Social security number on job application- Many job seekers are interested in providing their Social Security numbers (SSN) when completing employment applications. State laws vary on the information that may be collected from applicants, and most states do not prohibit companies from requesting Social Security numbers. However, you do have the right to determine if you feel comfortable giving your Social Security number – just keep in mind that it may affect your chance of getting a job.
Why companies ask for Social Security number on job application
1. Confirm your identity
The most common reason companies request Social Security number information is to confirm the applicant’s identity. National databases like the E-Verify system provide businesses with fast and accurate identification, and the only information they need for that is your Social Security number.
If you’re wondering why this is important to your employers and could be another way to do it, think about the consequences that would occur if the company hired someone with a stolen identity. If you were not aware, these consequences are very dangerous, which is why companies try to avoid the risk.
Although the company itself has suffered from fraud, it may be required to pay fraud tax or be summoned to court, on the basis of liability claims.
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Of course, it depends on the company whether they will ask for your Social Security number before applying for your job, only after they notice some irregularities in the documents or not.
You will find out once you start applying for a job with that company. Even though you now understand why they need your Social Security number, there is still a big chance that you don’t feel safe submitting it. If this is the case, you should know that you are completely free to refuse this application and keep the information on your Social Security number only for yourself.
However, you should keep in mind that this could be a red flag for a potential employer and that they may begin to doubt whether or not this is your true identity. If this happens, you can try to present any other documents you find comfortable to share.
2. Proof of your residency
In the area of globalization, we face many immigrants in our country who are looking for a better life. Unfortunately, not all of them have a residence or work permit here, which leads them to look for a way to get a job.
Often these methods are illegal. For example, forging documents and buying stolen identities has become routine. If we consider all the consequences of hiring someone with a stolen identity, and then add in all the consequences that come with hiring an illegal immigrant, the risk that the company has to take will be too high and not worth it for most people.
Although the company was not aware of the fact that the employee had a stolen identity nor was he an illegal immigrant, they still had significant responsibilities in the situation. Moreover, they can be held responsible for not checking the employee’s background while applying for the job. To be more precise, not to ask about your Social Security number.
Your Social Security number (or the number that resolves everything as many refer to it) not only confirms your identity, but also proves where you live. This guarantees to the employer that you are a resident of our country and you have a legal right to work, which brings you one step closer to the job you want.
3. Working in a protected industry
If you are looking for a job in special industries, such as those that require working with vulnerable groups of the population or accessing confidential information – for example, health care, education, banking services, or the like, you should be aware that asking for a private social security number Your routine examination is necessary.
It is a fact that not everyone can work in these industries, so a complete background check is a way to ensure that the applicant is safe for the work environment. It shouldn’t surprise you if they ask you for a Social Security number and even run some other checks.
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Of course, there is an exception to every rule, which means that even if you find yourself applying for a job in some of these industries, some companies may not ask for your Social Security number. If this happens, it means that the company has other ways to verify your background, so you can expect questions regarding your name, address, and other useful information.
4. To confirm your credibility
Depending on the job you are applying for, some jobs may require trusted employees in many aspects. For example, a person who does not change employment often has his or her own insurance or is able to handle funds in the appropriate manner.
For all these aspects, there is one simple way to verify an applicant’s reliability and that is a Social Security Number. Some companies do this screening for all positions in the company, regardless of how low or high they are in the hierarchy. The main goal is to reduce the potential risks and consequences that could reflect on the entire company.
Keep in mind that some companies that do business with the public will likely take into account their security as well, that way they are content to ask for a Social Security number. It is important to mention again that even in this type of situation, you are still permitted to deny the application and keep your Social Security number private. Just remember again that it may result in the company not considering your request.
Is it legal to request an applicant’s social security number?
Most controversial is the practice of employers requiring Social Security numbers from every applicant whether or not the individual will receive more attention. Requesting a Social Security number on an app is legal in most states, but it’s a very bad practice. (Some countries prohibit private sector employers from collecting this information for fear of identity theft.)
It is not recommended to provide this information on the job application. However, keep in mind that on many job applications, you sign to provide permission to check references, perform background checks, allow for criminal records to be examined, and confirm that all the information you provided on the application is the truth.
If you do not provide your Social Security number on the application, you will likely take a trip to the company to fill it in, if the employer wants to offer you a job. (Do not email such sensitive information. Even the US Postal Service is not always the safest way to transmit information.)