests a beverage (51 percent)
• Taking calls on speakerphone (47 percent)

Top Five Business Etiquette Mistakes and How to Correct Them:

• Unprofessional office attire (Dress two levels above your position.)
• Improper handshake (Use a firm, web-to-web handshake.)
• Poor eye contact (Make eye contact 40 to 60 percent of the time in between the eyebrows.)
• Poor dining skills (When in doubt, watch the host.)
• Cell phone rudeness (Keep phones on vibrate and use your library voice.)

To some, etiquette may feel like an antiquated or "stuffy" skill. But in the business world, etiquette goes far beyond knowing which fork goes with which course. To put it simply, etiquette is about how other people feel in your presence. And in today"s world, your presence stretches far beyond where you are physically present. Your online persona is always "on," whether you like it or not.

Schweitzer came to the field of etiquette and protocol through her work as an attorney, often advising clients about interaction and behavior in local and international business situations. Certified by theÊPSOW, Schweitzer has written articles and provided training for numerous organizations worldwide. Having visited all seven continents herself, Schweitzer thrives on making the world more accessible for anyone interested in experiencing it.

"The funny and wonderful thing about the Web and social media is this: More and more people are experiencing the world like I have " on a regular basis," she says. "Whether you are an international traveler or just "play one online, etiquette is a very important and tangible skill."

Simply understanding common pitfalls and a few crucial behaviors can truly set you apart.

For more information on business etiquette and international protocol, visit the PSOW Web site at www.PSOW.edu, or Schweitzer's company Web site at www.austinprotocol.com.