Social media is an integral part of our lives, and the information shared on these platforms can be pretty revealing. But do background checks show social media activities? In this post, we explore the answer to this question.
Do Background Checks Show Social Media Activity?
Background checks, also known as pre-employment screening, are a standard practice to verify the information provided by job applicants. While these checks can include criminal records, credit history, education, employment history, and professional licenses, they typically don’t show social media activity.
With that being said, social media screening is on the rise, and can become commonplace in the near future.
Employers and Social Media
In general, employers seek to understand whether the candidate poses any risk to the company or is qualified for the job. Traditionally, background checks have focused on offline data sources such as court records, credit bureaus, and educational institutions. But with the explosion of social media, employers are starting to turn to these platforms to learn more about their potential hires.
Social media sites like LinkedIn offer a wealth of information about a candidate’s work experience, skillset, and professional connections. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can provide a glimpse into the candidate’s personal life, revealing their interests, hobbies, and social activities. All this data can create a 360-degree image of a person’s past, lifestyle and habits.
What You Need To Keep in Mind
Although social media seems to offer a wealth of information about a candidate, employers must exercise caution and adhere to certain rules when using social media screening as part of other overall background screening strategy.
There are state and federal regulations (such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act) that must be respected in order to remain in compliance during the hiring process.
If you are an employer looking to make the most of background screening while complying with all applicable legislation, contact Plexus Global. We use the most advanced background screening technology to fulfill our mission: To help you hire safely with knowledge.
Plexus Global: Background Screening Services in California and Beyond
Plexus Global is a California-based background screening company serving organizations all over the U.S. and abroad.
Contact us today by telephone (844-516-1008), email (sales@plexusglobalinc.com), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
