Posting an Online Resume

Use caution when selecting resume posting sites or when responding to job ads. Any personal information you post online, or send in a hard copy resume, can be used in the wrong way and invade your privacy.

When applying for a job, the only appropriate personal information to have on a website is a professional profile with a summary of your skills and experience. Never include your Social Security Number , personal opinions or photographs (unless the job application requires photos).

The first step in safeguarding your privacy and security is to carefully choose which web job-sites you post your resume. An impressive or well-known name is not a guarantee of security. Many of these sites sell your information to anyone willing to spend a minimal amount. If you're not careful about which resume posting sites you use, you may experience some of the following negative results:

• Your identity can be stolen.
• You may receive spam and unwelcome mail.
• Head-hunters or job recruiters can receive commission for selling your information without your permission or knowledge.
• Your resume may be widely distributed to people and places you don't approve of.
• You may be forced to reveal too much personal information.

Review the following criteria before selecting a resume posting site:

• Read the fine print in their privacy policy.
• Be certain your resume will not be sold or sent to other sites.
• Select sites that do not require personal information such as your name, address, social security number (SSN), date of birth (DOB), personal e-mail address, or phone number to appear on the posting.
• Select only a few sites, preferably ones covering jobs related to your field and in your geographical location.
• Keep track of where you post your resume online. Include information, such as the web address and site name, in a job search folder.

When you post your resume online, do NOT include your references to protect their privacy. You can simply write on your resume that references are available upon request. By doing this, you can avoid potentially releasing your references' information to the public and losing permission to use those people as references.

If you are currently employed, be aware that your employer may be looking through resume posting sites, and it is possible to be fired if you are seen as disloyal. Guard against this possibility by not providing your personal information or listing the name of your current employer. Never list the company phone number, address, or e-mail address.

If you receive replies to your online resume, make certain it is from a legitimate business and do not provide ANY personal information or send any money.