Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

News & Analysis Policies & Forms Your Library Attorney Network
News & Analysis Policies & Forms Your Library Attorney Network

User account menu

Sign in Get Started
x

You're signed out

Sign in to access subscriber actions.

Using social media to screen job candidates? Know the legal, ethical concerns

November 2023 employment law letter
Authors: 

Tammy Binford

Checking job candidates’ social media posts has become common practice. Even if an employer enlists a separate company to conduct a formal background check, a hiring manager or an HR professional may take a quick look at the candidate’s Internet presence. That practice may seem to be a fast, easy way to get to know a potential employee early in the hiring process, but it also presents legal and ethical challenges.

What employers are doing

In June, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,013 hiring managers and found that most check job candidates’ social media accounts at least some of the time.

The survey found that 31% said they always look at candidates’ social media, 44% said they sometimes do, and 13% said they rarely do. Just 12% said they never look at candidates’ social media as part of the hiring process.

The survey also found that 41% of the survey respondents said checking social media is definitely acceptable at their organization, and 36% think it is.

The survey found 14% of respondents were unsure if checking candidates’ social media is an acceptable practice at their company, 6% didn’t believe it’s acceptable at their employer, and 2% were sure it’s not acceptable.

Continue reading your article with a HRLaws membership
  • Sign in
  • Sign up
Upgrade to a subscription now
to get unlimited access to everything on HR Laws.
Start subscription
Any time

Publications

  • Employment Law Letter
  • Employers State Law Alert
  • Federal Employment Law Insider

Your Library Reading List

Reading list 6
Creating List 7
Testing

Let's manage your states

We'll keep you updated on state changes

Manage States
© 2025
BLR®, A DIVISION OF SIMPLIFY COMPLIANCE LLC | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Footer - Copyright

  • terms
  • legal
  • privacy