Posting Online Resumes: Is It Safe?

Posting an online resume can be a little sticky, especially if you are currently employed. You don't know who's looking. I've always avoided it for fear of my current employer accidentally stumbling across it by accident. A copy of my updated resume complete with the skills and projects I acquired in position with the company? I would definitely have some explaining to do. Unfortunately, there are other damaging reasons to be cautious about posting your resume online. As I said before, you don't know who's looking.

According to this article, identity thieves consider online jobseekers an easy target. After all, your contact information is right there for the world to see. They contact jobseekers posing as a potential employer, requesting more information (like a Social Security number), and our jobseeker is all too eager to turn over this information, thinking it is for a background check. Once they have this information, ID thieves can apply for credit cards and take out loans in the jobseeker's name.

The identity thief can also use the information you have provided to impersonate you professionally. He/she will literally use your education and employment history to get a job in your field under your name. And guess who the IRS looks for when the income is not reported?

Obviously, the best way to find a new job is do some research and contact a company of interest directly, but if you must post your resume online, do so with caution. Do not provide too much information unless you are sure the person requesting it is who he claims to be. A legitimate employer will only request a background check if you are a serious candidate for the position, and will probably request one after an interview. Practice safe job-hunting, and you'll be more likely to find the job you want without any unnecessary disasters.