Job Search Privacy & Security: What Every Candidate Should Know

Why Job Search Safety Matters

Scammers and data harvesters increasingly target job seekers, especially on open or insecure platforms. Understanding how to protect your personal information is essential during your job search.

What Not to Include in Your Resume

1. Date of Birth (DOB)
2. Full home address
3. Social Security Number (SSN)
4. Tax IDs or any banking details
5. Primary email ID used for financial accounts, taxes, or family communication

Use a Dedicated Email for Job Search

Always create and use a separate email ID solely for job search and application purposes. Avoid using the same email tied to:

• Online banking
• Tax filings
• Family conversations or cloud storage

To ensure convenience, set up auto-forwarding from this dedicated email to your main inbox if needed.

Keep Your Resume Secure

• Use PDF format to prevent unauthorized editing
• Remove hidden metadata (file properties, GPS tags, etc.)
• Don’t include personal phone numbers linked to 2FA or financial services
• Avoid clickable personal links (unless verified and necessary)

How AgFoodJobs.com Keeps You Safe

• No public resume browsing by default
• Employer vetting before they can contact candidates
• Secure, masked communication channels
• Clear job verification and reporting mechanisms

Watch for These Red Flags

• Job offers without interviews
• Recruiters asking for money or banking details
• Vague job descriptions or suspicious links
• Employers using generic emails (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) without company branding

Smart Job Search Habits

1. Use LinkedIn with privacy settings adjusted
2. Never reuse passwords across platforms
3. Verify the company before submitting any information
4. Keep a log of where and when you’ve shared your resume