Robert Nobile, Devjani Mishra and Pamela Devata Published in HR Advisor
“Put Your Best ‘Face’ Forward: Best Practices For Corporate Social Networking”

Robert Nobile, Devjani Mishra and Pamela Devata’s article, “Put Your Best ‘Face’ Forward: Best Practices For Corporate Social Networking,” was published in the January/February 2009 issue of HR Advisor. The article discuses corporate social networking and what employers should consider when engaging in social media as a recruiting tool. The authors note that “much of the appeal of corporate social networking is that it enables companies to reach out to a greater talent pool and expand their recruiting efforts at relatively low costs. However, the very fact that companies are using social networking for recruiting proposes raises a number of legal risks, and employers should take steps to avoid these risks in implementing any type of online social networking.” According to their article, when engaging in corporate social networking, employers should consider the following: the definition of an applicant; restrictions on background; protection of lawful off duty activity; accuracy of online information; treatment of personal identifying information; compliance with company policies; content control and various liability concerns. The authors conclude that “as technology evolves to allow greater online interaction with employees, applicants and third parties, traditional definitions of 'workplace' evolve as well, expanding employers’ compliance obligations into the virtual world.”