Readers increasingly ask questions that pertain to the privacy of their personal information both on online job applications and paper job applications filled out and retained by the potential employer. Please share your thoughts in today's poll. You may select as many answers as apply in your organization. You are not restricted to just one response.
Question: "I have applied for a job and the hiring organization wants my social security number on the application. Is this legal?"
Answer: I am not an attorney, so keep that in mind. Asking for the social security number on an application is legal in most states, but it is an extremely bad practice. (Some states prohibit private employers from collecting this information for fear of identity theft.) Depending upon the state in which you reside, laws are different regarding supplying this information, and I cannot keep up with all of them.
I would not provide this information on a job application. Keep in mind, though, that on many job applications, you are signing to provide permission to check references, do background checks, allow criminal record checks, and affirming that everything you have provided on the application is the truth. If you do not supply the social security number on the application, you will likely have to make another trip to the company to fill it in, if the employer wants to offer you a job.
With all of the new laws about guarding employee and applicant information security, no client with whom I work, asks for this information until the person is hired any more. No one wants to be responsible for guarding this information for the year that it would be accessible in a file.
It might cost you the employment opportunity, but I would write "SSN available upon job offer" in that space. They will need the SSN if they do background checks, so you will need to provide it for the background checks if they make an offer. I would prefer to keep that number safe until hired, but it is not always possible.
Especially in online applications, you may need to provide your social security number, but I would avoid offering my social security number if possible. Why are employers asking for social security numbers from every applicant? Seems like such a bad idea.
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I currently have a PT job and have been looking for extra work. Everyone, esp. the national companies, require you to apply online. And you cannot apply without providing you SSN to be stored in their data banks for god knows how long. It doesn’t matter what the laws are. I believe if not hired they must dispose of your information in a short period of time. But lets take WalMart for example. The first question they ask you is for your SSN. How many time a day do you think WalMart gets hacked? Dell themselves said they get hacked “5,000 times a day”. I promise I don’t say this for dramatic effect, its true! Do we really need to trust all these random companies, national or not, to have the skilled workers on hand to protect our information? I’ve worked in Networking and IT management AND studied Databases. I would never trust these guys myself.
They are doing credit checks – and basing your hiring or not on your credit score.
Mark, if I were job hunting, I would state: available at interview. Very few employers do background checks on all applicants, and you’re right, they don’t need it when you apply. What does anyone else think? As a former HR Director and HR Consultant and writer, the truth is that I don’t want to be responsible for caretaking possible identity theft data. What’s the norm these days?
Susan the challenge with providing “available at interview” is it is not possible because the form will not accept an incorrect answer such as letters in a format requiring numbers.
Actually, if you attempt to apply to one of these companies online, you are required by the process to enter a SSN. Some will accept 9′s or 0′s, but some will just kick you out of the system. In a recent attempt to register with a staffing firm, I phoned to ask why they needed my number and if it was possible to give it only when hired. They replied that it is required and suggested that I come in rather than apply online. When I expressed reservations about giving the number at all until hired, they told me they probably “wouldn’t be a good fit” for me.
So, it seems that I can give my SSN or look elsewhere. I wonder if this is more prevalent in an employers market. They can obviously afford to call the shots and I cannot.
I was recently laid off . I did receive a couple of over the phone request from contracting agencies for my SSN along with my resume. I had tell them, not until we have a hiring process with the client. I was told ( still on the phone) this was needed to prevent duplicate submissions to the same client. My reply was that I needed meet with them in person and to be at leased considered to start an interview with their client before giving out my SSN. If there is a problem with this , I will just have to move on.
When asked for my SS# by a private organization, and it is inappropriate but “required,” especially an on-line form, you might want to put four zeros in the last section. Most systems will accept it, and you are still keeping your number private.
Another excellent choice is to use the SS#’s that used to be used as wallet inserts back in the 1960′s by Woolworth’s — 078-05-1120. The SS Admin. has voided it, but it is doubtful that a system like this would be that intelligent. SS#’s that begin with 999 and 000 are also void. Perhaps just using a “typo” when entering it can be advantageous.
The laws only allow various government agencies, most banks and some group health insurers to require your SS#. Although private businesses cannot demand it, they can choose to not to do business with you if you refuse to provide it. IMHO: A very silly policy.
Beth S.
Thank You! That is an amazing answer!!! I Just love it! Bring it back to the old days when none of this BullSh*t was a factor. I am not going to give some random third party site my SS# along with my date of birth! – No F’in way in the midst of the News of the World scandal and emails from Nicaragra offering millions. What are we Stupid!! F’it I’ll loose the nowhere teenage job I am forced to apply for at this time rather than give in to this. This cannot be legal in these times.
Even the US Census doesn’t get this! I took the test and did very well and told them I would supply my full SS# upon offer of a position. They haven’t called but hired my friend who took the test with me and did poorly. She gave them her number. One would thin the US Census would know about the sensitive issues with SS#’s but they don’t care. The facilitaor said, “Oh please, this is the government, don’t you trust them?” NO! I don’t.
A lot of large companies require it on the grounds that they want to know if you have been employed by them before, or submitted to them before (if you’re going through an agency).
On the face of it, this is a reasonable thing to want to be able to do – I don’t want to be confused with another Mike who was barely able to wash his hands, much less program databases, but, as others have said, there should be better ways of achieving it!
I received an application where the applicant included only the last 4 digits of her social security number, and only the month and date of her birthday on our drug screen and background check forms. Although she wasn’t qualified for the position and would not have been interviewed, it did make me think – how would I feel about someone who didn’t want to disclose information that was obviously required, such as the background check form? We’re required to conduct national criminal background checks on all employees, and it’s clearly stated on the form. Not knowing if the check is conducted before or after an interview, why would this person refuse to disclose information required on the form? Not sure what I would have done had she been a viable candidate for the position…
Well good for you that you’ve got SO many viable candidates bangin’ on your door! Fact is, if she was a viable candidate it is her education and employment information as well as her knowledge, skills, and abilities that QUALIFY her for the jobl. Then she interviews. Then if she is offered a position she provides her personal information and you can background check till your blue in the face!
OK, but you’re totally missing the point. Why do you need to do this before you’ve even offered a person a job??? You admitted you probably wouldn’t have hired her, so why do you need her date of birth and social security number? I can go along with asking for this AFTER you offer a person a job; I agree with the drug screening, etc. But not before you’ve even offered them the job? How do we know what you’re doing with this information? It could end up in a dumpster somewhere for someone to pick up and use to steal a person’s identity. It’s unbelevable to me that companies can’t comprehend why this is absolutely wrong.
Does anyone read about identity theft? No employer does a background check on every applicant so SSN can be requested at time of job offer. Also, we all know that the date of birth is being asked for only one reason…..I call it discrimination!!!!!
Wake up employers!!!! Stop the games!
In Massachusetts, you can’t ask an applicant for their SSN on the employment application.
Right at this moment I am contemplating if I should give my ssn for this job today. Rick, totally hit the nail on the head. Why do they need this on every applicant??? I have been in the interview room and looked over at a pile of papers on the interviewer’s desk… what did I see, some poor saps SSN in plain view. They just don’t get it, but they look at people like us and say were not a good fit.
Employers like to hire Sheep, People that are passive and afraid to speak up.
We’re not crazy!
I am a teacher looking for work. In the state of South Carolina, they require your SSN to be your USERNAME for the website where you apply for teaching positions. I don’t think so!! That can’t possibly be legal!
Being unemployed is bad enough, now I need to worry about Identity Theft too. I do not understand why any company would utilize an applicant tracking system that requires SS#. It is required and I have only seen one application that allowed 0′s, all the others will not allow you to submit the online application without the real number. So I have missed out on some good jobs and some companies have missed a great applicant because I am not putting my social on an on line app. I asked a counselor at TWC what he thought and he asked me “Why would you be concerned to put SS# on a on line application?” WOW!!
Considering the Worksource just revealed that it exposed the personal data of all the enemployed database.
Many online applications will not allow you to continue the application process unless you fill in information for a background check. That means, date of birth (age), social, etc. I find this a very convenient way for employers to practice age discrimination. I don’t see how it is legal to ask a person’s age upon applying whether or not it is for a background check. As an HR professional, background checks are not done until a job offer is made. Offers are contingent upon passing the background check. It is cost prohibitive to do background checks on EVERY applicant, so why do they ask if it is not to discriminate?
I agree with all these posts. With paper applications you at least have the option to write “available upon offer” and most firms that only except resumes do not ask for it until that time. Does make you wonder what these HR departments are thinking.
I am a recruiter for a company that supplies engineering type personnel. Today a very large company told me that they will need SSN# & DOB’s and M/F information with every candidate along with all personal contact information. We have been doing business with this company for 7 years, we have never been asked or supplied this before.
This makes me extremely uncomfortable, I have never requested this private information (payroll responsibility), nor do I want to have it to pass to the client.
Lee,
What have you done regarding this situation? Did someone explain the ramifications to this company? Why do they want that information from the start anyway?
I went to a firm today where they did not want me to take their spelling and typing test without my SSN and DOB. The woman claimed it was required in order to begin the hiring process. She even stated that she has been employed there for eight years and they never had any issues with theft. I doubt she would have disclosed if any breaches in security had ever occurred. She did not inform me on how this information will be destroyed, etc. Considering they are a law firm, they will be quick to state the theft did not come from them even if it ever did. The worst thing is a little person like most of us will find it very difficult to prove the theft came from a potential employer.
I felt so uncomfortable by this forced “request” that I decided not to pass the spelling test. I just couldn’t see myself working for a firm that takes this information for EVERY applicant prior to the start of the hiring process. She made me laugh when she said they have one of the most secure systems. She must spend tons of time behind her desk doing very little. As most of us know, if government sites can be hacked, law firms are a slam dunk. It just takes a few minutes for hackers to do plenty of damage to someone’s life.
I wrote an email to my recruiter stating that I have no problem forwarding this information to any employer or if I am one of the top candidates during the final stages of the hiring process. I don’t feel comfortable supplying this private information to a firm that has not made it to first base with me.
As a former recruiter we never sent out the link for the background check and application until the person had an interview set up. However, all that changed when a great many of the temp candidates (less skilled workers) began to show up with criminal histories. The usual process was to hire temps and ask questions later. However, they ended up having to do this immediately with anyone that had potential to be hired in order not to hire felons. However, they did not change their process for the more senior positions. I personally believe there should be a national law against asking for a birthdate until a person has been hired. I think it will happen as the boomers age and someone finally challenges the practice in court.
I applied for a job with a state government agency in the state where I live. Before I even applied the instructions said for me to supply my SS number. NO WAY – I gave it once to an electric utility to get service to an appartment, the representative gave my number to her boyfriend and I endured two years of hell trying to get my life back. NEVER GIVE ANYONE YOUR SS NUMBER. Wait for the job offer and then it’s OK.
SSN Safe! Doubt it. It’s interesting how you do not need SSN until hired and most companies do state that jobs may not exist. So exactly what does Knonos and similar companies do with all this information on thousands of “potential” employees. Well one can only imagine. If not the Kronos, one of its employees tht is not screen by the same process. Very interesting indeed. I will let all the other readers of this regerge of information decided for themselves.
The social security number is NOT a secure number and should not be used for secure authentication procedures. This means, if you need a highly secure identification code or card for some reason, the company that issues that credential will not use a social security number as its secret code, even though that social security number may be in its records somewhere.
The social security number is now more or less used as a national identifier. Whether this is right or wrong, the fact is that the SS “is out there” like the very air we breathe. Get over it.
Fighting criminal activity is a huge enterprise. We take our chances with every single online transaction. Then again, we take our chances when we drive, take a plane, or just walk down the street. At all times, we play the odds that only the best will happen to us and for the most part, we are right.
I agree with everyone that the online job application forms are horrendous. Over the years, I’ve only exchanged my resume via email. In order for a company to recognize you, you need to talk to someone in it. If there is something in that company’s online form that rejects your information, your contact in the company will rectify the situation.
That said, I don’t think you should go to the wall over your SS#. On the other hand, before filling in an online form, make sure that the company in question is legit. I’ve always loved DICE.com, for example. That said, keep track of your records!
Your SS# is the one number that is linked to you your entire life. If someone steals your credit card you can cancel it and get another. I have heard so many nightmare stories of people trying to clear up identity theft issues for years–and stuff that should be obvious because the person was a HS student when this occurred, or the thief lived in another half way across the country and was the wrong gender, the red tape involved in fixing this mess i wouldn’t wish on anyone. and it’s all on you to prove in each instance that you are not that guy. and on top of that, even after it’s cleared up. i t still comes back to haunt you in credit checks, etc.. because some agency didn’t update it’s records or wasn’t informed. this stuff can prevent you from getting a home, and now-a-days, a job.
My employer of 4 years is switching over to a new payroll system. As I am a remote employee, we will have to sign in/out via a weblink to a https server. However, they are requiring us to use our names and our full social security numbers as our identifiers. I have expressed that I am uncomfrtable sending my SSN twice a day over the internet, regardles of how secure they think their servers are. It is a small company of less than 100 employees. I have asked for an “employee number” or some other identifier but they have said no. System goes live in 2 weeks, what are my options or legal rights?
I just filled out Registration for a Staffing Firm called “Select Staffing” They wanted all my Personal Information on top of a copy of my Resume, Drivers License Numbers and SSN and they want this to Unwillingly Submit my Private Information to Third Party Websites including Surveys from the United States Government! I think this is Atrosis and should not be a Mandatory Requirement in order to get a Job in the United States, This is America this isn’t INGSOC 1984 type $h1t! I will never trust the Government cause they have raided my house before without Warrant and ransacked my home cause I ran a few American Resistance Forums. Warning people of the Collasping Economy and the Tyrannical Luciferian Plans of the Global Elite. However I don’t tell people thing cause I want people to hire me. But still it’s branded in my Mind and I think our Civil Liberties are attacked when a Computer Program Decides who gets a Job in this Country. Our Government needs to stop treating us like Al Queda and Give us back our Freedom! G0dd4mmit people what the hell is wrong with you that think this is accepting in our Society! Wakeup Sheeple!
Couldn’t a company get a background and credit check just by even having just my full name birthdate and state id card # instead of asking me for my Personal tax information?
They give a 60-90 day probation period upon hiring. Why not do all the background checks then. It is scary that you can’t trust people any more. (Because if the person was a violent criminal, employers cannot afford the liability if he or she were to attack another employee, for one example. Also, I disapprove of probation periods for some very good reasons.)
In what states is it illegal for private companies to require the SSN?
Also is it legal for companies to block individuals from applying based on their SSN?
My question/concern about requiring an SSN up front – before anything else takes place is, can’t a prospective employer use your name, SSN, etc. to find out the answers to all those “illegal” questions that they’re not supposed to ask (age, race, sex, religion, etc.) without your knowledge – thereby avoiding the potential “discrimination lawsuits”?
You know, kind of the same way they get around potential discriminatory terminations by using the “at will agreements” they make you sign, that say they can “let you go at any time with or without reason”. They no longer have to tell you why you’re being let go (making it harder to bring wrongful termination lawsuits against them).
Also, under the guise of “reporting EO hiring statistics to the government”, many online applications ask for detailed racial/ethnic information up front as well. What are the odds that, despite claims to the contrary, that information will not be “misused”?
My practice is to tell a prospective employer that I will give them any personal information they require WHEN THEY WANT TO MAKE ME AN OFFER CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A BACKGROUND CHECK, DRUG SCREEN, CREDIT CHECK – WHATEVER!!!
If they tell me that it’s required in order to move forward with their process, I tell them I’m sorry, but that is MY policy! If they cannot respect that, then they probably won’t respect me in my job anyway. I know it may cost me a great opportunity, but if you don’t look out for yourself these days, nobody else will. That’s for sure! It is making it much harder for me to find a job, but I’m not going to put myself at risk in this way! It’s a shame that us REAL US citizens have to pay because our government allowed non-US citizens into this country, hence the constant threat of terrorism here! It’s certainly not MY fault! So why should I have to continually prove myself in order to find and keep a decent job in the place in which I was born, much less fight so hard to keep my identity?
It’s extremely frustrating to me that we can’t seem to get the “powers that be” to look out for us “little people”. They talk about “putting America to work”, but there’s much more involved in that. How about “let’s give Americans their right to work and support their families without exposing them to fraudulent activities?”
I think this topic is very relevant, given that most people search for jobs online. Readily handing out the information that any hacker can use to identify you is not a good idea, regardless of whether or not it’s a company looking for help. The screeners should be able to filter qualified applicants through job history, skillset, and schooling, if it’s a real potentilal job that is. I tend to think another reason for wanting this information is to check the age of the applicant. Insurance companies don’t like having to insure people of a certain age.
I’ve gone through this social security wringer with a major firm (McDonald’s, main office). The requirement there is for the last four digits of the SSN plus date of birth. A hacker can determine the entire SSN from that data. For candidates, this requirement is outrageous. Yes, age discrimination is one use for the data. Yet next to identity theft, age discrimination is a rather benign worry.
One can’t be too cautious. I *never* provide the SSN on a non-encrypted Web site or in email. After episodes of identity theft, I also use virtual credit cards online. When RFID devices replace swatches on cards, I’ll start using an RF-shielded wallet.
There are further identity threats for job seekers. Beware of phony job inquiries. A hacker will pose as an employer and contact you through email. He or she might already be acquainted with your background through reading a job board resume. Report these emails to the job board! Today, drug testing firms (DTF) make the applicant sign a release. This release protects the DTF from a lawsuit by the applicant. In some cases, lawsuit protection covers the case of false positives! This is a double standard. Any employer seeks a competent, accountable candidate. Yet in turn, the candidate signs away rights to competent, accountable testing!
My understanding of the law (I am not a lawyer) as I see it: an employer is permitted to request your social security number but not a potential employer or one with a job offer. Employers are only allowed to demand your ssn for reporting to the IRS. Because this is becoming such an issue, I believe we need a federal privacy law concerning employers as they are becoming more invasive on an individual’s privacy.
In the IT World, I get calls all the time from agencies all over the country, so when they ask for a social, it’s good to check the company out first before supplying it. This worked for my most recent agency. I of course can’t fly cross-country just to fill out one field on a form.
Booze Allen had me fill out 10 pages of personal information prior to the interview. At first they only wanted me to provide my race/gender – when I ignored the request, they sent me the entire appliciation. I basically filled it out thinking that I had a good chance of getting the job. After the interview, I received an e-mail from them, stating that I was not qualified for the job. THIS WAS TOTALLY DISCRIMINATION! Today, I received a job alert from AT&T. After submitting my resume, they sent an email requesting that I fill out a background check form and an EEOC race/gender form before they can consider me for an interview. I deleted my profile from the AT&T site, and ignored their email. I believe this is a new trend, with employers. Be careful.
Blah, blah. I will give anyone my social.
Not only is there a possibility of any size organization being hacked, employees are in a position to share personal information. They can sell it or provide the information to someone else.
Unfortunately, once the information is released by whomever, it is hard to discover who the perpetrator was.
How about DMV workers caught selling driver license information. Consequently, personal information should never be required until a job seeker receives a viable job offer.
For example, if you apply for a job on the San Diego County employment site using the on-line application requires DOB, Drivers License, and SSI. This is a government agency.
I suggest scrolling through the application first, if possible, to avoid wasting your time filling out the on-line form, only to get to a page that requires this information. The application can ask for only the month and day (not year) but to have this information is really useless, unless you become an employee.
As a result, companies who require this information lose top talent applicants because of antiquaited policies.
The SsN was never to be used as an ID for any other purposes than related to Social Security. Read the laws regarding the use of the number. I find it disturbing how cavalier some are in giving or requesting this number. When the number 1 crime in America is identity theft, shouldn’t an individual guard that number. What if as employees we were as cavalier about security codes or computer access codes as they want us to be with our personal identification information? Just because it is “accepted” does not make it right. It is time to put a stop to the practice with legislation. Maybe if a careless company had to pay a substantial penalty, they would begin to understand. Maybe if they were financially responsible for repairing a person’s stolen identity and they were made a public example, the practice of irresponsibly using this number would stop. Think people, that number links your whole life. Once stolen, your life, reputation and future earning potential is worth crap.
Well, I’m really glad to see this article as well as the comments. I am currently unemployed and would love to get a job. All the companies I have applied to so far require that I go online to fill out an application and do require SS#. You cannot fill out the application in its entirety unless you supply the SS#. In this day and age – with identity theft and hackers breaking into the government’s websites, I would think companies would see how wrong it is to require this information. Our government is quite lax when it comes to protecting us in the internet age. Why hasn’t a law already been erected against having to fill out this information until you come in for an interview? They should have a law against having to fill out this information online. They aren’t idiots about the internet; they know how it works, so why are they acting like we are stuck with a 50s mentality? C’mon get with the program gov.
I have been contacted by several head hunters from staffing agencies. I am asked to come in and fill out their application along with signing their consent to run a background check, check references, and so on. I was asked to put my s.s. # on the application. That didn’t sit well with me. The receptionist was pushy. I told her nicely that upon assignment and “IF” if she places me she can have it then and I will return to provide it. She was adamant and insisted she needed it for e-verify. She slid it through her machine. And I never heard back from the staffing firm again. I called and left two messages. This is a verified agency. And she was aware of how I felt about providing my social. The least they can do is return my calls. I just don’t understand the purpose of being bullied into to providing my s.s.#. If I want a job, is this what I have to look forward to? It kind of feels like I was treated like a 1 night stand. lol….
Any suggestions?
I forgot another thing I wanted to add. There is a very good reason why we are being asked for more and more information despite how easily people have had identity theft. This is a big business age. Government allows this because it knows it will generate more and more people that have identity theft. Hence you need to buy identity theft “insurance.” There are new companies and business being started because of this. The more business, the more money government gets.
I had an interview today with a well-known non-profit organization. In addition to filling out an application, prior to my interview, I was required to fill out a background check form, providing my SS# and birth date. They also wanted references, which is not that uncommon, but I feel like all this information should not be requested until one is at least “shortlisted” for the job. Not only is there potential for identity theft, but it is wide open for age discrimination. Also, references are golden. I don’t want to have to keep telling my references that they may be contacted before we even move forward with the interviewing process. I did not fill out the background check form. Upon leaving, I told them I didn’t feel comfortable giving out this information right now and wanted to wait until later if we proceeded to the next level. The receptionist claimed they’d shred the information. She was hesitant and said she’d ask the person who interviewed me if it was okay, while I waited in the reception area. I wasn’t going to leave the information either way. Of course the interviewer said it was okay, but I am sure I am now not going to be considered.
I seriously thought about using a fake birth date and SS# or writing them out so illegibly, it would be difficult to read correctly. I don’t understand why we have to provide this information so freely. I don’t remember it being like this ten years ago. This is not the only company that required me to provide this information. Something should be done about this. I am at least going to find out if it is legal in my state.
This is outrageous. I was just about to try and apply, but they ask for a ssn? Come on world, what’s really going on, spying on neighbors? What happened to work hard and let it be. They do not need mine if they won’t hire me anyway. Walmart and the goons are just trying to invade the privacy of Americans. Gullible enough.
I’ve noticed that most up on this site don’t have a clue about not giving out your social security numbers to any agency, business, job, or hospital. You don’t have to give out your number and the law states this. Seems that no one studying Law, Common Laws that is, that do exist, anyone can go google this. If you don’t believe me go look this up: “The Privacy Act of 1974″ and “Section 7 of the Act states: (a)(1) It shall be unlawful for any Federal, State or government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual’s refusal to disclose his social security account number.” Don’t believe anything I say, it’s in the law, go read it for yourself. I’ve showed many jobs that and they asked me where did I get that after I refused to give them my SSN and then I said give me your name cause I’m gonna put a lawsuit on this company for prejudice, and they said no don’t do that and they hired me. Under the Privacy Act of 1974 there are many laws: people can get locked up if they ever given out your number to any third party agency or anyone for that matter. And trust me, there are many other things I have learned that the Government is a crook. We can also send mail for only 3 cents. That’s right, you heard me: 3 cents. Most people don’t have a clue what’s going on. We are being robbed when they’re charging 45 cents a stamp. Well, I no longer pay that I’m exempt from it, and it all deals with the common law that exists but they don’t want you to know about it. I even beat tickets by using common law jurisdiction. Have a blessed day…We all have Rights and we all must start asserting them. If you don’t assert your rights, that means you have none!
There is a reason they do it. Your information is being sold to financial institutions and marketing firms, to generate junk mail , spam, and credit card offerings, etc; Every company does it, public and private. Think about it, why else would they collect so much information, especially without the prospect of an interview. I would guess that the majority of the online application are generated by marketing firms that partner with an organization. In this way the organization is not burden financially with process and support of endless amount of information, while the marketing companies can sell the info to generate call and mailing list to other agencies. It is premise behind Facebook., and it is because of Facebook, that these surveys are becoming more aggressive with your personal information. I have had online jobs ask for my picture, my driver’s license , my age, and race. Information that we all thought was protected. However, with the Facebook craze where people willing give this information , those protections are being squandered. If you ask me a line needs to be drawn in the sand. You should not have answer this information unless you get an interview. Otherwise, we are all becoming vulnerable to identity theft. Another thing that has become our responsibility to take care of, and not the parties who make it possible for it to occur.
Do you want a job? I have worked in situations where 90% of the clients I recruited for required the last four of social and month and day of birth. They use this to make sure you haven’t worked there before, and if you have that you are eligible for re-hire.
Imagine this scenario:
Suzy Smith just got married (and more polished) and became Susan Jackson
Suzy worked for Co. XYZ in the 80′s and she did a terrible job then and got fired. Fast forward 30 years, Susan is applying for a job at Co. ABC (they bought Co. XYZ in the 90′s but Susan doesnt know this). She doesn’t include 30 years worth of experience on her resume, she doesn’t think the two companies are connected.
Susan Jackson gets a job offer, gives her 2 weeks notice, and shows up on day one with her Social Sec card and DL ready to start. By day three, payroll and HR have gotten her info into the system. Lo and behold, Suzy Smith and Susan Jackson are one and the same…and guess what? Also not eligible for re-hire. So what becomes of Susan? She has left her job of ten years for a new one, and guess what she’s fired from that one before she even starts. You imagine how bad that would be for Susan. I have seen the exact situation occur,you wouldnt believe how “Suzy” cried and cried, “What I am supposed to do now?
At the end of the day, this information does serve a purpose that is helpful to both the employer and employee.
Back to recruiting people who DO want to work!
I am convinced the unemployment rate climbs because of peoples’ sense of entitlement, and down right unwarranted paranoia. I’m not putting my personal information on-line?! Im not giving you my SSN?! I even had a candidate demand to be paid for her interview. 100 years ago people got a job based on connections and word of mouth…in 2012 however you do have to fill out an application, and provide your personal info.
I mean you all can’t possibly think a company wants to wait to find out if you’ve been convicted of embezzlement, fraud, and kidnapping on your first day?! The hiring process is lengthy and expensive. That typing test you’re taking is just free to YOU. That background check we run is just free to YOU. And having the priviledge and ability to apply on-line is just free for YOU!
The 1800′s are calling, they are wondering where their most diligent employees went.
Thats all for free
I think that employers should not be asking for our social security numbers until they have hired us, or at least made a job offer to do any background checks on us that they may need to do.
I have found to many scam (fake) jobs posted that I have referred to my state attorney general’s office. I do not wish my last bit of privacy to be handed out to just anyone that is not paying me and needing it only for tax purposes.
You are not even able to write in that section available, because it demands numbers, so I have begun to put either all X’s or all 9′s or all of one number and if there are any comment boxes I then write my social is available upon selection for employment.
There is too much identity theft and you cannot trust anyone with your personal ID, they should come up with another way to ID us without our social and keep that one thing private. Also if they have our social that is another way of age discrimination because our age will be associated with it with government files on us. I have already been discriminated against for my age.
I will not give it out online. Who knows who is intercepting our information with all of the hackers out there.
That is my opinion and I’m sticking with it.
As an employer I would weed out an employee stupid enough to give out their soc # before hired. As an unemployed person I would give out anything to eat.
Erica (above) is a prime example of what is going on in our corporations today. She speaks of a sense of entitlement, yet she appears to be the one who thinks she is entitled. My hard efforts when I am employed entitle me to that job. I know I want to work, and I am a great worker, but I should not have to forfeit my privacy to get a low paying job. When I say privacy, I’m not talking about a potential employer, which I don’t have a problem disclosing this information at the right time. However, 3rd parties are getting our information – very easily – and using it.
I also know that a potential employer does not do background checks, etc on every applicant until they have narrowed down their search. They usually do not start the process for a background check until after the interview; with some companies not hiring you until after the 2nd or 3rd interview. Once I receive a telephone call / email to set up the interview, I have no problem giving out my SSN.
Erica, you know where our unemployment is coming from and by this time should know it’s not just from people that feel “entitled”. Or, is your head stuck so far up your A## that you don’t realize why our economy is the way it is today? Wake up Erica – it’s not paranoia or do you work for the companies that collect our information and sell it? This is a real epidemic that has begun to take ahold of our world. People’s information is being compromised. You want to talk about the 1800s Erica, maybe you should go back to them since obviously YOU don’t know what is happening TODAY in the 21st century!
Leave a phone number instead.
If it won’t accept something like 111 22 333, leave the first enterable numbers of your phone number.
With all the id theft, online exploits, etc, you have legit security reasons NOT to provide online and reason to say: “sorry but I NEVER do provide it online or over the phone per legal and security advice.”
“I’d be willing to provide it in person after the interview process for sure. I’m a highly security-conscious type of person and I will be that way for your company too.”
Or if you feel awkward, perhaps you could say, “I have an automatic password filler app and that’s the mistake it made — sorry about that. Can I bring the info to you in person for my interview?”
I am a Registered nurse and have worked for staffing agencies in the past. Now, recently, looking for work, I get emails from recruiters with “potential” job opportunities. They won’t divulge the name of the hospital because of competition, however before you are even considered they request A COPY OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, driver’s license, etc. I emailed the recruiter telling her that I do not give out my social security card to ANYONE before I am offered a job. Her response was “this is part of the recruitment process.” I’ve never heard of such a thing. Furthermore, she stated, “I didn’t ask you to email your SS card, but requested you to fax a copy of it.” Ummm…what’s the difference? I am wondering how these companies get away with “collecting” ss#s, yet have no job to offer you. Is this legal?
Lucy said: “I should not have to forfeit my privacy to get a low paying job.”
I agree 100%! It makes no sense that I should have to provide my SSN to a job that’s going to pay me minimum wage. They say they do it for background checks. Background checks for what? Criminal records? But you’re not supposed to discriminate against people with criminal records ANYWAY so why should it matter?!
An application for a part time job with minimum wage pay, no benefits, and precarious work hours wants my ssn? No.
As an HR professional, I find it disturbing that a company like Lowes is demanding SS# and DOBs on their online application. This personal information is “supposedly” only going to be seen by the company contracted to conduct their backgound checks. Uuummm… how do you conduct a background check without so much as an interview??? Never mind that the SS# and DOB are stored on a 3rd party’s website. I’m sure it’s convenient to collect all the applicant’s data at once but please this is BAD employment PRACTICE.
On the Federal government on USAJOBS, when one applies to a position they are routed to monster.com and the application is NOT accepted unless the applicant provides the “required” date of birth and social security number. So these rules are for everyone but the government and in order to apply for a job one has to risk ones identity…What can be done about the government Office of Personnel Management (OPM) procedures ? How can they be stopped from doing this ? Does the HR industry believe this is okay ? Can I sue ?
In the last two weeks I have been asked for all of following in completing online applications. All asked for DOB, SSN, some asked for year of graduation from High School (the jobs required a college degree).
Not only is this dangerous to my personal information, it points to a goal of age discrimination.
I’ve been in HR for over 20 years – no company I’ve every worked for would have required such information in the application process. After an offer, the usual information needed for the background check was requested by the company doing our background checks. I wouldn’t have seen a DOB or SSN until the day one of employment when payroll and insurance forms would be completed.
I was offered a job from an insurance company “Insurance Interactive” which opened 3 months prior and had mostly a bare office. I came in for an interview and was told during, I had the job. I came back the following day to give my Social Security card. The next day I was told the manager was out of town on a family emergency. I have not started working in over a week.
Was that a scam to get my personal information? Should I call or report it somehow?
Kevin,
I don’t know what to say. Is the company still there a couple of days later? Check with your local Chamber to see if they are a business. You might even talk with the police if the situation continues to look odd. Do check back.
While shopping for a new internet company( bundle price) before starting service they asked for my social sec. number. I told them no way will I give that out. too much identity theft. So they would not let me sign up for new service unless I gave it or put down a 600 deposit. So I did not sign up————-will not give my soc sec number out. this was Century Link—————–they guranteed that it was safe. I don’t believe that———just be aware
I wanted to let you know about a new petition I created on We the People,
a new feature on WhiteHouse.gov, and ask for your support. Will you add your
name to mine? If this petition gets 25,000 signatures by February 06, 2013,
the White House will review it and respond!
create a Job Applicant Bill of Rights
Prevent companies from requesting social security number, drivers license
number, state id number and date of birth on a job application, whether it is
an online, a paper job application; there by protecting job applicants from
identity theft.
Some online job applications require applicants to use their social security
numbers as their user name in order to even start the job application
process. Some online job application will not allow a job applicant to
proceed without inputting their social security number.
We need a nationwide act similar to the Utah Employment Selection Procedures
Act May 12, 2009.
We all know not providing requested information put applicants at a
disadvantage. Job applicants should not have to choose between being
considered for a job or protecting their identity
You can view and sign the petition here:
http://wh.gov/PKXH
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/create-job-applicant-bill-rights/XTf6h9t3?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl
@ Andree: you don’t have many petition signatures. I just saw this today. But maybe you didn’t let many people know about this petition? Like I said I just saw it today. Can’t you get a longer deadline on your petition so you can promote it to others? I’m sure many more would sign it if they were aware of it. I would have post it to facebook if I had known. I don’t usually even check back here for some strange reason I did. Anyway. contact me please I will help you promote the signatures as best I can (if you can get an extension or generate a new petition). Thanks. Marinaskylablu (AT) yahoo (DOT) com
Amazing this thread is still active after 3 ½ years.
Until today, none of the many apps I’ve completed over the last couple of months had asked for a DOB or SS#. I ended up here after searching on the legality of the practice.
Fortunately, I was able to indicate that I would provide my SS if tendered a conditional offer, but it did demand a mm/dd/yyyy birthdate. So I entered today’s date.
These companies may not realize it, but they’re committing intellectual suicide by having entry-level people follow line-in-the-sand policies to weed-out critical thinkers.
Enjoy your mediocrity.
And little Erica (comments 51 and 52) sounds like she just got her first job out of junior college. All she sees is that harvesting this data makes her job a no-brainer…literally. Her company probably establishes a credit score threshold each candidate must meet before they’re even considered; it doesn’t require a genius IQ to pull a person’s Beacon #.
Plus, if she is young, no one is going to want her identity anyway. She has nothing of value; no credit history, no bank accounts, no brokerage accounts, and maybe a car loan and student loan or two!
Her arguments for needing the data pre-employment are irrational too. I’ve worked for three large-ish companies in the last five years (two with gross revenue above $7B annually), and none required my SS or DOB on the app. In her scenario where the candidate was not eligible for re-hire, I have this to say: if that was real and she was involved, she should be forced to scrub toilets for the rest of her life. I don’t know much about HR, but what little I do know includes the fact that you NEVER tell a candidate to tender their resignation until they clear background and drug screen. DUH!
Finally, Erica mentions the “privilege” to apply on-line. Who the hell are you kidding? That “privilege” exists for one reason: to save companies money.
People like Erica belong on an assembly line somewhere; as far away from other people as possible.
As of today, Feb 25 2013, these practices are alive and well – and yes, “employed” by the biggest names for the lowest paying to the most lucrative positions. It is the way corporations get around the hiring laws and can avoid asking the illegal questions while arriving at the same results. It is so bad that I think the Department of Justice should investigate. But won’t.
Pull up your States Department of Law and it will state your rights.
My State Law says applicants do not nor should be asked to give out social security numbers unless it is for a Government job. So everyone research your State Law with your State Attorney General. Let the place your applying to is informed, so if they force you to, you will be knowledgable. Stand up for your rights and privacy.
I just applied for a job and they contacted me via email, their email was a private email, not a business or website, they sent an attachment for an application. I downloaded that to fill it out, and yes there was an area for social security number. I did not fill that area in. Sent the app off back to them but copied and pasted my State Law to inform them I do not have to give them my soc sec #. Probably won’t get the job ha!
Check your State’s Department of Law Attorney General’s website.
Mine states applicants cannot be forced to provide social security number on application or at interview. Of course if you’re hired, yes they need it.
So do your homework and know your rights. Let the hiring manager understand that you know your rights.
Good luck and be careful.
I was going to apply online for a job but saw that the amount of personal information they want is excessive. In addition to the social security number (which I think is too much already) they wanted my driver’s license number, state of drivers license, and date of birth. Not to mention the typical address requirement. They would have my entire life in their hands with this amount of information. I agree with most of the comments, why the hell do they need this before a job offer?
While I agree that providing your SSN is better until you are hired, there are also instances when the employer does not get the information from an employee. Adding to the conversation, here’s an article we wrote about this. http://www.docusearch.com/ssn-search-for-employers.html?refer=blog
In the low level jobs if you think the employer is going to ask you to come back to fill in your SSN number and not just move on to the next person you are mistaken. It’s just the norm to put your SSN in and if you don’t you are not going to get hired. This is horrible advise and your article seems really naive like someone who hasn’t had to search for work in a long time. So make your choice, put in your SSN and have the chance of getting hacked or don’t put it in and never get a job.
First of all, I have been looking for full-time work for 3 years now. I am sure it has to do with my age. As the years go by I am getting older not younger. I went to this article to see if HR is checking credit before hiring. My credit is not stellar by any means. I had this happen years ago, where I was offered the job by a large insurance company, they did the credit check after I left the interview, called me back there to (they said) fill out tax forms. I was so happy I would be doing my dream job in media and public relations. I was about 38 years old. Well, when I arrived the recruiter took me in the room and told me they had to rescind the offer. Mind you, I gave notice to my other employer once they made the offer. When she said that, I thought it was a dream. You have to do what I said? We have to rescind the offer she said again. I said, “Mam, you don’t understand. I have two little children and I’ve given notice to my other job already.” Well she didn’t change her mind. I tell you when I left that Illinois company, I was in tears and I almost ran off the road. I thought I was in good hands and I was not. Anyway, I told my father what happened and he could not believe it. He had loaned me money to get new tires, brakes, and an oil change to get me ready for this new job. When I got back home I called the good hands company to speak to the President. Of course, no one responded. Out of hurt and anger, I hired a lawyer from legal aid. To make a sad story short, I won that case against that huge insurance company. It was found that you cannot use credit checks to discriminate against certain classes like women, Blacks, Hispanics, disabled, or other classes. Your credit could be in that shape due to divorce or other unforeseen circumstances. God bless my lawyer, he was from legal aid but I’ll never forget that experience.
“So make your choice, put in your SSN and have the chance of getting hacked or don’t put it in and never get a job.”
John’s comment is unfortunately true. What bad times we are living in..