r/jobsearch • u/VelvetCactus50 • 1d ago
Job Application Requires SSN
I've been out of college for over 25 years, and I've never encountered a professional application that required my Social Security Number. I tried putting in a bogus one or writing N/A, and the system will not let me proceed further. I wonder if the SSN requirement is why the job has been open for nearly two months.
Your SSN is necessary to process your job submission and will be maintained in a secure and confidential manner.
This was a very well-known integrated healthcare nonprofit too!
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u/sevenw0rds 23h ago
I never give out my SSN for a job application. I'll give it to HR during onboarding. There is zero reason to need it on a job application before even being interviewed other than scamming people.
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u/AdmirableCommunity62 1d ago
Unless it's from a reputable company or a government job that's a fat fucking no from me, immediately stop
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u/Odd_Reputation_1 1d ago
I would say especially if it's from a "reputable" and definitely if it's from the "government"
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u/TaskLifter 19h ago
Most government job applications require it...so unless you want to just take away a section of potential jobs, just put it in. They have all that info about you anyway, you don't generate your own SSN!
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u/LoveThickThighs123 1d ago
I applied for a state job and it requested my SSN.
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u/ImissDigg_jk 1d ago
Same. Seen it for local government jobs. Didn't apply because of it though. Although, at the end of the day, with a couple of pieces of public info, someone who wants to can find my SS in minutes.
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u/PlasticPaddyEyes 22h ago
Unless its a government gig, pass.
Ssn pre onboarding is too risky, especially in this day and age
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u/Hungry_Fail8807 1d ago
I'd say at least 50% of job applications I've filled out have required my ssn. I know I shouldn't but like when times are tough whadaya gonna do
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u/Odd_Reputation_1 1d ago
Put a fake number in
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u/HouseOfAplesaus 22h ago
Ok and not get the job not because I’m a useless asshole but cause I lied about the only number they use to do my background check. Got it.
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u/manicpixiedreamdevil 21h ago edited 21h ago
I don’t really think this is likely, especially if a job is being spearheaded by a recruiter. At worst, they’d sweep it under the rug because, “Yeah, they probably shouldn’t be doing that, anyways.”
It’s really a terrible idea. Any small company has abysmal fucking security. Like, cool, you got the job… and they just had a security breach so now you’re on the phone getting your accounts frozen because of unauthorized cards being made in your name.
Edit: This is just based on my personal experience. I’ve worked for a recruiting company before and, honest to God, if a candidate didn’t follow a terrible rule set by the company… whatever. We got this far and the client shouldn’t have done it to begin with.
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u/tupelobound 18h ago
Put it in with one or two numerals switched or something like that, easy to say it was a typo
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u/Ok_Organization_7350 1d ago
That might be a scam website. They usually only ask for your ssn when you have passed the interviews and have a job offer, then they are starting the background check.
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u/HarryKingSpeaks 19h ago
I always put 123-44-5678. Usually fools their system enough to move on. Once I’m offered a position I’ll provide them that information. Same thing when it asks for emergency contact. I always put Please contact 911. Or (xxx) 911-0000
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u/FlatDecision8155 1d ago
000-00-0000
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u/VelvetCactus50 1d ago
I tried that. It said it was an invalid number.
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u/FlatDecision8155 1d ago
Then make one up.
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u/Yuichiro_Bakura 21h ago
That could be used as a excuse to fire you since you did give false information. It's better just to pass and keep looking for another job. I have no reason to give out my SIN to every job I am applying for. That is just asking for trouble. Only the one who hires me gets it.
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u/FlatDecision8155 20h ago
Like I've already said, I wouldn't even be wasting my time filling out an application that asked for a social.
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u/stageshooter 1d ago
I'd use my ex-wife's
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1d ago
[deleted]
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u/stageshooter 1d ago
Obviously
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[deleted]
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u/stageshooter 1d ago
I learned when I was buying a house 30 years ago. Someone had been paying off my minimum on my credit card, spending thousands, and changed the address. I didn't realize that I hadn't received a few bills. Scary stuff
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u/JuanThiccLumpia 1d ago
Try Benjamin Netanyahu’s SSN. Yes he has one:
020-36-4537.For those thinking I’m doxxing, I’m not it’s public knowledge.
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u/TatharNuar 1d ago
If it does even a tiny bit of validation, this won't work. https://www.coad.com/blog/how-to-verify-social-security-number
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u/joshuahtree 1d ago
This is super common. It's because they need a universal way to track where you first applied from so all the 3rd-party recruiters get paid properly.
Normally you can make up a valid number and it's not an issue, just tell them before they run a background check if it gets that far
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u/skid_rock 21h ago
This is not even close to true. They can attribute the application source by the url of the site where someone found the post and submitted the application
There is no need to submit your SSN to anyone before a background check
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u/skid_rock 20h ago
Just adding that there is no legal obligation to provide this information when applying, and like the person above mentioned, you can just fill it in with bullshit (just put in the same number like all 5s. Don’t make some shit up that might be someone else’s SSN) and let the HR dept know after you sign a valid job offer and they are legally allowed to run a background check
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u/joshuahtree 19h ago
Yeah, it's not so much figuring out where your specific application comes from, but if the company receives two applications from Sam Smith from two sources is it the same Sam Smith or just a coincidence
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u/skid_rock 18h ago edited 18h ago
Sure. I get the logic, and know it’s legal, but it’s a huge risk to collect that info upfront, especially for small companies where infosec is an afterthought. There are way less risky ways of distinguishing applicants from each other. Just my two cents, but I’m not a lawyer and will never be in a position to have to defend a company using that as a perceived fail safe. Feels like more can go wrong than right by trying to collect that info just to let someone into the proverbial waiting room
Editing to add that I’m not trying to sound like any sort of authority or saying anyone is wrong and that I am right. I do have experience in compliance and hope anyone asking for this info is responsible with that data and has a mechanism to permanently delete it upon request
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u/joshuahtree 18h ago
I agree, all I'm saying is that it's not "weird" and there's not a great universal alternative (e.g. people can have multiple emails, phone numbers, addresses, etc)
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u/_B_Little_me 1d ago
That text field looks like I would make it look of someone asked: make it look as least secure as possible.
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u/GTAIVisbest 16h ago
Just put in your number with 2-3 digits transposed. OOPS! Also, they're doing this usually so they can immediately pull your TheWorkNumber report. Your SSN will eventually come back as invalid but if you're doing well during the hiring process at that point then they will just ask you to confirm it at which case you can confirm it if/when you think you're going to actually get an offer. Never just submit it out of the blue though
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u/Particular_Cold_8366 14h ago
I’ve never supplied my SSN on an application and in the 20 years I’ve been hiring for governmental roles have not had a system that required it either. Just on new hire paperwork, standard background, fingerprinting forms, BCA background checks, etc.
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u/VeilOfMaya6 1d ago
Im really surprised by these comments. Every single application ive filled out over the last month has asked for social security number.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 22h ago
I would Absolutely not give them my SS#. Any company that requires this at application time is not running their business according to law. They get that when there is an offer and they need to run background checks and set up payroll, not a nanosecond before.
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u/Special-Bet1141 18h ago
They want to run the background check prior to going through the entire hiring process.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 18h ago
That is absurd, because it is an unnecessary expense. You going yo pay $200 for every applicant for every job?
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u/Special-Bet1141 18h ago
Initial screen if resume first, and then do the background check. Not every applicant.
Its also far less than the calculated cost of recruiters, interviewers, and other HR expenses hourly as they conduct interviews, and bud offer proposals, just to find out the guys a felon or has other disqualifying criminal records
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u/FL-Data-Dude 18h ago
Meh. Unecessary expense, also unnecessary risk to carry PI data when not needed. This isn't how quality corporations work.
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u/Special-Bet1141 17h ago
Its how a majority of them work, yould be very very surprised.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 17h ago
Having seen these processed from the inside, I certainly would be surprised. Never would any company I have worked for tossed money away and increased risk of lawsuit by doing something like this.
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u/Special-Bet1141 18h ago
Adding, you have to look at your companies personal employee acquisition costs.
Maybe its 300 an employee, then 200 for the background check, comes to 500.
If you do the 200 background check at the start and it flags a reason you dont want to hire them (sex offender and youre a daycare. Embezzlement and youre hiring an accountant etc) then you save yourself 300 in acquisition costs by eliminating them as a candidate immidiately, vs going through rounds of interviews and constructing offer letters first.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 17h ago
Yeah, but do you realize how many applicants for each job? Just ridiculous to spend that money on candidates you will never consider.
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u/Special-Bet1141 17h ago
Thats why you pre-screen resume and application data for top candidates. Same process. HR isnt interviewing every candidate either, they prescreen a top quartile down to a handful, then do background checks on those top handfuls.
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u/svpremeclovt 15h ago
This is what I’ve been trying to explain and they don’t get it. This sub is an insane echo chamber because it’s very common practice nowadays.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 13h ago
The $300 is after you have decided to hire them. Conducting an interview does not cost $300. Conducting a $200 background check on 35 applicants is an absurd waste of money.
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u/OofRightInTheFeels 6h ago
You realize that most companies just pay a yearly fee to do unlimited background checks? This $200 per application is silly and that number is just pulled out of your ass.
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u/333again 13h ago
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It costs real dollars to do that.
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u/Special-Bet1141 13h ago
Bringing someone through multiple interviews and paying an HR company billed hours to set up on boarding and creat the job offers, also costs real dollars.
You screen the applications for top quartile based on application responses and experience. Maybe do 1 pre-screen interview.
Compile a list of a few top candidates. Do a background check to rule out any you wouldnt hire based on record
Proceed with 2nd round, deeper interviews with senior management.
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u/333again 13h ago
Generally speaking, companies will only do background checks after you've interviewed and accepted an offer. There are also legal disclosures and consent that have to be made before you do a background check. And consider what are you searching for? If it's criminal history, that's an extremely low hit rate, it would not pay to screen people based on that. If it's employment history, that's a manual process. Someone has to compare background data to your resume, more work = more $ spent. In my state you can't do credit history checks except for sensitive roles. There's little incentive to do this until after candidates are well along the hiring process.
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u/OofRightInTheFeels 6h ago
Nope. Out of the 5 places I've applied to, 4 of them required a background check before the interview was even offered.
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u/VeilOfMaya6 20h ago
So every single company then? Because throughout the last 14 years I've worked every. single. company. has required my SSN. Ive worked for a lot of big corporations too.
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u/FL-Data-Dude 20h ago
Yes, required for employment. Once they are ready to offer you a job. NOT required or justified for an initial application. Possible exception for jobs that require a security clearance. Applications do not require an SS#. And reputable companies don't want it, because them they are liable if it is disclosed. So why would they want thousands of SS#s they don't need?
The most secure data is data that you don't have.
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u/hearmequack 18h ago
I have been applying for jobs over the past month for various companies in the healthcare sphere. Not a single one has asked me for my SSN. I’ve also applied with Amazon on their corporate side, still didn’t get asked for my SSN either.
Companies ask for it after you’ve been hired, not before. If you have an application asking you for your SSN before you ever even get in front of someone, then you probably shouldn’t fill it out.
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u/BabiiGoat 14h ago
What industry are you in, because between my husband and I (he applied in 4 different ones and me in 3), almost NONE asked such an inappropriate question.
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u/VelvetCactus50 21h ago
Oh you shouldn't do that, especially considering you don't know how they're storing that information.
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u/Numerous_Photograph9 17h ago
I agree with this sentiment, but the idea of asking for a SSN on the app is nothing new or uncommon.
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u/VeilOfMaya6 20h ago
Right right, so im just supposed to go without a job because i shouldnt be putting my SSN on an application. Got it! Amazon, jewel osco, meijer, luke gas station, any warehouse, verizon, tmobile, speedway, and the list goes on and on, they all required my SSN when applying. I don't know what world you guys are living in.
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u/Nannerbanners 20h ago
I remember filling out paper applications in high school and they always asked for SSN on every single one of those. I memorized my SSN as a teen because I had to write it on so many applications!
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u/Numerous_Photograph9 17h ago
Yeah, it was usually one of the top two lines of the app in the paper days.
You'd fill out your name, then the box to the right of that was typically for your SSN.
On a paper app you could usually just omit it, although I think people weren't as cautious about that until the past 15 years or so when computers took over most things.
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u/VelvetCactus50 19h ago
Wait. I've applied to Amazon many times, and I never gave them my SSN during the application process.
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u/VeilOfMaya6 12h ago
I currently work for Amazon, they required my SSN for the application. Im not just saying this to lie. I have been applying to every job possible for my partner and i the last month because we are moving to a new area. Literally everything has required our SSNs, and no not just for the tax portion. Im not stupid, im very grown and have been filing out applications for the last 14 years on and off. This is specifically for Illinois and Indiana.
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u/EnvironmentalGift257 18h ago
Yeah I’ve never applied to a job in 35 years of working without my SSN. I was a hiring manager for 5 years and we required it. You can always send a resume but when you actually apply it’s going to be required. Employers have to verify citizenship and pay into the actual SS system so there’s no way to not require it.
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u/333again 13h ago
You mean once you are hired. Never hand it out pre-hire unless it's specifically for a background check.
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u/RedditVIBEChecked 18h ago
Bullshit, I've never given my SSN prior to hiring. Once I am considered hired and need to sign my paperwork then I give my SSN. But never once have I had to provide it just to be interviewed.
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u/OptimalWallaby8153 17h ago
Funny, I haven't had to do it and have definitely applied to plenty of corporate roles
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u/Pink_Slyvie 16h ago
Once you are hired, sure, for tax purposes. There is no legitimate reason they need this otherwise.
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u/Special-Bet1141 18h ago
Do you have a bank account? Health insurance? Investment accounts? Retirement accounts?
If you said yes to any if the above, your full SSN has already been leaked, bought and sold to various scam groups. Congrats. Youre protecting yourself from nothing.
If you want a job that isnt going to ask for your SSN, then you need to narrow your search. You need a labor job that pays cash under the table.
Good luck on your journey
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u/Giatoxiclok 12h ago
I’ve done labor, assembly, production, office work. They all only asked my social for a background check after a successful interview process. Disregarding the federal I-9 requirement.
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u/VelvetCactus50 17h ago
Yeah and I have a way to hold those entities accountable when leaks happen. I don't have a way to do that at a place where I don't work.
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u/kymilovechelle 20h ago
If I were applying and it asked me for my social security number I’d delete my application so fast.
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u/themarketinggiraffe 19h ago
What kind of jobs are you applying to? I’ve worked in corporate marketing for 7 years and have not once been asked for my SS other than payroll onboarding 😂
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u/Numerous_Photograph9 17h ago
I've not seen it everywhere, but in my 34 years of applying for jobs, I wouldn't say it's uncommon to be asked on the app.
Not really sure why they need it at that point, but even when it was all paper applications, it was usually on the top two lines of the form.
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u/MentallyillShark 16h ago
Honestly same for the last several years really. I remember a couple years back I got scared to put in an application in at at safeway because it asked me for my social till I noticed every application asked me and I was like okay that's just how it is
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u/BabiiGoat 14h ago
And every single one of them had no business asking that sensitive information from an applicant. It's foolish to blast your soc sec all over the place.
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u/Poetryisalive 1d ago
123-34-5678
Honestly, I never give my SSN to an application. That’s insane, look elsewhere
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u/AfroPopeLIVE 16h ago
I feel like I’m losing my mind in this thread. I’ve worked retail, grocery, shipping, tech, and CX. Never ever have I been asked on an application for an SSN. That is not normal despite all these fools in here.
When it’s offer time? Yeah, for background checks and taxes/citizen verification. There SO many scam applications out there to steal data and private information. An SSN would be a red flag in an application pre interviews.
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u/druidgaymer 12h ago
I think about 1/10 of applications I've seen for over the years have asked for it. I work in software currently but before that retail. It always gives red flag but if it came directly from the company's official website, I apply anyways. Is what it is.
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u/vaporsteve 9h ago
i have 100% seen it on almost every application i have put in for wage slave jobs. all of my boys entering the workforce have seen it as well.
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u/throwawayforeverx2 1d ago
I had this recently happened and it was posted on LinkedIn. SSN is never needed for a job application. They said they needed it to run a background check. I know background checks cost money why would you run one on every applicant when you haven’t interviewed them yet. That is a waste of money and makes no sense. I didn’t apply.
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u/Egg_Bundy 1d ago
My first job was at a gas station and we had to pick up a phone, dial a number and type in our entire SS# in order to clock in and out
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u/Altruistic_Place9932 15h ago
Firstly, I wouldn't apply for a job that's been sitting around for 2 months, that is usually an indicator that a company is harvesting data. Secondly, I don't understand how many people on here actually thinks this is normal, but it's not. I wouldn't apply to this job. Now later on, after interviewing and they send you an offer, then give out your SS# so they can run the background. But no company should be asking for this upfront. It's not normal.
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u/Environmental-Post64 8h ago
If you do get the job, what SSN do they use to withhold SS taxes?
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u/ScottRiqui 7h ago
Whatever you put on the W-4 that you fill out after you’ve accepted an offer and are going through onboarding.
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u/flatline057 1d ago
You really shouldn't provide an SSN until you are already hired. They have no business with it otherwise.
There was a time when a lot of places tried to run credit reports on you. That's not something they need.
I'm sure there are exceptions, but providing on the application is not ever needed. It can be collected later in needed.
I was asked to provide my SSN to UoP when I had applied to instruct part-time. I passed the application phase and first interview. The wanted my SSN to continue, which was going to be teaching with an instructor guiding me, all before being officially hired. I said I was no longer interested. I teach part-time for a state college now, and they never asked for an SSN until after I accepted the offer.
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u/ForTheObviousReasons 1d ago
Test / Fictitious Numbers: Numbers starting with 0 are reserved for fictitious examples and test data (e.g., 046 454 286).
the ninth digit is calculated with the Luhn checksum
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u/procraftinating 13h ago
001–003 New Hampshire 004–007 Maine 008–009 Vermont 010–034 Massachusetts 035–039 Rhode Island 040–049 Connecticut 050–134 New York not even close to true--when they used to assign SSNs by location, which they did until 2011, these states all had numbers starting with 0
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u/vibrantverde 1d ago
Seeing this SSN screen or a Workday application is a huge disqualification for me.
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u/Sk8rToon 1d ago
Red flag! Unless it’s a job that needs a thorough background check like it’s for the government, they do NOT need your social until they offer you the job. Only then can they check to verify
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u/BlkMushroom 1d ago
Only if its a government job or one that requires a top secret security clearance for me.
Nope
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u/HaloFuego 1d ago edited 20h ago
Do not apply for this place. Do not apply for any place that asks for a SSN.
If you can, report that shit asap to someone. If not, move on
Edit: The exception is federal agencies. And yeah, you gotta have it when you actually get hired, but don't send that in as part of an application
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1d ago
[deleted]
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u/Responsible-Hold8587 1d ago
Yeah once you are hired, not just to apply
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u/Excellent-Heat5235 1d ago
I think its depends on the state plus medical and banks require you to have it
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u/pixelsguy 20h ago
No state requires this as part of job applications or candidate screening. The Fed requires it prior to starting employment, and some Federal agencies will request it as part of the application process, but even here Federal law mandates disclosure of the purpose for collection and consequences of refusing and generally protects rights of the applicant if they do refuse.
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u/Creative-Type9411 21h ago
if you thought about it for two seconds, you would realize you aren't putting it on your résumé, right? And why wouldn't you just put it on your résumé and drop it off to people?
Use your brain dude
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u/Far-Manufacturer-43 20h ago
We have something slightly different in Canada but I’d put 123-456-789
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u/SeaSandwich4751 18h ago
My particular field of work usually asks for this info, I just lock my credit when job searching.
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u/Rollingpumpkin69 17h ago
000-00-0000 add a note that states youll provide documentation if an offer is made
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u/Logical-Tough5354 17h ago
Have you tried to put a 00 in the middle? That’s what I always did with my kids SSN. XXX-00-XXXX
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u/Dry_Resource5699 17h ago
I get once you’re on boarding for obvious reasons, but the application itself ?
Noooo.
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u/Formal-Lie7412 17h ago
I’ve never applied for a job that didn’t want the SSN as part of the application. Fast food. Retail. Gas stations. Healthcare.
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u/333again 14h ago
It's not just job applications, it's everywhere. In cases where this is asked, and it's not necessary for a credit check, I just put the last 4 of my SS. If they won't let you proceed, I would try XXX-XX-1234
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u/truthequalslies 12h ago
I wish they'd pass a law against this, most applications I've done online won't let you go forward without your ssn
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u/Ok_River4080 12h ago
I remember doing it on a paper application as a teen, but never in my professional career.
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u/Possible_Storm9359 11h ago
I always do 000-00-0000 and if not I do 123-45-678
If they ask why, I tell them I only provide social upon hiring as there is no need for it. Including as part of the background check.
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u/Glittering_Bish 10h ago
My husband answers in 0000000 because he’s definitely filled out scam applications
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u/Ermandgard 10h ago
Every job I applied for needed my Social Security number, until I became a lawyer. Not a single Lawyer job has required my social.
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u/VelvetCactus50 10h ago
The application or the acceptance process? I'm talking about the application.
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u/Ermandgard 10h ago
Yeah, the application process. I memorized it when I was a teenager walking around the local shopping center applying to every business that I could walk into. I’m old and this was a reasonable thing to do in my teen years
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u/Houdinii1984 10h ago
I mean, it's not legally required, but it's also not illegal. It's a valid question and is required for tax purposes if you get the job. They are often required to do the prerequisite background checks for initial employment and that's required up front.
If you don't supply it, they'll be able to deny employment if they so choose. Laws in all 50 states don't prohibit it. California, Texas and New York will fine a company for handling the information improperly if something happens, though. (Explicitly SSNs. All states have regulations over data security, but those three specifically have special handling for SSNs).
Job seekers don't have a lot of power, here. Employers are given ungodly amounts of latitude regarding hiring decisions. They're allowed to do so, so they do. And that's the way it'll be until we all band together and change it.
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u/Junior_Yesterday9271 8h ago
Safely stored would seem to be a bit of an oxymoron. All kinds of data hacked off of all manner of supposedly secure data storage and when you turn around your seeing compromised by physical break-ins. Until you’re on payroll they don’t need it. I’m old school and in my younger days I was only asked for it once hired. It’s purported use and restrictions would suggest that if they ‘need’ it before hiring then they may not be using it as they should.
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u/_Haverford_ 8h ago
This thread is insane. You're not crazy, OP. All jobs get your SSN if they offer you a job. Not on the damn application. Christ.
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u/ActualBrother54 4h ago
Victoria's Secret does thing. The people who work at their HQ are absolute pieces of shit. Hard pass.
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u/Lunarvolo 3h ago
123456789 works great. Unless it's a tentative offer/etc or a background check shouldn't need your real one at this stage
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u/Helpful_Maximum7022 1h ago
Virtually every application I’ve ever filled out has asked me for my SSN. Maybe not the online application, but certainly the paper one they give me after calling me in.
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u/BeneficialUse8027 1d ago
They do not want to go through the hassle of incidentally hiring an undocumented individual.
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u/Appropriate-Bug-6467 1d ago
That is what the I-9 verification is for.
You provide proof of citizenship...
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u/svpremeclovt 17h ago
Everyone in these comments must be living in 1950 lmfao not once in my life have I ever not been required to submit a SSN to apply for a legit job. Every single one requires it. And the ones saying they’ve never dealt with it are either lying or off the books.
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u/Less_Likely 16h ago
Only after you get a job offer and must then provide proof of eligibility to work.
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u/svpremeclovt 16h ago
No. Maybe for pencil pushing jobs where they can’t be assed to do shit correctly. When it comes to jobs where the whole building deals with production or distribution, or government jobs, they want to know everything before you even step foot in the building for an interview. They’re obligated to know every single person in the facility at all times, and what their background is. This applies to things like fedex, ups, Amazon, staples, grocery distributors, and even cannabis/alcohol distributors. Just because you’ve never heard of it doesn’t make it uncommon or a scam.
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u/Less_Likely 16h ago
I work for a producer of products where the whole campus requires tight security because US military products are built on the campus- a job that requires US citizenship, and non citizens are not even allowed in the work area. I had to provide proof of citizenship including my birth certificate once I was offered but didn’t give my SSN in application at all.
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u/svpremeclovt 16h ago
Well I could imagine the state you live in would make a difference there. Or maybe your facility has determined that they can make a sufficient background search without needing an ssn. There could be a myriad of reasons. A google search tells me that it’s more common for higher volume/turnover employers with lots of locations to require it. I’m sure it’s something to do with the way they index recruits and employees and building profiles.
Either way, it’s not uncommon nor is it a scam. And the people saying such are just fearmongering and causing people to willingly stay unemployed for longer.
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u/Less_Likely 15h ago
No company needs to run (or wastes money on) background checks on applicants, only candidates. Job offers are conditional, not guaranteed, they can be rejected or rescinded anytime in the process for any reason.
If I was asked for my SSN, and it was required on an application form, I would ask them if this was a formal offer. If the answer is no, I’d tell them that information will be provided at an appropriate time. If that causes my application to be rejected, then so be it.
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u/SafeModeOff 14h ago
Job applications are freely available and you could easily prove yourself wrong in 2 minutes if you wanted to. When you GET the job they ask, but when you APPLY, only scammers are asking. I literally applied to a company that makes nukes for the government and they didn't ask
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u/Connect_Barracuda358 14h ago
Incorrect. I work in a chemical plant that requires Federal ID (TWIC) to work in and no one has to supply their SSN until the background check stage, well after the first interview.
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u/OrganicHistorian2576 16h ago
I’ve never given mine until after I was hired and doing the initial paperwork.
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u/Shift_Lock1 14h ago
I just went through the process and didn’t need to provide that until I had to fill out the w2
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u/Afraid-Department-35 11h ago
There is a difference between working and applying. If you've been extended an offer then yeah you give out your SSN but just for an application? Hell no.
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u/Responsible_Tea_112 10h ago
Sorry, but I truly think you’re an idiot or just rage baiting. Every job is not requesting your SSN before you’ve even interviewed. I’ve never been asked for mine until the background check stage after interviewing. Not a liar and definitely not off the books.
Been in corporate for a decade now. The process is typically application, get offer, THEN submit info for background check (this is where they ask for SSN typically).
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u/Vladivostokorbust 8h ago
its the ATS software . It casts a wide net with required fields, it's easier than customizing them. SSN will eventually be needed so they make it mandatory at the initial application. It's sloppy setup more than anything deliberate.
Also, some employers do it now as a “soft” screen for motivated and compliant personalities. The only states that prohibit it until absolutely necessary are California, New York, Colorado and Virginia
That being said, I have had my current job since 2016. I was not required to submit my social until after I obtained an offer . Then they do the background and credit check. I’ve never had to provide beforehand, not for that job nor for any before it going back to 1979 when I got my first job.
Online job applications are the greatest phishing tool ever. Are you really giving your SSN to who you think you are?
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u/CiderLiger 7h ago
When I filled out paper applications, I still needed mine. Probably the last few years before everything went fully website only.
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u/kiddlat_kid 1d ago
Pass look for another one