Author: Maya Mishra
Maya is a student employee with Technology Services.
As graduation approaches, the job search begins in full force. From internship applications to full time roles, students are busy submitting resumes, filling out forms, and connecting with recruiters. But in the rush to secure opportunities, it’s easy to overlook your online safety.
Job hunting today happens almost entirely online, opening doors to risks such as phishing emails, fake job posts, and even requests for sensitive information that should never be shared.
Not every opportunity is what it seems
Scammers often take advantage of job seekers by posing as legitimate employers. These messages might even look convincing, having real company logos, professional language, and sometimes even a fake interview process. But there are some warning signs to look out for:
- Requests for personal or financial information before an offer letter
- Emails from unofficial or misspelled domains
- Job offers that seem too good to be true
- Pressure to act quickly or urgently
If something feels off, chances are it probably is. Take a moment to verify the company, check official websites, and confirm whether or not the recruiter that you are speaking with is even a real person.
Informed choices: What you share matters
Think about the amount of sharing that you are comfortable with and make informed choices.
You have a reasonable expectation of privacy for certain information that you wish to keep private. You may not want to share personal or private details about your health record, finances, purchases, or other information. You should have the choice to reveal, or not reveal, information about yourself and your choices.
During the application process, it is normal to share details like your resume, contact information and work history. However, you should never feel pressured to provide any sensitive information such as your Social Security number, banking details, or any account passwords (before a formal offer and verified onboarding process occurs).
A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t share it in a first interview, don’t share it in an online form as well.
Simple ways to protect yourself
A few small habits, however, can go a long way in protecting your information:
- Use your university or a professional email address for applications
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited job emails
- Research companies before applying
- Keep your devices and software updated
- Use strong, unique passwords (especially for job platforms)
If something does go wrong, act quickly. If the situation involves your university account or device, you can report a cybersecurity incident to the university’s cybersecurity team. If not, change your passwords, disconnect your device from the network and don’t use it and let someone know (the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is a great resource).
The job search is an exciting step towards your future, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your personal security. By staying aware, making informed choices and knowing what to do in case something goes wrong, you can confidently navigate the application process. Good luck with your job searches, Illini!