Reference no: EM133654302
Problem
'Rachel, look what I just found about this applicant on social media!' 'What?! Erin, you know you shouldn't be looking at applicants' profiles online. That's against company policy.' Erin replied: 'Perhaps, but now I'm a little concerned ...' Sensational Solar Co. was starting to build a strong profile in the market for developing green technology for residential housing. Recruiters Erin and Rachel were on the hunt to fill the position of Research and Development Officer for the firm. They had received quite a number of strong applications for the position from their online advertising. One that came through the system caught Erin's attention. The candidate's application stated that they had strong technical skills, were doing a PhD in engineering, had worked as a research assistant on numerous energy projects, and had completed internships at a few leading energy companies. On paper, they were brilliant and guaranteed to make it far along the selection process. But Erin had some concerns. 'Can I get your opinion, Rachel? Okay, okay, so I know I shouldn't have been snooping online in the first place. This candidate was very promising. But look what I've found on their social media page.' 'They haven't got much on their profile, but three years ago they were making comments online denying climate change. They even promoted themselves to be an owner of a page dedicated to government policies being pro-coal. This doesn't really go with Sensational Solar Co.'s mission to drive forward green tech. This is a real red flag for me.' Rachel responded, 'Fine. But that was three years ago. What does their profile say now?' 'They haven't got any activity over the last three years,' Erin replied. 'Okay, then we don't know for sure what their values are now. It's your own fault for looking online when you shouldn't have been anyway,' Rachel said with frustration. Erin had thought the applicant was a great potential candidate, but now she wasn't so sure.
Sourced from Stone et al. (2023) Human Resource Management (11th edition). John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd
Question I: Should recruiters, such as Rachel, be searching for applicants on social media? Justify your answer. What legal requirements should Rachel and recruiters be mindful of when considering potential applicants?
Question II: When searching the applicant, Rachel noted "they haven't got much on their profile, but three years ago they were making comments online denying climate change. They even promoted themselves to be an owner of a page dedicated to government policies being pro-coal. This doesn't really go with Sensational Solar Co.'s mission to drive forward green tech. This is a real red flag for me." Identify and justify what type of candidate fit Rachel is referring to when she raises her concerns about the applicant. Why is Rachel so concerned about her findings? In your answer, consider the costs of hiring the incorrect applicant.