How to Protect Your Privacy As a Job Hunter

In the digital age, searching and applying for jobs online has become the most popular way to get employed. The process is quick, easy, and convenient for both jobseekers and employers. However, as with all things done through the web, applying for jobs online carries certain dangers that you need to be aware of. Thus, protecting your privacy as a job hunter is important.

When you are applying for jobs online, you are providing a lot of personal information. Since you will also be sending or uploading documents online, you can fall victim to risks. These include identity theft, revealing financial information to hackers, or getting scammed into paying money in exchange for the chance of getting hired. Those who are new to online job search platforms are especially vulnerable to job search privacy issues.

Still, there are several things you can do to protect your privacy as a job hunter online. Some of these best practices will also come in handy for other digital activities. Below are some of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind for a safe job search.

Dos and don’ts to protect your privacy as a job hunter

Do: Make sure you’re getting in touch with a legitimate employer.

Have you found a job listing that you want to apply to? Before getting in touch and providing any information, make sure you are reaching out to a legitimate and reputable company. Look up their website, company profile, contact details, and office addresses. Read online reviews from previous employees about the company; and if possible, search about the position you are applying for. This step is especially important when you are applying to lesser-known companies or sectors within or outside Malaysia.

Don’t: Send applications to job listings without researching the company.

Expert tips to protect your privacy as a job hunter all caution against this. Don’t just respond to any job offers or interview invitations without thoroughly researching the company. Likewise, exercise caution when companies get in touch with you through free webmail services or social media instead of official company emails. They may be deceitful individuals posing as hiring managers who intend to use your information for scams and fraudulent activities.

Do: Carefully read the job titles and descriptions provided on the job posting.

As an added precaution, be wary of misleading job titles and descriptions on job postings. Scammers can get creative with them to attract you with jobs that promise impressive benefits, perks, bonuses, or quick promotion. They may also make the job sound glamorous or prestigious. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, there is a good chance that it actually is.

Don’t: Attend an interview without knowing anything about the company or the job posting.

Some recruiters may send you emails or messages on social media, inviting you to attend a job interview. Before entertaining this interview, make sure you have adequate information about the company or the job post.

Some may also tell you that you are pre-qualified for a position and they want to brief you about it. These are typical tactics involved in multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes, where you may also be asked to pay a certain amount as part of the application process. Again, thorough research will help you avoid the dangers of online job hunting like this.

Do: Take note of information employers are asking for.

Another important step in job search privacy is to pay attention to the information requested from you during the application process. Most employers will typically ask for personal information like full name, email address, contact numbers, and emergency contacts. They will also ask you to provide details about your employment experience, such as employment history, skills, qualifications, expected salary, and references.

Don’t: Provide information that may be used to discriminate against you or trick you into unlawful activities.

Employers should only ask for information that is relevant to your ability to do the tasks required of a job. Be cautious of including in your resume any information that companies may use to discriminate against you. These often include your address and your date of birth, which may lead you to be unreasonably removed from the candidate pool because of your location or age.

If employers ask for other information such as your medical records, bank statements, or credit card history, you have the right to ask them about their relevance to your application. Never give your personal bank account details until you are sure that your employer is legitimate, and you are already successful in your application. Criminals may trick you into a money-laundering scheme where they use other people’s bank details to store stolen money.

Do: Send your applications through secure and reputable platforms and websites.

What jobseekers should know about data privacy is that sharing any form of information online poses a data security threat. Unsafe or questionable platforms make your computer and personal data vulnerable to hackers, phishing attacks, spyware, and malware. Be cautious of any correspondence or job postings that require you to visit suspicious websites or install third-party software. Before entering any personal information, make sure that the website is secure. The web address/URL must at least start with “https” and the icon is a closed padlock.

You can easily minimise these risks by applying through trusted platforms that are transparent about the companies behind job listings. Also, legitimate job sites will always allow you to customise your profile’s privacy, and let you choose which information to display publicly.

Don’t: Pay anyone to process your job application, write or edit your resume, or provide you with training.

Never pay anyone who claims to help process your job application, improve your resume, or provide you with the training required for the job. You should also exercise caution against paid workshops or webinars that promise job opportunities upon completion. Once a company asks you for payment before you can learn more about the job requirements or submit an application, politely decline the offer and do not entertain any correspondence.

Keep in mind that your personal safety and the privacy of your data comes first when searching for jobs online. The dangers of online job hunting tend to evolve along with innovations on platforms and job sites. But, you can always protect yourself and take precautions for your job search privacy.

The moment something seems off or questionable, steer clear of the listing and report it to the website administrators or even the authorities right away. Here on JobStreet, we are committed to helping you protect your privacy online. Check out our guidelines and tips for more information on safely searching for jobs online.

Start your safe and secure job search today

Aside from these tips to protect your privacy as a job hunter, there are other things you can do to ensure a successful and safe job search. For starters, make sure you are not committing any job search mistakes. If you have already received a job interview invitation from a reputable company, make sure to reply to them in a polished and professional manner. Otherwise, if you are already done with the initial interview but have not heard back from the company yet, you can write them a follow-up email as a gentle reminder.

Are you ready to safely apply to your dream job? Create or update your JobStreet profile today and search for #JobsThatMatter. Visit the Career Resources hub for more useful tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement.