The Use of Social Networking Websites and Online Search Engines in Screening Job Candidates Survey Findings 

 

Part two of a series of SHRM survey findings that focused on the use of social media in the workplace, particularly by HR.   These survey findings center on social networking websites and online search engines as a tool for screening potential job candidates.  The data reveal that legal risks, lack of verifiable data and lack of the job-relatedness of the information gleaned from these sites can be just some of the reasons why organizations are avoiding these online resources as a method to screen potential job candidates. In addition, because of the rise in the use of social networking websites and online search engines more organizations have already developed or are in the process of developing polices about the use of these methods for screening job candidates.