Social Media

Most people assume that the information they post on their social media accounts is private because they are posting them in a personal capacity, or they have their profiles set to ‘private’.

However – social networking websites implement new privacy policies and settings regularly, usually on an opt-out rather than opt-in basis. On some platforms, you have to navigate and click through many privacy settings before you can reach maximum security.

Even if your social media is set at the maximum privacy setting, so that your photos and updates can only be seen by your friends, you cannot control the behaviour of everyone who sees your page. Anyone can take a screenshot of what you share.

Here are some things to consider during recruitment:

• Set your privacy settings to the highest level to minimise opportunities for potential employers to access your profiles.
• Be aware of the impression created by your posts.
• Be aware of what information others can access about you online.
• Clean up your online profiles.
• Create a positive presence on social media.
• Play to your audience.

Here are some things to consider while employed:

• Be wary of following or friending your employer and/or colleagues on social media.
• Read and understand the policies governing social media use if your workplace has one.
• Do not post derogatory comments about your job, managers or colleagues, whether at work or in your personal time.
• Do not spend too much time on social media.
• Do not disclose confidential information obtained from your employment on social media.

More information on these tips, as well as bullying and harassment on social media, and dismissal due to social media use, can be found in the attached fact sheet, which we recommend you download.

For further support

Call our Telephone Information Service on Melbourne Metro (03) 9662 1933 or Regional Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania on 1800 331 617.