Social Security numbers on job applications (employment, credit report, alternative, interview) - Job Search -Interviews, resumes, recruiters, and more - City-Data Forum

metamorphosis · 02-13-2013, 05:05 PM

I would like to avoid filling in this space on my job applications. I realize that if someone wants my SS# bad enough they can get it, but why should I make it easy? I'm just not comfy giving it out so "carelessly".

I would like your alternative answers for filling in this item.
"To Be Discussed" seems like I don't have one and I want to explain the issue.
If I leave it blank, it looks incomplete, and looks like I missed it altogether.
I thought about filling it in with XXX-XX-last 4 numbers.

Ideas, please!

bubbathedog · 02-13-2013, 05:14 PM

Most people leave the field blank. In the case of employment, it's necessary for tax and citizenship purposes, but those are really the only times it's required. Personally, I never volunteer the SSN at medical and dental offices and leave it off of all but the legally required documents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by metamorphosis

I would like to avoid filling in this space on my job applications. I realize that if someone wants my SS# bad enough they can get it, but why should I make it easy? I'm just not comfy giving it out so "carelessly".

I would like your alternative answers for filling in this item.
"To Be Discussed" seems like I don't have one and I want to explain the issue.
If I leave it blank, it looks incomplete, and looks like I missed it altogether.
I thought about filling it in with XXX-XX-last 4 numbers.

Ideas, please!

EzPeterson · 02-13-2013, 05:15 PM

Accidentally invert numbers, then correct that when it comes to background time.

bande1102 · 02-13-2013, 05:16 PM

When forced, I usually use 123-45-6789, or 111-11-1111. If at all, possible, I skip the question.

metamorphosis · 02-13-2013, 05:20 PM

Thanks a lot! It also makes me feel better that I'm not alone feeling uneasy giving the number to "just anybody".

Hemlock140 · 02-13-2013, 07:40 PM

They may be doing credit report in advance, but more likely they are trying to avoid wasting time interviewing you if you are not a citizen. If you know it's a legitimate employer, give it to them. If it's "Fred's Investments" on Craigslist don't.

L'Artiste · 02-13-2013, 07:42 PM

I hate that! I haven't even got an interview and you want my SSN???

Nell Plotts · 02-13-2013, 08:47 PM

Credit reports cost $, an employer can't ask for an I-9 until an offer is made. I wouldn't provide it until contacted for interview.

Rubi3 · 02-13-2013, 08:54 PM

Is including it in a job application giving it out carelessly? It doesn't seem so to me.

thebunny · 02-13-2013, 11:14 PM

If you do not fill it out on the application, quite honestly, you are a PITA. I no longer deal with paper applications, but when I did one of the first things I did was to make sure the application is filled out completely. If the SSN section was blank, it went into the "probably too much of a pain" pile.