It is indeed a very interesting topic and no doubt will maybe even keep a lot of lawyers busy in the future!

It is a hard one indeed, as for an increasingly large group of people social networking sites and sharing information on line with our friends and family is common place and by and large a positive thing. We do sometimes forget that in many instances anyone and everyone can access our ‘social information’ should they wish.

During the job search process you would like to think that Recruiters and Hiring Managers are not checking out this type of information and if they are not placing any real value on it. However realistically we know that they are, and that this information can and does enter into the decision making process.

I think perhaps it is just a more convenient and easier way for people to do the ‘off the record’ background checks that they have always done more so just using the phone and email.

Personally I don’t think what you find out via social networking sites should influence a hiring decision (if all legal and above board) however are we being naive in thinking it is not being abused.

Kelly

Most of the time employers do not need to know what goes on in most social networks as part of a hiring decision. Recruiters and hiring managers need to be careful about what they do with this information due to discrimination laws. On the flip side employees need to be careful they do not violate their employment contracts or expose confidential information.

This is a huge topic with lots of positives and negatives for all concerned. Not to mention every country has their own laws on how such content can be used.