Your Social Background

Applying for a new job? Prepare for every part of your life to be scrutinized; past, present and technical.

The practice of exploring a job seeker’s background is hardly new. But in today’s world the probe into your personal world now includes social media and your online presence. One company helping prospective employers invade your hard drive is a start up out of Santa Barbara, California.

Named “Social Intelligence” it examines the internet for anything you may have said or done in the seven years. Once the web has been scoured they prepare a file on you. This includes everything from professional honors and charity work to any negative information. Max Drucker is the CEO of the company. He says the negative information they gather is usually online evidence of racist remarks, drug use, sexually explicit photos or videos and violent activity.

Last year the Federal Trade Commission determined the company does not violate the fair credit reporting act but privacy advocates are still concerned. They say the information gathered may not be relevant to the job performance. But inquiring minds want to know; and if you’re going to make it viral be prepared for the consequences.