Using Social Media for Hiring Can Get you Sued | Reuters

In order to protect your business from lawsuits, remember these three things:

1. Know what you are entitled to know: You may learn information about a candidate from social media that you cannot ask about in a job interview. For instance, a posting on a candidate’s profile may reveal his religious beliefs. But beware – the same discrimination laws apply. If you can’t ask about it, you should not be looking for it. And you cannot use that information when making your hiring decisions.

2. Avoid the appearance of discrimination: Make a checklist of qualifications based upon the job description . Look for the same qualifications on the social media sites of all applicants.

3. Keep good records : Keep detailed records of why you decided to hire, or not to hire, a candidate. It may take you a few extra minutes to put in writing the non-discriminatory reasons for your decision. However, you will be thankful you did if a question ever arises about your screening process…

via Using Social Media for Hiring Can Get you Sued | Reuters.