You may be aware that, before a company hires you they may Google you to see what they can find on you. But according to one legal expert, performing Internet searches on job applicants is akin to interviewing them, and that it can be a violation of employment and privacy laws.

According to the expert, you can’t really tell who is who online. One name can bring up different images and different information. For example, how are you so sure that the half-dressed woman with the margarita in her hand on Facebook is really your candidate? It could be a case of mistaken identity. How many Jane Doe’s are out there?

Get permission first, says the expert, before you go searching online, and give the candidate a chance to explain anything adverse that comes up. Also, employers must be cautious about terminating an employee based on information that comes up in Internet searches.

Employers were also cautioned to adopt social media policies that set out guidelines for how employees can use social media tools and networks, and that all parties are to be consulted in shaping the social media policy.

Let’s hear your thoughts. Do you agree that Googling a job candidate is a violation of privacy laws? Do share your thoughts.