Notice to Job Applicants of Intent to Search Social Networks.

July 19, 2010 | By: Editor

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Source: Federal Employment Law Articles
Employers who want to use include social-networking sites into their background-check process when considering potential job candidates often ask whether they have to notify the applicant in advance that his or her Facebook page may be viewed during the hiring process. Unless you have a third party perform the Facebook search, the answer is “no.” Employers do not legally need the consent of a potential employee to conduct an Internet search and to view what is otherwise publicly available. But the mere fact that something is not legally required does not necessarily mean that it’s not a good idea. In fact, I’m an advocate of notifying applicants not only that you intend to review the individual’s online presence, including his or her presence on social networks, but also the specific items that you’ll be looking for when you do conduct the search.