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Social Networks and Background Checks

From time to time we receive requests to monitor social networks as part of a preemployment screening program.   There are employers who consider the monitoring of the social networks an essential background check. So far, we have not taken this upon ourselves.  For one thing, it is difficult to define the criterion that would nullify an employment candidate based on his social networking postings.

Let’s face it, there are some eccentric and dynamic personalities out there, all right, even wise-ass kids, who may act out more than we would like.   However, many will do this on their own time and not let it interfere with what can be a model performance in the workplace.   But then there are the others who have not yet come to take their employment responsibilities seriously.  This fact is in evidence on their social network sites.   In all, it’s a tough call.

The fact remains that according to the a positing on emarketer.com the Harris Poll claims that at lest 45% of the nation”s employers scan their candidate’s social networking sites, at least occasionally.   According to the article, their findings are more likely to cause the job candidate to be rejected than hired.   Some of the issues that can cause such rejections are negative postings about former employers,  discriminatory remarks, and other postings that may give an employer pause.    The wrong types of photographs are an issue, anymore than postings about heavy drinking or drug use.  I must admit, I see plenty of these.

Now and then, a job candidate his hired because of his profile.  The HR Manager finds that there are positive aspects to the candidate’s profile, things that project professionalism and the type of character that makes them attractive.  From what I have seen on Facebook and the other social networks, the more appealing postings, at least on a career or professional level, are much fewer and standout largely due to their rarity.

For younger people, especially, they should keep in mind that there are others who look at their postings.   These others are neither their friends or family, but employers who can help them with their careers.

Check them out before you hire.

By Gordon Basichis

Gordon Basichis is the Co-Founder of Corra Group, specializing in pre-employment background checks and corporate research. He has been a marketing and media executive and has worked in the entertainment industry, the financial, health care and technology sectors. He is the author of the best selling Beautiful Bad Girl, The Vicki Morgan Story, a non-fiction novel that helped define exotic sexuality in the late twentieth century. He is the author of the Constant Travellers and has recently completed a new book, The Guys Who Spied for China, dealing with Chinese Espionage in the United States. He has been a journalist for several newspapers and is a screenwriter and producer.