In case you haven’t heard yet, Project Management Tipoffs for the month of June goes out tomorrow (complete with accompanying podcast). The theme for the sixth month of 2010? The Need To Knows of Recruitment. Job candidates’ ears should perk up when I mention that this issue targets the so-called tricks of the trade in recruitment that job applicants can use to their own advantage. If you want a piece of this kind of newsletter action, subscribe to Tipoffs free today.
For today, have a look at an article from the May issue. One thing we’ve been doing with each issue of Project Management Tipoffs is to answer some questions from our contingent of job candidates; in May, we took on this query from Peter in Bristol: “How can I post my CV online without giving out my personal details?”
Here’s how we responded…
Thanks for your question. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to give out any additional details on your CV over and above your name, mobile number, email address and high level location (county or city). Not providing additional detail like your full address, date of birth (not required due the Age legislation laws) and National Insurance number, does not hinder your chances when looking for a new role.
The bear minimum of contact details is adequate; they let the recruiter or organisation how to contact you, what to call you and give them a rough idea of where you are located.If you find yourself in a position where further details are asked for; especially when posting a CV online, just ignore the boxes where you can or enter some other data. It’s a different situation if you are applying for a role directly with an organisation through an application form or through their CV submission process, if address details are asked for you should supply them. At least these details are not being broadcast across a job board where you have no way of knowing who is looking for them. More personal details like copies of passports, driving licence and national insurance numbers should only be asked for when a job offering is imminent. Anytime before this and you should decline, citing security and data protection reasons. OK, this might sound pompous but there really is no reason for anyone to ask for the details earlier in the recruitment process.
Remember, once you’ve given out these details, on job boards or anywhere else, it’s difficult to keep a track of who knows what about you. With the incidences like identity fraud you should do everything you can to keep your personal details under wrap. Finally, the next time you are asked for personal details in the recruitment process, ask the question; “What do you need them for at this stage?”. You’ll be surprised at the answer. Most answers are; because they can, not because the details are needed for any particular reason.
A couple of thoughts here:
- Advice and counsel on project management and recruitment matters like these from Arras People are not merely confined - nor are they exclusive to – the Tipoffs audience. Far from it: for more examples like this and/or further help & advice regarding employment-related matters and project management issues take a look at our Careers clinic / JobSearch Support Services / Careers Advice pages.
- We love getting questions like these. Email us with your questions, comments and/or diatribes, and we’ll do our best to get them published with the advice only the expertise that Arras People has can lend.
