should we give out social security numbers on job applications?

Answer 1

I put "available upon hire" and leave it at that. They do NOT need your SSN to run background checks -- your full name and address history is more than sufficient for that. What's more, employers NEVER run background checks willy-nilly from batches of applicants. Background checks are expensive and an employer will only run one AFTER an applicant has accetpted a conditional offer pending a BC.

A prospective employer has NO need for your SSN until you've been hired.

Answer 2

With the proliferation of identity thefts, it may be best to protect your social security number until you are required to reveal it. If you note " upon request" you should be safe. Then in the event you are hired, then give them the number. If the prospective employer wants the number on the application there should be good reason for the request.

Answer 3

Many people put all numbers except the first three. This shows you are serious about the job but also serious about identity theft. When you get the job, then you can inform payroll or Human Resources of the first three. This is really a fairly standard practice now, and you are wise to be cautious. That application will sift through several hands.

Answer 4

Yes. Your employer has to deduct your federal and state income tax from your wages. Your SSN is how they verify that your taxes have been paid, and if you ever need to draw benefits (like at retirement) that the taxes paid for that SSN help determine the amount you will get in Social Security benefits. If you don't give your employer the number, then you won't be able to get a job.

I suppose you could put a note on the application saying that you will provide your SSN if and when you are hired, but if I were hiring someone, I would wonder why they were so paranoid and wanted to make my life difficult before they even got the job. Then I would pass over the application and call in other applicants.

Answer 5

In Texas about ten years back a kid was hired at a Taco Bell. When they asked for his SS# he told them he felt it was the mark of the beast and wouldn't give it to them. They refused to hire him then. A civil rights group took up his case and he won in Texas civil court. He was awarded the job and back pay for all the time between. The court said it knew of no reason the employer needed the SS#. For many years after that Taco Bell applications said "optional" under that field, but I have noticed recently they no longer say that. If anyone wants the case number or a copy of the case let me know; I'm not going through my files now to find it, but I'm sure you can find it on the web.

Answer 6

Of course. I don't think that you have to worry about identity theft. If you are the right candidate for the job, then the employer would want to perform a background check on your previous employment (if any). So, how are employers suppose to perform a background check if you aced the interview?

Answer 7

Now a days if you don't feel like giving it out just write Upon request. That way the only way they get it is if they actually hire you, they don't need it otherwise.

Answer 8

I think most employers require that. But I think people generally give out way too much information like that when they don't really need to.

Answer 9

I personally feel uncomfortable about that. I think that when they interview us and are going to hire us they should. But I don't think that it is safe to write it on there and have it land in the hands of someone who will abuse it. Its kinda scary!!!

Answer 10

NO!! Only supply the last four digits unless you are offered the job.