In the digital age, social media has become a significant aspect of how we are perceived in both personal and professional spheres. A CareerBuilder survey reveals that 70% of employers review applicants'; profiles during their screening process, with 54% having turned down candidates based on their findings. With this shift, social media background checks have emerged as a crucial tool for employers, landlords, and even educational institutions to assess potential candidates. But what exactly are social media background checks, and how should you approach them?

What Are Social Media Background Checks?

Social media background checks involve reviewing an individual’s online presence to gather insights about their character, behavior, and suitability for a role or opportunity. This process can include scrutinizing posts, comments, and even interactions on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

For employers, this might mean checking a candidate’s social media to ensure there’s no conflicting behavior or content that could be damaging to the company’s reputation. For landlords, it might involve verifying that a potential tenant is a responsible and reliable individual. Educational institutions might use it to gauge the fit of a student for a particular program or scholarship.

Why Are Social Media Background Checks Important?

1.  Insight into Character: Social media can provide a window into a person's interests, values, and behavior. Employers and others use this insight to assess whether a candidate’s public persona aligns with their organizational culture or values.

2.  Risk Management: Identifying any red flags, such as inappropriate content or offensive language, can help mitigate risks. This is particularly crucial for roles that involve public representation or sensitive information.

3.  Verification of Claims: Social media can serve as a tool to verify the accuracy of claims made in resumes or applications. For instance, a candidate's professional achievements or community involvement can often be corroborated through their online activity.

Best Practices for Conducting Social Media Background Checks

Employers need to carefully balance evaluating an applicant's online presence with upholding privacy rights and adhering to anti-discrimination laws. Social media offers a rapid and extensive glimpse into individuals, which can be useful for assessing character. However, employers must proceed with caution to ensure that these evaluations respect privacy and comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, and relevant state regulations.

Navigating the complexities of these laws can be daunting, but the following tips can help streamline the process:

1. Create Clear Policies: Develop and implement comprehensive social media screening policies to ensure a fair and legal hiring process.

2. Respect Privacy: Use only information that is publicly accessible when reviewing social media profiles and avoid accessing content from private accounts or third-party sources.

3. Avoid Circumventing Privacy Settings: If an applicant’s social media is set to private, do not attempt to bypass these privacy settings, as doing so could lead to legal issues.

4. Apply Consistency: Apply social media review practices consistently across all candidates to minimize bias and ensure fairness.

5. Focus on Relevance: Concentrate on information pertinent to the job, such as professional experience, job-related content, or any behavior that could affect the role.

6. Notify Applicants: Inform candidates if their social media profiles will be reviewed as part of the hiring process to maintain transparency.

7. Consider Third-Party Services: To comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s requirements, consider using an independent background screening company for social media evaluations. By following these guidelines, employers can effectively incorporate social media reviews into their hiring process while respecting legal boundaries and individual privacy.

Employer Guidance

Social media background checks are a powerful tool in today’s digital landscape, offering insights that go beyond traditional evaluations. However, they come with a responsibility to balance transparency, fairness, and privacy. By approaching these checks with a clear understanding of their implications and adhering to ethical practices, you can make informed decisions while respecting individuals’ rights and dignity.

As social media continues to evolve, staying informed about best practices and legal guidelines will be crucial. Whether you’re an employer, landlord, or educator, navigating the world of social media background checks with care and integrity will ensure that you leverage this tool effectively and responsibly.

At Global Investigative Services, we are your trusted ally in background screening, committed to delivering precise, timely, and comprehensive information to empower your decision-making. Ready to enhance your screening process or tackle any questions you have? Contact us today and let us help you navigate the complexities with confidence and clarity.