How to protect your personal job application details online

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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 10 Feb 09

Recently, Jody Elliott was featured in an article The Brisbane Times discussing the number of scam websites promising job opportunities or offering information relating to resource industry job opportunities that required individuals to pay.  The following tips are provided to ensure the security of your information as you apply for positions advertised on line.

  • Think twice about opportunities that seem too good to be true – typically they are.  Seems obvious, but in this environment of uncertainty, people are more vulnerable.
  • Never provide your Tax File Number, bank account or credit card details as part of a job application.  Same for your marital status, date of birth or drivers license number.  This information is not required for recruitment purposes.  Never include a photo because it could be lifted and re-used.  Again, it is not required for recruitment purposes.
  • Never pay to lodge an application, to receive ‘job alerts’ or for information about jobs – the relevant employer will always have these advertised freely on the right websites, like their own website or on MyCareer, CareerOne or SEEK.
  • A bona-fide site will ask you to verify your email address, password and username either within the site or by activating a link in an email sent to you from the site (check the URL when you do this to ensure it is coming from the same site you have lodged your details with).  Never respond to an email asking you to reply with typed information.
  • For your career area of interest, do your homework.  For example, in the resource sector, there are a number of tickets or licenses which are necessary for certain roles.  Go to industry sites like the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to learn about role specific requirements and then look on the National Training Authority website for providers (we’ve also provided details in our Inside Guide).  All training in the resource sector, for example, must be done by a nationally accredited training provider, not provided off a website by buying a manual and certificate.
  • Do your homework on the website provider – look for credible links or support by industry.  We have subscribers who have checked us out by going to the employers featured on our website.  This is good!
  • Some will offer a service, like sell a guide or do your resume.  These might be good services, but be clear about what you are paying for and about providing payment up front.  This is your choice, but be aware of the risk.  If you are having your resume done, the person guiding you should not be proposing a ‘one size’ fits all approach – they should be teaching you about the fundamentals of building a targeted resume each time.  We’ve also seen some sites offering a resume service that are riddled with spelling errors. 

  • The Australian Government has a number of online databases you can also access which list, this is always worth checking.

    • Essentially, people should not be asking you a candidate for money to access information about jobs or to obtain a job. Bottom Line


TAGS: Blue Collar, National, Managerial, Professional, Student/Graduate, Trainee / Apprentice, Other