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

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.