It’s Data Privacy Week in Canada! As a job seeker, you could be at risk of encountering fraudulent employment opportunities, account hacking, and personal information theft when you go online. Protecting your privacy should be a top priority when searching for work. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker, individuals reported losses of nearly $840,000 in the first three months of 2023, representing an increase of over 250% compared to 2022. When looking for jobs, it’s essential to exercise caution and take steps to safeguard yourself against potential scams or hacking. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
Limit Personal Information
Include only the necessary information on your resume and online profiles. When applying for jobs, provide only the required information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your social security number or home address until you’ve been offered a job. If you use social media, be cautious about what you post online and the content you engage with.
Be Cautious with Online Job Boards
Use reputable job boards and research the companies before applying. Check the privacy policies of job sites to understand how your data will be used. Additionally, be wary of any websites that ask for personal information upfront or charge a fee to view job postings.
Use Secure Connections
Avoid conducting job searches on public Wi-Fi networks; use a VPN if necessary. Ensure your websites are secure (look for HTTPS in the URL). You can take this further by validating a website with the Google Safe Browsing Transparency Report or checking to see how long a website has been active with the Whois Lookup domain tracker.
Beware of Scams
Be cautious of job offers that seem too good or require upfront fees. One indication that a job opportunity may be fraudulent is using unprofessional spelling or language. Reputable companies will likely ensure that their communications, such as job postings or emails, are error-free. Additionally, if you receive an unexpected job offer, research the company and the person who contacted you before providing any personal information or accepting the offer.
Use Strong Passwords
Create unique, strong passwords for job-related accounts and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely, or bring it back to basics with a notebook.
Keep Track of Applications
Maintain a secure record of where you’ve applied and the information you’ve provided. This will help you manage follow-ups and ensure you know who has your information.
If you need additional help with your job search, contact us to learn more about our free employment services and resources: 250.478.9525 or info@worklink.bc.ca