Should employers be allowed to check on social networking sites before hiring you?

[ibfroggie]

Why post online such personal information and thoughts for others to read?

[lisa]

Sure, if they're diligent enough to even check them. That's why you make them private or don't put things on them that would cost you a job - if you're in that position. EVERYBODY has access to those, not just potential employers. I have seen a couple screen images printed out and used in court for a couple different matters. So people should be a little more responsible on what they post on these sites. They are literally positing their private lives for the world to see.

[Rainie]

I would say so. If you, as a responsible person, choose to have a public profile, then you are running the risk of anybody seeing it. The employer is not breaking any laws, and should do a thorough check on any potential employee. Anybody can be on their best behavior during an interview, public profiles give them a better glimpse as to what kind of person you really are.

[oldbull]

Yes, most employers do not want people who sell drugs, rob banks, commit assault on others, drink more that 43 beers a day or are left handed. If you have any of those things on your social network you just as well stay on welfare.

[Moose]

Absolutely - public information is just that, public.

And no, I would not hire a young man/woman who was dumb enough to post semi-nude or drunken or drug use pictures on a networking site. Too dumb not to do that - too dumb to work for me.

[mcq316]

Absolutely NOT!! Any 'good' reason is outweighed by about a dozen bad ones.

[Runtun]

Public information is just that.

[evilattorney]

Absolutely. They have the right to see just how stupid and reckless their applicants are.

[Steve]

Employers should not be allowed to look at your social networking profiles without your express permission, and they should not be allowed to deny you a job solely because you did not give that permission. They should not have an inherent right to view your social circles without your permission.

I don't think that social networking sites are usually pertinent to the employee vetting process. Employers can already conduct background checks, credit checks, reference checks and get a full record of your past work experiences. If that's not enough to make a hiring decision, the Human Resources department needs an overhaul.

[Steve]

It's not illegal, but I don't think they should. As long as I'm doing my job well, what I do in my private life is none of their business. This is one of many reasons my accounts don't have my name attached to them. All names are made up, and you'd have to know me and specific details about my interests to even have a prayer of getting them. If you search my real name, I think you come up with a letter to the editor and a genealogy site.