Will LinkedIn And Stalker Concerns Impact Recruiters?

It was hard to miss the big story this week in social media. But what might it mean for recruiters? Could the petition created by Anna R. on change.org force the professional social network to adopt a blocking feature? With close to 7K signatures thus far, there is a growing chorus looking to see LinkedIn do just that. Would this impact sourcing? Make it harder for recruiters to connect with candidates? That is after all one of the attractive aspects of being a LinkedIn member, being able to expand your professional network. The petition is not focused on recruiters, or invite spammers, but a much more sinister type of individual on the social platform.

While it's unclear how common stalking behavior is on LinkedIn, the topic of unwanted sexual attention on the site is an issue that's become more talked about in recent months.

In March, Forbes raised the issue of whether LinkedIn was the new hotbed for harassment, pointing out that there's even a Tumblr called SocialCreeps.com, which is dedicated to showcasing inappropriate messages sent via LinkedIn.

A blocking feature could have a potential ripple effect that could impact how LinkedIn connections are made, but that is if one is even implemented. LinkedIn offered a reply to the controversy;

Instead, we offer much more granular control for our members. There are a number a number of different ways for members to protect themselves and control exactly what parts of their profiles and activities are visible on LinkedIn. First and foremost, members can easily disconnect from anyone of their connections. We realize that may not be sufficient, so we allow members to customize their public profiles so that only what they want to have show up on search engines appears. We make it possible for members to adjust what appears out to their networks when they take action on LinkedIn - change their title or employer, share or post interesting content, etc. We let them limit who can see their photo if they have one on their profile. We let them control what people in their network can see on their profile. And we allow them to limit who can see their connections. All of these can be used to effectively minimize unwanted connections.

What do you think? Any thoughts on the petition itself? Have you encountered recruiting stalking activity on LinkedIn? How might a blocking feature impact the platform? I'm curious to see what RBC members think on this one.

LinkedIn Stalker Concerns Prompt Petition To Add Blocking Feature via Huffington Post

Stalked On LinkedIn: Victims Complain They Can't Block Abusers via AOL Jobs.

LinkedIn: Protect your users from stalkers and help keep victims safe via Change.org (the petition)

Comment by Derdiver on June 23, 2013 at 8:51pm: Instead, we offer much more granular control for our members. There are a number a number of different ways for members to protect themselves and control exactly what parts of their profiles and activities are visible on LinkedIn.
I know MANY people that do not know this or how to do it. Funny that we are up in arms over NSA and yet we are now concerned about WHAT we put online...

Comment by Will Thomson on June 23, 2013 at 9:21pm: This is some pretty heavy stuff. Stalkers on Linkedin. I guess I am just naive. I would have never thought, but then again, nothing ceases to amaze me in this crazy world.

Comment by Amber on June 25, 2013 at 2:39pm: @ Derek - I am very much "un-technical", but I know how to adjust privacy settings, etc. I thought LI, FB, etc. provided enough information about this when my accounts were started and/or when you choose to join groups, etc.

I think individuals should be responsible for protecting their information, or deciding not to use online sites. Also, the person(s) who behaves inappropriately can be dealt with using rules or laws that are already in existence.

The impact to recruiters I suppose will be the same as it is now - if they don't want to communicate with you, they won't.

Comment by Derdiver on June 25, 2013 at 2:54pm: @Amber both facebook and my space, twitter, etc. were designed to be more social based on chat rooms. LI was set up AS a resume to show off skills. I was not surprised when they went the recruiting model because I was using if for that purpose from back in the beginning. You could connect if you wanted to. You said no, end of story. NOW people can continue to contact you via spam machines and LI seems to be selling your information. Invites from people you know is not the norm anymore. Facebook, IMO, has done a much more transparent job in order to handle this.

Comment by Amy Ala Miller on June 25, 2013 at 3:02pm: if this thing goes through there will be a few nuts who go on a blocking spree blasting any and every recruiter who dares to reach out. So what. Is that ultimately the candidate you want to hire anyway? I personally am looking for reasonable people, and send few yet targeted inmails. My response rate is pretty good and I can't remember the last time I got an IDK.

If LinkedIn no longer delivers results recruiters will move on to the next watering hole, like we always do. Another reason to never, ever rely on a single recruiting source.