Is Applying For A Job Online Safe?

Searching for the type of job you want is fast and easy, and you can see new jobs as soon as employers and agencies post them online. Many companies support online applications and expect to receive the candidate’s information, the same way most candidates want the option to apply online via a computer or a mobile device. It is a mutually beneficial way to quickly transmit information and start the hiring process which cuts down job seeker’s need to spend hours with the traditional method of printing and mailing his resume to countless recipients.  Now the question is “is it safe?” and the answer is generally yes, However, like all online activity, job hunting carries certain risks which you need to be aware of and take precautions against, in order to stay safe.  An applicant who is applying online should keep a few things in mind like, an online application should collect and transfer information to a database on a secure server via TSL/SSL and Access to the applicant database should be limited to the authorized staff of the employer and software provider. A breeding ground for scam artists continues to grow each year as Identity thefts have increased to an overwhelming 18 million cases in 2017 and another 12 million more for 2018. Many of these cases are the result of phishing — so not surprisingly, the employment industry is under attack as well. The FTC reports approximately 12% of total fraud involves employment fraud.

What you can do to avoid employment fraud is, visit the company’s website (caution: type the web address into your browser, avoid clicking the link in the e-mail). If you’re still unable to determine the validity of the request, call the company and verify everything including sender’s name, e-mail address. You should always proceed with suspicion when you receive any cold-contact e-mail from someone as it can contain fraudulent content. When using a paid resume submission service, or any other service, ensure the private information you provided is encrypted upon hitting submit button where Encryption ensures the private information you submit online is kept safe. At your browser, you can recognize an encrypted form when the root URL starts with “https:” instead of “HTTP:” or you see the padlock present in the bottom right corner of your screen. When you are registering on a job site, first ensure that the site is reputable and has a physical address and landline phone number, wherein Most job sites offer flexibility regarding whether you keep your profile ‘public’, ‘confidential’ or ‘private’ and Never divulge private information such as your National Insurance number, driver's license number, bank account information, credit card information or passport number. Work at home scheme is a favourite vehicle for fraudsters. Be particularly aware of envelope-stuffing, assembly work and medical billing or claims processing work. Legitimate work-at-home employers should be willing and able to answer a variety of questions about their programs like what tasks you will have to perform, whether you will be paid a salary, or your pay is based on commission, who you will be paid by and when you will receive your first payment.

You need to ensure that a potential employer is genuine before meeting for an interview, to ensure that your personal safety is not threatened. Be aware of approaches for jobs on social media sites where you have a profile and also ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you go online. There are some job websites which are safe, effective and user-friendly which include Naukri, Indeed and Monsterwhich allows you to apply for verified jobs online.