The process of submitting your resume to apply for a job opening is as easy as clicking the mouse on your computer. However, flooding cyberspace with your resume may not always be the safest move. It can place your confidential information at risk and expose you to scam artists and identity thieves. Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to posting your resume online.
1. Don’t share personal information. The sort of private information you would routinely post on a paper resume can put you at risk when posting a resume online. Certainly, never include your social security number, your driver’s license number, your age, your address or financial information.
2. Be vague about personal details. List simply your city or region for an address. If you don’t want your current employer to know you’re looking for a job, don’t list the employer by name. Simply offer a generic explanation, such as an “international software company.”
3. Do set up a job search email address. Establish an email address that you use solely for job hunting. This way, you won’t expose your personal email to the spam you might receive after posting your resume, and you’ll be able to track emails related to your job search more easily.
4. Do limit reference information. If someone is nice enough to provide a reference for you, don’t repay the favor by placing his or her personal information at risk. Limit contact information for your references as well.
5. Don’t overlook the fine print. Review the privacy policy of job sites, and understand what will happen with your personal information. Find out how long a site or board will hang onto your resume.
Yes, posting a resume and clicking might be simple enough, but you owe it to yourself to invest more effort in protecting your information. However, keeping your personal information secure may save you valuable time and resources, allowing you opportunity to search for that dream job you’ve been looking for.