Online security in job applications should be paramount for seekers

Jobseekers could let their guard down.

Jobseekers need to be aware of their online security when applying for jobs in 2016 and beyond, warns a recruiting company.

According to a release from Hays, 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,” says Dean Stallard, Regional Director of Hays in Hong Kong.

“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 willingly give away sensitive personal information, so use common sense to protect your personal and financial details when job searching.”

Here's more from Hays:

To be alert to security threats and help protect yourself when looking and applying for jobs online, Hays shares the following advice:

1. Never share personal confidential information online: “All dealings with a recruiter are confidential whether you are an employer or candidate,” says Dean. “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,” he said. “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 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,” said Dean.