Here’s what you need to know about protecting your privacy while job hunting

These days it’s virtually impossible to search for work without going online – and that in turn requires the provision of sensitive personal information, such as contact numbers, remuneration details, and work history. But how does one know that your information is safe?

Anytime that there is interaction with a stranger online, there is an element of risk, but there are definitive steps job seekers can take to protect themselves. There is also some information that should not be disclosed until you have started employment, such as bank account details, and that should only be requested for administrative purposes – to deposit a salary or wages, for example.

Job seekers should be extremely careful and that they are fully within their rights to refuse to share details they are uncomfortable with. Employers can request that you disclose your identity number for the purposes of conducting criminal checks, but they certainly do not require information such as your credit card or drivers’ license number, or anything that could be potential security questions for internet passwords – such as your mother’s maiden name or your spouse’s name.

One way people can protect their online privacy by setting up unique email accounts (user names/passwords) to use exclusively for job searches. Don’t mix your personal or work information with your job search accounts. The more separate they are, the easier it is to protect.

If you are using the “Job Seekers” category, post just a brief synopsis of your skills, work experience and desired position, along with a contact number and email address – don’t use this platform to disclose too much about your personal life.

There are numerous phishing emails targeting job seekers. Double-check to make sure the company and the job are legitimate. Visit the company website – rather than clicking on a link in an email – and research them online. If you can’t find some form of digital footprint, steer clear.

Be equally careful on the phone. Don’t give out any personal information that is not relevant to the position you are applying for.

Good indicators of phishing scams include:

• Replies to applications using very poor English;
• Replies to applications sent from non-company domains (e.g. gmail, yahoo, aol)
• Job offers that are simply too good to be true (e.g. offering a very high salary for a position you aren’t qualified for)
• Job offers that require the job seeker to pay for their application or some form of starter kit
• Replies from companies that you didn’t apply to

Job hunters should also keep track of all the places they place their CV, along with usernames and passwords. “A simple Excel spreadsheet can help you keep track of whom has your information.”

Job seekers should also take care to research job listings and companies before applying. “Simply putting the company name plus the word “scam” into Google might turn up complaints people have posted in the past.”

Some scammers have even been asking candidates to share their Facebook or Twitter login credentials in order to find out more about them – ostentatiously to see whether the candidate will harm the company’s brand with their social media activities. A few legitimate companies do this too. While you should be mindful that your social media activity could deter a potential employer, you shouldn’t hand over any passwords!

Job seekers also shouldn’t to take chances due to desperation. Your safety should always take precedence over employment. If your gut feel tells you that something is wrong, don’t pursue the opportunity.