Job Seeker advice to protect security, both online and offline

The Internet has made it so much easier for Job Seekers to engage and interact with Recruiters and Employers, but please be mindful that this freedom also provides opportunity for fraudsters, especially with regards to identify theft, which you must protect against.

When you send your CV to a Recruiter or potential Employer, or if you upload your CV to an online job board (a great way for them to find you in the first place and hear about unadvertised jobs) please think twice about the personal information you’re disclosing.

These days we recommend that you DON’T include the following on your CV:

• Date of Birth (this is unnecessary under the Equality Act and even if you do wish to include the year alone should suffice)
• Your full address. The town should suffice at this stage
• Passport number or details
• National Insurance number
• Driving licence number or details
• Taxation references
• Names of spouse, dependants or Next of Kin
• Reference names and contact details (‘References available on request should suffice’)
• Scans of Qualifications, Accreditations, Professional Memberships
• Credit card or banking details
• For Contractors – the name and registered number of your Ltd Co or VAT number

As your application progresses to interview and placement though you will be asked for additional information, which reputable Recruiters and Employers need to fully qualify your eligibility for the role. Of course, you should only do so if you are happy that you’re dealing with a reputable company who will handle your data securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

At shortlisting / interview stage you may be asked for:

• Contact details for Referees
• Full postal address
• Contact numbers

At placement you will also need to provide:

• Bank account details – that’s assuming you want to get paid!
• Copies of qualifications, accreditations and professional memberships
• Proof of your Identity / Right to Work in the UK (usually your passport), which is now a legal requirement
• For contractors – your Ltd Co Certificate of Incorporation, VAT registration and bank details
• Next of Kin – names and contact details

Even at this stage though you should remain vigilant and question if you are asked for information that is unrelated to your employment.

The Internet is a great tool for keeping you up to date with the latest job opportunities. All we are suggesting is that you think twice before hitting the send button and only provide information that is necessary for that stage of the selection process.

Of course, we suggest you use established, reputable Recruiters, ideally members of a relevant professional body such as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation who voluntarily work to Codes of Conduct over those mandated by law, giving you additional comfort.

For more advice about finding your next position online safely, visit www.safer-jobs.com or speak with your Account Manager at Technology Resourcing.