Networking Safely: Protecting Your Online Privacy

​Whether you’re an entry-level applicant or a longtime worker, job hunting demands inner toughness. Things may be changing at your workplace, and you realize it’s time to seek a new role elsewhere. The need for a new job pushes us into unfamiliar territory. Since many of our job opportunities arise through our connections, we seek to maintain work friendships and contacts. Over occasional coffee dates with past co-workers or at work affiliation gatherings we can share information on jobs and companies, give and get some encouragement, and take steps to advance our careers. A successful job pursuit begins with our network of personal contacts.

​Internet tools let us network with more people over a much broader area, but the online environment has also created some hazards. While introducing yourself to potential employers, here are some tips to help you protect your personal information from those who might try to misuse it.

Tips for Networking

​As you look through job listings and contact prospective employers, look out for phishing schemes and fraud in all communications. You’ve heard this before: if someone sends you a suspicious-looking email or LinkedIn message, don’t click on any links it might contain. If a message looks suspicious, simply delete it. By making a spreadsheet to track your applications, company contacts and follow-up actions, you’ll also be better able to remember companies that are (or aren’t!) legitimate. And for an added amount of organization and security, create an email address that you only use while looking for a job. Not only will it streamline the process, it will protect your personal email should any unwanted, suspicious job offers come your way.

​The next recommendation is to be stingy about sharing personal data. You’ve probably polished your LinkedIn profile with your most recent career information, since 87 percent of recruiters rely on LinkedIn. But when creating security questions for online accounts, don’t use information that’s on your LinkedIn or other social accounts. Turn on privacy settings and delete or privatize unflattering information on social media accounts.

​Never share your social security number on an application; only give it to an employer when you accept a position so they can run a background check. Don’t post your personal information (such as your address, marital status or religion) on a resume that you upload to LinkedIn. Take the same precaution on behalf of your references as well. It is preferable to print their contact details on a separate sheet and carry the reference information to the interview.

​Our last tip comes by way of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), whose work includes protecting citizens from scammers who target job hunters. You will likely see some bogus job ads, as these scammers place their advertisements alongside those of legitimate employers. The FTC warns of a few ways to identify scammers: you might be asked to shell out your own money to get a position, or you may be asked for your credit card information. Additionally, as others have warned, if you are “hired” without an interview, you can be fairly certain it’s a scam. Be sure to research each company and check their reviews prior to contacting them about job opportunities.

​Whether your next job comes through Handshake, Indeed, or your best friend, hopefully you can avoid any pitfalls in the search. We know that connecting with supportive people can invigorate us and help turn a tough task into an adventurous process.