OPINION: Are companies required to do social media background checks?
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become safe spaces for people to share their interests. So, is it really necessary for companies to invade the applicant’s social media?
I think it is, BUT to a certain extent.
Background checks when applying
It is necessary for the company to do background checks on you. In this way, they can get to know more about you. More than what they’ve heard from the phone interview and that person they met for a personal interview too.
Companies believe that there is just more than meets the eye. They should assure that the person that they consider hiring is best for the job, not just based on the résumé. They should have a clean record to know if the company will continue to be a safe place for others when they hire this person.
So yes, background checks are important. How about those that check social media?
Social Media
It’s a personal account for a reason. You post whatever you want to post. May it be your favorite artist, a funny meme, or just a picture of yourself having fun. What happens to be free if the company would just barge into your account?
Apparently, they can do that because of precautions. When you get hired by the organization, you will also have to carry the name of the company. So, when you post things that are not inclined with the organization’s principles, it would do damage to the company as well.
Up to what extent?
There are still limitations on how they can monitor what you post. If you post it publicly, this gives them permission to see your posts. In this way, many people can see your post.
The employers can only be able to do so much with your account so as to not invade your privacy. Of course, they cannot ask for your username or password. It’s yours. But the employer cannot conduct this “screening” by themselves. They still need to have someone that can make sure that the process isn’t based on sex, religion, and such. Therefore, it is the company’s decision on how they should conduct it.
You don’t have to be too scared about this. Just be a little careful with what you post. Social media caters to a huge audience. One post can create a huge problem with how people see you. And with the company already attached to your name, you could drag the whole organization altogether.
Remember, think before you click!
