Today started with quite a jolt, both professionally and personally.
Incident A:
My first call was with a job seeker who questioned the “Confidential” job listings on the EstateJobs site. She had a very good point – why would agencies post job anonymously, and how do I know my information is safe when applying? The first answer is that sometimes client or agency confidentiality is used to avoid excessive phone calls on a position, or to maintain discretion. The second answer is, you don't know for sure that your information is safe! I did all I could to assure her that client users of the EstateJobs site are pre-approved by us, and there have been no quantifiable fraud issues through the site in 15 years of existence. Safe job search is part of the reason I built the site! However, the bottom line is this: You as a job seeker must use your own judgment and safeguard your own information. So how should you proceed?
Incident B:
Within minutes of the discussion above, I received an email from Chase Bank telling me a hard inquiry just appeared on my credit report from a company I never contacted. Yikes! I'm very particular about my credit rating and personal records, so I jumped on the solution ASAP. After a call to the company and reviewing the application they received in my name, it was indeed fraud and they were great about taking action. They cancelled the application and turned it in to their fraud department, and they will inform the credit bureaus to remove the inquiry. My next step was to keep this from happening again, and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner! I went online to the 3 main credit bureaus:
(Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and LOCKED my credit file. Nobody (Including me) will be able to make an inquiry or application for new credit in my name ever again. And I can unlock this access myself anytime when I need to allow access. (Not very often!) So easy, and like I said, I surprised myself that I hadn't taken this precaution earlier. Note: There are both paid and free options to do this. I like the free.
What's the point? Always Use Protection.
In today's mostly virtual world all job seeking activity will involve an exchange of personal data. Make sure that if you are engaged in any application process that you have your credit file LOCKED! That's the safest and ultimate line of defense against identity theft. If they can't get your money, they'll move on. The credit lock is one great tool to employ here, but ultimately your best tool is sound judgment. You will personally be responsible for making additional choices that affect your security and peace of mind along the way. Here are a few tips:
NEVER pay for anything in advance on a client's behalf, even if reimbursement is promised. (The one exception is if you have a reputable agency who knows the client is good for it.)NEVER commit to travel or other time and financial expense if the client is not identified to you beforehand. Going in completely blind to an interview is 100% at your discretion, but unless it is quite convenient and extensive personal data is not required, I can't advise it. You'll have to have your own fraud radar active at all times, and if something seems “off” then ask for more clarity until you are comfortable taking action. Fortunately there is very little targeted fraud in our business, but be as careful as possible, especially when you are volunteering your intimate personal information. Good luck out there!