According to a recent study, nearly 60% of those surveyed say they have not hired a candidate based on a negative impression from a social-media profile. Hmmm . . .
We long ago dispensed with including personal information and photos on resumes and job applications. While not unlawful, both could open the door to accusations of discrimination.
But here we are presenting everyone who seeks a job with a new dilemma. On one hand, it is certainly inferred within our society, if not dictated, that everyone should have one or more social networking profiles. Yet many employers are using this information to make a judgment on employability.
Let’s see . . . was than based on what the person said? What they wore in the photo? Their sex or skin color? It’s a catch-22 for many people. Sure, we’ve all seen the poor judgment of some young people who posts those party pics they would just as soon forget. But beyond youthful indiscretions, where is the line between professional judgment and discrimination?
I’d be the last person in the world to suggest a new revenue stream for members of the American Trial Lawyers Association, but sooner or later we, as a society, will have to decide this. Meanwhile job seekers — especially young ones — are burdened with an additional obstacle to consider. We are all at the mercy of people making a decisions about our fate in different situations. What will you do?