You Want My Social Security Number on a Job Application?

Certain requests that employers make in job postings can be controversial, leaving job searchers in a quandary. They know that if they don't comply with the requests that they may never get invited to a job interview. Employers have the option if a job applicant fails to follow their directions for applying for a job, to disregard the application.

Key Controversies Exist Around Certain Employer Practices

Key controversies swirl around employers requiring the social security number (SSN) on a job application, salary requirements when filling out a job application, and salary history or proof of salary at any point in the application and interview process. (Note that certain states and jurisdictions are making the collection of some of this data illegal—it is essential that employers know the laws in their state and their local area.)

The employer has every right to ignore their job application if the applicant didn't follow the instructions in the job posting. For an application’s validity, the job searcher must fulfill all requests listed by the employer.

Job Searchers Are Concerned About the Privacy of Their Personal Information

Job searchers are concerned about the privacy of their personal information on both paper and online job applications that are filled out and retained by the potential employer.

In fact, to complicate the situation further, many online application processes won't save and enter a job searcher's application unless all relevant spaces are filled. Few provide a way for the online applicant to reach the Human Resources staff to discuss providing certain information when, and if, the applicant becomes a viable candidate for the job.

Disagreement also exists about when and how much information is appropriate for potential employers to require when they have made no commitment to the job searcher.

Is Asking for the Applicant's Social Security Number Legal?

Most controversial is the practice of employers asking for social security numbers from every applicant whether the individual will receive further consideration or not. Asking for the social security number on an application is legal in most states, but it is an extremely bad practice. (Some states prohibit private employers from collecting this information for fear of identity theft.)

It is not recommended that you provide this information on a job application. Keep in mind, though, that on many job applications, you are signing to provide permission to check references, do background checks, allow criminal record checks, and affirming that all of the information that you have provided on the application is the truth.

If you do not supply the social security number on the application, you will likely have to make a trip to the company to fill it in, if the employer wants to offer you a job. (Don't email such sensitive information. Even the US Postal Service is not always the safest way to transmit information.)

Applicants Are Increasingly Unhappy About Having to Supply Their SSN

Increasingly applicants are objecting to handing over their social security number automatically. In this light and even if it might cost applicants the employment opportunity, increasingly job searching counselors recommend that applicants write "SSN available upon job offer" in that space.

When the employer invites the job searcher for an interview and especially if they plan to make a job offer to the candidate, job applicants need to understand that the employer will need the SSN to make background checks. Remember, too, that the applicant is signing the application to provide the employer permission to check references, do background checks, allow criminal record checks, and affirm that everything you have provided on the application is the truth.

Asking for Salary History, Salary Requirements, and Current Salary Proof

Not as controversial as required social security numbers, but still controversial, both salary history and salary requirements requests from employers also disturb job searchers. Job searchers regard the request for salary history as an infringement of their privacy.

They also believe that by giving a potential employer that information, they have also given the employer the upper hand in any subsequentsalary negotiation. This makes sense when you consider the opposing interests of the two in a salary negotiation.

While not as strong of an invasion of privacy as a request for salary history, the provision of salary requirements is also viewed as giving the employer the upper hand in a salary negotiation. Most candidates are looking for the largest salary increase possible when changing jobs.

In fact, making more money may be the reason they are changing jobs. Evidence also suggests that the practice of asking for salary history is one of the culprits in the gender wage gap since women are more likely to have spent time away from work for an extended period of time.

Requiring proof of current salary is invasive and problematic for many job searchers. Asking for salary history and current salary is a redundant practice that turns off potential job candidates when you can obtain this information in a reference check with the candidate’s permission.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided, while authoritative, is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality. The site is read by a world-wide audience and employment laws and regulations vary from state to state and country to country. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources, to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct for your location. This information is for guidance, ideas, and assistance.