Most hiring managers would love to ask revealing (although, unfortunately, illegal) questions when interviewing job candidates. But as we all know, asking improper interview questions can lead to discrimination or wrongful-discharge lawsuits. So how do you get the information you need without putting your company at risk?

Statistics show that 35 percent of adult Internet users have profiles on at least one social networking site, 75 percent of job recruiters use the Internet as part of the screening process and 25 percent have eliminated candidates based on information found. In addition, the information obtained may not be accurate. However, these sites may contain mistakes or exaggerations or may be maliciously planted.

Understanding who is protected--and how--is critical to your hiring and management policies. Before you make another hire, be sure to review the Managers Guide for Protected Groups.