Session

Web 2.0 Caution! Using Social Networking Sites and Search Engines to Screen Applicants

Learn how to navigate through legal and practical pitfalls and roadblocks when using Web 2.0, such as search engines or social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to screen applicants.

Employers and recruiters have discovered a treasure trove of information on potential job applicants by using social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, and search engines. However, the unrestricted use of these Web 2.0 could well land an employer, human resources professional or recruiter in hot water. Just because it is online does not mean it is risk free or true. This session will examine the pros and cons of employers utilizing such tools, including discrimination issues, legal off-duty conduct, privacy, accuracy and authenticity. The use of these sites also has an impact on recruiters as well. Through case studies, legal decisions and reviewing web sites, Recruiters and HR professionals will see visually how these sites work, what you may find, and the potential legal landmines and practical risks involved. The session will focus on strategies for getting what you need while minimizing potential complaints for discrimination or invasion of privacy.

• Learn major employers, human resources, and recruiters use search engines and social network sites to screen candidates.
• What are the risks in using these sites?
• Isn’t everything on the web fair game since privacy is waived once someone places something on the Internet?
• How do discrimination laws and rules concerning off-duty conduct apply?
• Uncover best practices for employers, job applicants, and college placement offices.

Biography:

Les Rosen is the author of, “The Safe Hiring Manual–Complete Guide to Keeping Criminals, Imposters and Terrorists Out of Your Workplace,” the first comprehensive book on employment screening. His new book is, “The Safe Hiring Audit,” published in 2008. He is also a consultant, writer and frequent presenter nationwide on pre-employment screening and safe hiring issues. He has qualified and testified in the California and Arkansas Superior Courts as an expert witness on issues surrounding safe hiring and due diligence. He is a former deputy District Attorney and criminal defense attorney and has taught criminal law and procedure at the University of California Hastings College of the Law as an adjunct. Mr. Rosen was the chairperson of the steering committee that founded the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) a professional trade organization for the screening industry which has over 500 members.

Also from Les:

Articles:

RecruitingTrends.com Thought Leadership Piece: Top Ten Trends in Employment Background Screening for 2011

RecruitingTrends.com Thought Leadership Piece: Recruiting Russian Roulette

RecruitingTrends.com Thought Leadership Piece: Staffing Vendors, Co-employment, Background Checks and Lawsuits

RecruitingTrends.com Thought Leadership Piece: Optimizing Employee Selection by Using Online Referencing Tools and Background Checks