They can be. The simple answer to this is that it’s legal. However, it’s quite important to conduct an adequate social media screening, as anything improper may be grounds for a discrimination lawsuit. Therefore, many companies focus on the core details in your resume, such as work experience, educational qualifications, and criminal history. This helps the company narrow down the background check to things that directly affect the candidate’s ability to deliver on the job.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that companies won’t screen candidates’ social media. Most companies want employees with non-discriminatory worldviews, especially considering the dynamism of workplaces. Additionally, some companies have policies guiding social media usage. Companies like this might be interested in checking a candidate’s social media to understand their thought process and the values they hold dear.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand that a social media platform such as LinkedIn is a professional place to further gain insights into a candidate’s experience. Therefore, companies might look into this purely for professional reasons and verify some of the details the candidate may have provided in their resume.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that companies won’t screen candidates’ social media. Most companies want employees with non-discriminatory worldviews, especially considering the dynamism of workplaces. Additionally, some companies have policies guiding social media usage. Companies like this might be interested in checking a candidate’s social media to understand their thought process and the values they hold dear.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand a social media platform such as LinkedIn is a professional place to further gain insights into a candidate’s experience. Therefore, companies might look to this purely for professional reasons and verify some of the details the candidate may have provided in their resume.