By Kim Kommando
Q. I lost my job of 13 years, and am having little luck so far. You had a question about the Social Security number on online applications. I called my ID theft insurance company. I was told I probably had to use my correct number. Alternatively, I could use all zeros or Xs and my last 4 digits. The company said that in one case, a client had made up a number. It not only was a good number, but it had been stolen. He had a lot of explaining to do. How should I handle this?
A. I'm sorry about your job loss, Mel. Millions of people are finding themselves out of work. It is a national tragedy.
I don't think you can do much about your Social Security number. All employers, including me, ask for it. There are many organizations that use it for identification. That's a situation that needs to be changed.
When we check an applicant's background, we search the court records. They typically use Social Security numbers.
We never hire without that background check. However, you're probably more concerned about the number being intercepted online. I doubt that would happen. But if the online application requires an entry, try 000-00-0000.
Most applications give you room to explain anomalies. Explain your concerns, and say you'll provide your number in the interview.
Also, assure the company you can legally work in the United States. That is a huge issue in Arizona, and probably other states.
Do not try to mislead the company. That would almost certainly boomerang on you. Any lies on the application would rule you out at my business. Furthermore, if you had been hired, lying would be grounds for dismissal.
You should remember that relatively few companies are hiring. The competition for jobs is furious. Firms are getting hundreds of applications for some openings. They are looking for easy reasons to reject applicants. Refusing to provide the number might be one.
Most firms probably use encryption to protect applications. So long as you're sure the company is legitimate, you should be safe.
If you've never heard of the company, it could be an identity-theft scam. You can check companies on the Internet. A firm's Web site should give you an idea of its legitimacy. If you can't confirm it, withhold the number.
In most cases, problems with the number probably would come later. Many companies keep applicants' Social Security numbers in a database. They could be vulnerable to insiders who steal and sell numbers. That's the No. 1 way that numbers are disclosed.
The No. 2 reason is dumpster divers. Companies sometimes discard records en masse, especially when going out of business. People going through trash are often looking for such treasures. Records are supposed to be shredded. But that doesn't always happen.
As I said, Mel, times are hard. Lots of companies are not hiring. Millions of people are looking. Don't do anything to lessen your chances of being considered.