Will Barada, President @ Barada Associates
As hiring practices evolve, social media screening is critical in employers’ pre-employment toolkits. It’s
especially relevant in today's remote work landscape.
But with great power comes great responsibility—and legal considerations. Every employer needs to
know about conducting social media background checks effectively and legally.
Employers increasingly use social media screening to assess candidates beyond traditional background
checks. Reviewing public profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter helps identify red
flags such as discriminatory behavior, confidentiality breaches, or inappropriate content. While social
media checks can enhance hiring decisions, they also raise privacy and legal concerns. Companies must
ensure compliance with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and avoid bias in
evaluations. Thoughtful implementation of digital screening can improve workplace culture and risk
management.