Author Archives: Shamika@SMS

Individuals are using social media to connect with old friends, meeting new friends, and search for employment. Employers also tend to use social media to get some more background information on current employees and potential employees. Yes, basic background checks are still being used, but social networking sites are more convenient to see how the current or future employee carries themselves.

Employers are taking social media background checks very seriously. No more ‘googling’ information on current and potential employees. They are now hiring professionals to do background checks through social media. A percentage of 8, have fired individuals that they believed were putting there company in a negative light through social media.

“I personally think we’re moving away from the one-page resume. I think we’re moving toward where your online history is your resume.” explained Max Durcker, Social Intelliengence Corp. CEO. Social Intelligence Corporation is just one of the companies that specifically work in social media background checks. They have scans that search the internet for misrepresentation by their company’s future and current employees.

Some might find social media background checks invasive and yes, it might seem like it is, but legally it isn’t. Social networking sites, photo sharing, and video sharing; are made for the public. We do have the option of making our social media profiles private, but in all actuality we can’t fully control what others see. The best thing to do to avoid being denied employment or being ‘let go’ of a job, is simply close out all accounts. Realistically, the second to best thing to do, is to just make all profiles and accounts tasteful so they won’t have any negative effects on employment, future or current.