Navigating Social Media Legal Risks: Safeguarding Your Business

3. The [Mis]Use of Social Media in Pre-Employment Screening

Historically, employers have researched potential new hires through their applications, interviews, professional and personal references, background checks, and credit checks. With the advent of social media, however, more and more employers are reviewing Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other internet sites to screen applicants in making hiring decisions. Even a simple Google search can yield a treasure trove of potentially valuable information about an applicant’s work history, education, extracurricular activities, and contacts.

According to the 2011 Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey¹:

• 89% of employers will recruit in social networks this year.

• 55% of employers will spend more ...