It's common practice for recruiters and their clients to cast an eye over the social media profiles of short-listed or potential clients in an attempt to further weed out anyone who could be deemed unsuitable for the role at hand.

Given that we spend so much of our time online, however, is it ethical to turn down an otherwise qualified candidate based on something they posted on Facebook in their spare time, for example? After all, how many people have no embarrassing photo, badly worded Tweet or public rant if you go far enough back in their social media history? Should your whole future depend on one blip?

It could be argued that anything on a social media profile is public knowledge. However, whose guidelines account for what's 'right'/not 'right'? Surely, it's down to the luck of the draw and how much of a 'live and let die' attitude the recruiter possesses?

Whilst what could be proved as blatant lying on their application or homophobic/racist/sexist views are understandably things an employer would be concerned about, the amount of time they spend on a platform or their music tastes are perhaps their own business. Whether they're a fan of Cliff Richard or devotees of Slipknot, is this anything that would impact on their work?

Free speech is a factor we should be proud of. Personal opinion, whether the recruiter agrees with the person posting, shouldn't be used to size one applicant up against the next. If the content of someone's profile is not related to the job at hand, it should be considered irrelevant, surely? Whilst recruiters would be sensible to look over a candidate's Linkedin profile, is it invading their privacy to then scrutinise their Facebook page, where content is markedly more personal?

Some companies have drawn up social media policies in relation to recruitment website design, often insisting recruiters do not base their decisions on age, sex, religion or race, as well as sexual orientation or religious beliefs. They also make it known to the candidate which platforms will be used, and if information arises that may hold influence over their application, they're offered the chance to respond to that material.

Social media has long since been referred to as a trend, which means future generations will be even more inclined to live their lives out via public platforms. It would appear, therefore, that having a social media policy will help your company know its boundaries as the popularity of social media continues to rise.

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Original article: http://www.hrzone.com/feature/recruitment/social-media-screening-it-ethical/143277