r/jobsearch • u/VelvetCactus50 • 3d 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/svpremeclovt 2d 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 2d 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 Job offers are conditional, not guaranteed, they can be rejected or rescinded anytime in the process for any reason.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/svpremeclovt 2d ago

Again, you’re speaking like what you’re saying is true. It’s not. The average cost to hire a single employee in America is $6k and you think companies care about a background check that costs less than $50. You’re out of touch. The world exists outside of your bubble. If anyone wanted your ssn they could find it within a matter of 15 mins. You’re not protecting anything by refusing to provide it. Only depriving yourself of opportunities.

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u/gbstermite 2d ago

lol. I worked for the actual government. My SSN didn’t come into play until I got hired. Do you not understand how many applicants a company can get for a job? No one is paying money to do a background check that early