Social Media Extremism Screen

A discussion on why and how to screen job candidates' social media for extreme political views that could impact workplace culture and team dynamics.

Key Screening Philosophy

• Political extremism (from either side) can be a red flag for hiring
• Focus on identifying people who are closed-minded rather than specific political views
• Look for balanced, reasonable individuals who can work well with others
• Politics is not a protected class, making it legal to screen for extreme views

What To Look For

• Clear and concerning patterns in social media behavior:
  • Constantly bashing people they disagree with
  • Frequent attendance at political rallies/marches that impact work
  • Closed-minded responses to different viewpoints
  • Radical positions that could alienate team members or customers

Why This Matters

• Extreme political views often correlate with:
  • Higher likelihood of workplace conflicts
  • Potential for public complaints about the company
  • Risk of lawsuits if terminated
  • Difficulty working with diverse teams
  • Customer relationship issues

Implementation Tips

• Review public social media during hiring process
• Look at:
  • Twitter posts
  • Public forums
  • Professional networks
• Focus on communication style and ability to work with others
• Consider how they might impact team dynamics
• Evaluate their ability to separate personal views from professional conduct

Red Flags

• Inability to have balanced discussions
• Constant political posting
• Attacking others online
• Unwillingness to consider different viewpoints
• History of public conflicts over political issues

The goal is not to discriminate based on political views, but to identify individuals who can maintain professional relationships regardless of personal beliefs.