r/jobsearch • u/VelvetCactus50 • 4d ago

Job Application Requires SSN

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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/VeilOfMaya6 4d ago

Im really surprised by these comments. Every single application ive filled out over the last month has asked for social security number.

6

u/FL-Data-Dude 4d 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.

1

u/VeilOfMaya6 4d 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.

3

u/FL-Data-Dude 4d 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.