Career Development Corner: Protect your personal information online

Danielle Bank
Career Counselor

How can I protect my personal information while searching for jobs online?

(Biology major, ’13)

Increasingly, companies are asking candidates to submit application materials online.

Here are some tips on how to safeguard your personal information while conducting your job search.

Think before you post 

When posting your resume online remember it is important to take steps to help ensure your privacy and prevent the misuse of your information:

•       Examine job posting sites before posting your resume to confirm that you have the option of setting your contact information to private.

•       When including contact information create a separate e-mail account that you only use for job search purposes. This will make it easier to protect your identity in the event that your information is forwarded to other parties without your consent.

•       Remove your references’ contact information to protect their identity and privacy. References required by an employer should be sent in hard copy unless you are certain that the institution or company you are applying to operates in a closed network.

Get the facts

Illegitimate employers will often solicit personal and financial information under the guise of company-required background checks. While legitimate background checks are often a part of the hiring process, this occurs in the later stages of the hiring process and should not involve you submitting information such as your Social Security number, or account information over the Web.

If an employer asks for bank account information claiming that direct deposit of check is required, run. An employer may offer this as a convenience, but should not require it.

The only exception to this rule is if you are applying to a position within the United States government, in which case you should gauge your level of comfort based on in-person interviews.

For additional assistance with your job search stop by our office in upstairs WAC or call to schedule and appointment at ext. 5141.