Have you noticed that most job search websites ask for your personal information, like your name, phone number, and email address when applying for a job? While this is completely normal, scammers can also post fake job ads and use a range of tactics to trick job seekers into sharing personal or financial information.
When applying for jobs online, you should be careful to stay safe by protecting your privacy and being mindful of the information you share.
So, what can you do to protect yourself when applying for jobs online?
Connect safely
You can stay safe by connecting to the internet using a secure network and by checking that all of your accounts that have strong passwords. Did you know most people will include elements of their name, birthday, and pet’s name in their password? Most of these details are available on a person’s social media accounts, so it’s easier than ever for cybercriminals to guess passwords. The best kind of password is one that looks like it’s a jumble of numbers, letters, and symbols, using both capital and lowercase letters.
Use trusted job sites
Leading jobs board providers like Seek and CareerOne work to make sure the vacancies listed on their site are real. They also provide advice on safe job seeking.
Think twice before uploading your résumé.
Before uploading your résumé, check the job website’s privacy policy. Find out how they will store and distribute your information. Never include your date of birth or home address in an uploaded résumé.
Use trusted recruitment agencies
There are lots of different recruitment and labour-hire agencies. Some specialise in finding people for specific industries or occupations, while others focus on short-term placements.
- Research recruitment agencies to find one with a history of placing people like you into real jobs with reputable employers. Get recommendations from others on the best recruiters, like MTC Recruitment, a trusted recruitment agency driven by social purpose. If you are still unsure, ask the agency to provide you with information on their placement rates.
- Don’t provide your bank details to an employer until your employment has been confirmed. Don’t forget to check that you are being paid the correct amount.
