In today’s interconnected world, many people are concerned about data privacy. After experiencing several high-profile data breaches in the past decade, individuals have become more cautious about sharing personally identifiable information. However, certain activities, like searching for jobs online, require disclosure of personal details. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new opportunities and overlook the security risks.
And that’s the main point here. When considering security, it’s better to think in terms of relative risk rather than a binary notion of secure or insecure. Any action during your job search that involves sharing personal information carries some level of risk. Fortunately, there are a few simple practices that job seekers can follow to greatly reduce these risks. These steps will help keep your sensitive information secure when job hunting online.
Tips for Protect Personal Information Online
#1 Consider Your Resume
Your resume probably contains a lot of personally identifiable information, and that’s intentional. The purpose of a resume is to present yourself as an individual and distinguish yourself from other applicants. However, it’s a good idea to review what information you share and consider omitting certain details to protect your privacy.
For instance, there’s no need to include contact information for your current employer. You should already have a primary means of contact, such as an email address or cell phone number, and providing additional contact details could make your organization vulnerable to spear phishing attacks.
Additionally, many applicants still include their physical home address on their resume. While this information is used to be useful for communication purposes, it has become unnecessary in the digital age. Employers don’t need to know your exact address at the initial stage of the application process. Simply mentioning the town or city should suffice.
#2 Avoid Accidental Disclosure of Personal Information
Accidental disclosure of information – what are we talking about? For example, when you try to find information about a job, Google sees it and now shows you ads in that category. For safe job searching, you can use the safe Tor browser. The question is whether Tor browser safety is unconditional or there are still some risks. This is a topic for a separate article, you can read the thoughts on the VeePN website. Looking ahead, you should strengthen your Tor security with a VPN, as it is not flawless and there are still risks that you will have to live with.
#3 Keep an Application Log
During a modern job search, it’s common for applicants to apply to every qualifying job listing. Many individuals opt for a generic cover letter and resume, sending identical information to numerous employers. Maintaining an application log is not only good for the organization but also offers security benefits.
To stay organized, simply log each submission or resume sent in a spreadsheet. Include the employer’s name, application date, and any other pertinent details. This approach ensures you remain informed about every application and the organizations and individuals who have your information. By following this method, you can avoid the potentially awkward situation of applying twice to the same job listing.
#4 Limit Social Media
When you’re searching for work, it might be tempting to rely on your personal network for job leads and support. However, it’s important to exercise caution regarding whom you inform about your job search while still being employed at your current company. Employers can easily access your social media accounts, and if they discover that you’re seeking new employment while still employed, they might choose to terminate your employment ahead of schedule.
To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to be cautious about the information you share with your network on social media. When logging into your account, it is better to use a VPN extension. By the way, VeePN has extensions for all popular browsers. All of them are available in a free trial version.
#5 Be Wary of Scams
Scammers often send unsolicited emails pretending to be from employers, recruiters, or job boards. When was the last time a company reached out to you out of the blue and offered you a job? Job seekers should stay alert as scammers search the Internet for personal information to target.
Take the time to educate yourself about common job scams. If a job description seems too good to be true, it probably is. Before clicking and applying, verify the authenticity of the recruiter or employer’s social media account. Conduct an online search on their name. Jobs that promise significant income for minimal effort are often scams designed to collect your information. Popular job scams online include data entry, envelope stuffing, rebate or form processing, wire transfers or money movement, remote work opportunities, shipping management, and craft assembly.
#6 Keep a Log
Once you secure employment, it’s advisable to remove your resume from any job sites or boards where you’ve uploaded it. It can be challenging if you haven’t kept track of where you posted it. Maintain a list of all the places you applied or posted your resume, and make sure to go back and delete it once you’ve secured a position.
Conclusion
Finding a job in any case involves disclosing personal information, but there is a certain moral limit. You can reduce the amount of information you disclose by following the tips above. This is not only useful but also leads to peace of mind that no one will inexplicably use your personal data.
