Q. Ralph asks, "What should I do when an online application asks for my social security number?"
A. Why are you filling out an online application? Remember that there is little mileage in applying online. But sometimes you end up doing it anyway for a number of reasons, usually after you have made direct contact with a company and they ask you to apply online. But, even then, if you are talking with the hiring manager and have established interest this is usually not required .
But - when you have to do it, how do you handle the SS question? You certainly do not want to give away information that someone can use to steal your identity.
First try to bypass the question. If it is required, see if the field will accept an alphanumeric entry. If so, enter something like "will disclose later" or "when mutual interest is established." If that doesn't work try to construct a number using one digit, like this: 555-55-5555.
If nothing works then you have to determine if this is a legitimate company. If you are unable to do that with certainty, then your best bet to protect your identity is to skip it rather than taking a chance.
But - when you have to do it, how do you handle the SS question? You certainly do not want to give away information that someone can use to steal your identity.
First try to bypass the question. If it is required, see if the field will accept an alphanumeric entry. If so, enter something like "will disclose later" or "when mutual interest is established." If that doesn't work try to construct a number using one digit, like this: 555-55-5555.
If nothing works then you have to determine if this is a legitimate company. If you are unable to do that with certainty, then your best bet to protect your identity is to skip it rather than taking a chance.
