5 tips for practising safe job searching online

Jobseekers need to be aware of their online security when applying for jobs in 2016 and beyond. People often practice good online safety habits when shopping or socialising online, but when applying for jobs they can let their guard down.

As we all know, security is a growing concern for individuals as well as businesses. Jobseekers may have adequate security protection on their PCs, such as a firewall and antivirus software, but they still need to keep their personal details safe.

When job searching people don’t always stop to question why someone may be asking for certain information. They want to prove themselves and be liked by a potential employer, which from a social engineering perspective is a risk. Your security software won’t protect you if you’re willingly give away sensitive personal information, so use common sense to protect your personal and financial details when job searching.

5 tips for staying vigilant

To be alert to security threats and help protect yourself when looking and applying for jobs online, take note of this advice:

1. Never share personal confidential information online

All dealings with a recruiter are confidential whether you are an employer or candidate. This is one of the benefits of working with an agency as you can engage in confidential searches. Of course you have to provide personal information such as the pertinent details of your CV or the specifics of your hiring needs, but you’ll never need to provide banking details or other sensitive data to apply for a job.

2. Search and apply online with reputable, well-known organisations

Well-known recruiters or organisations should use the latest online security measures. Such companies have processes and procedures in place to keep your information secure. Never submit your CV to a site that does not provide a privacy policy, contact details such as a physical address, or is not well-known. Only send your CV to reputable organisations.

3. Never share passwords

You will likely have your own logins to the systems, portals or tools of a recruiter or job board. These are your personal logins and you never need to provide these to anyone. Similarly, if a potential employer asks for your LinkedIn or other social media account login details in order to verify your employment history then always decline. Keep all login details private.

4. Never pay for a recruitment service as a job seeker

As a jobseeker you do not pay for the services of a recruiter; it is an employer who pays the recruiter to find the right person for their role. As a jobseeker our commitment to you is to help you put your best foot forward and source opportunities that match your experience and career goals. There is no charge to you for this service.

5. Do not pay for background checks

As a jobseeker you do not pay for background checks or any other review of your qualifications and experience. If someone claims that you need to pay for a background check as part of the recruitment process, question it and seek the advice of a third party recruiting expert.

A final thought

A lot of this will hopefully come as common sense to you, but it’s worth reminding yourself to be vigilant and careful all the same. It’s easy for one to be tricked into feeling secure and in control when online if in the sanctity of your own home, however, in this age of ever-increasing closeness and openness criminals don’t require the keys to your home in order to rob you.

Practice safe job searching online by sticking to the above advice and, if you need any more information on recruitment industry processes or protocol, then please feel free to contact your local Hays office.

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Author

Nick Deligiannis

Former Managing Director, Hays Australia & New Zealand

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Nick Deligiannis began working at Hays in 1993 and since then has held a variety of consulting and management roles across the business, including the role of Director responsible for the operation of Hays in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In 2004  Nick was appointed to the Hays Board of Directors, and was made Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand in 2012.

Prior to joining Hays, he had a background in human resource management and marketing, and has formal qualifications in Psychology.