Should You Include Your Social Security Number on a Job Application - CareerAlley

Should You Include Your Social Security Number on a Job Application - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day. Robert Frost When you fill out a job application, you are often asked to include your social security number. However, many people consider their social security number to be sensitive information, and may not necessarily feel comfortable providing it on a job application. Why a Company Needs Your Social Security Number Businesses and companies have a variety of reasons for requesting a social security number from all applicants. One reason why you may need to include your social security number when you fill out a job application is so the company you wish to work for can conduct a background check. Many companies are starting to do background checks on applicants before scheduling an interview. Background checks can be done using your first name, last name, and date of birth. However, a social security number may yield more accurate results. While a background check can be done using your first and last name, as well as your date of birth; a social security number often yields more accurate results. The Pros and Cons of Including Your Social Security Number Not all companies make it a requirement to include your social security number on a job application. However, not including your number could cost you the chance to advance to a job interview with the company. Many companies and businesses will not consider a job application that does not include the applicants social security number. If you do choose to include your social security number on your job application, you must do so with caution; especially if you are applying for a job online. Before you put your social security number on any job application, do your research on the company to ensure they are a legitimate company, and not simply trying to get your information. Even if you apply for a job position in person, if the company requests your social security number on the application, ask a manager why they need your number. You should also ask the manager if you are required to put your social security number on your application to be considered for the position. If the manager tells you that you must put your social security number on your application, only do so if you feel absolutely comfortable. While more companies are requesting a social security number when you fill out a job application, that does not mean you are required to include it. If possible, try to avoid putting your social security number on a job application until you at least get an interview with the company. A social security number is sensitive information and you should not include it on any application unless it is absolutely necessary. If a company does require you to put your social security number on an application and you are filling out the application in person, ask the hiring manager why you need to include this information. If you are applying for a position online, call the hiring manager and ask what the information will be used for, as well as why it needs to be included on your application. You need to protect your personal information as much as possible. If you do not feel comfortable including certain information on a job application, then avoid it until you get further into the hiring process. Byline Blair Helbert writes articles and runs the social media aspects behind a new site called The Job Headquarters you can read more articles and learn more by clicking here. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook