Social Media Background Checks: How to Make Sure You Do Them The Right Way?
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 3:51 am
If you’ve ever been tempted to look up your job applicants on social media before contacting them, you wouldn’t be the first. In fact, 70% of employers take a peek at participants’ profiles prior to considering them for a position.
Vetting participants on social media isn’t off-limits and has become a regular part of the background checks process when recruiting for new staff.
That said, social media screening isn’t simply a case of looking up canada phone number resource an applicant’s LinkedIn or Facebook profile and checking through their Instagram posts.
Here are a few dos and don’ts of social media screening and why it’s vital to carry out this particular background check.
Why is a Social Media Screening Check Important?
When an applicant sends over their job application, you’ll receive their cover letter, CV, portfolio, references, and anything else you see fit.
That being said, social media screening is equally important when it comes to hiring for several reasons. It’s great for:
Seeing how applicants behave outside of the workplace, e.g. employers can view their thoughts on a platform they feel happy visiting, browsing and consuming content.
Reaching passive participants, as they’re not actively seeking a new job. Employers can view their online profile with no need to approach them to ask them if they’re seeking a new job opportunity. This applies particularly to web developers who are contacted by recruiters and head-hunters regularly.
Confirming the candidate’s data, whether it’s education, location, work experience or another piece of information via LinkedIn.
Checking a candidate’s social media skills if they’re applying for the role of a social media manager, for instance.
Vetting participants on social media isn’t off-limits and has become a regular part of the background checks process when recruiting for new staff.
That said, social media screening isn’t simply a case of looking up canada phone number resource an applicant’s LinkedIn or Facebook profile and checking through their Instagram posts.
Here are a few dos and don’ts of social media screening and why it’s vital to carry out this particular background check.
Why is a Social Media Screening Check Important?
When an applicant sends over their job application, you’ll receive their cover letter, CV, portfolio, references, and anything else you see fit.
That being said, social media screening is equally important when it comes to hiring for several reasons. It’s great for:
Seeing how applicants behave outside of the workplace, e.g. employers can view their thoughts on a platform they feel happy visiting, browsing and consuming content.
Reaching passive participants, as they’re not actively seeking a new job. Employers can view their online profile with no need to approach them to ask them if they’re seeking a new job opportunity. This applies particularly to web developers who are contacted by recruiters and head-hunters regularly.
Confirming the candidate’s data, whether it’s education, location, work experience or another piece of information via LinkedIn.
Checking a candidate’s social media skills if they’re applying for the role of a social media manager, for instance.