Posting a Resume

by Art
(Burlington, NJ)

I've been told that posting a resume online is dangerous. Since so many people do it, I'm skeptical of the advice I'm getting. What should I watch out for when posting? Is there anything I should know about posting on a general site instead of posting on a site like Top Sales Jobs? What's the difference between sites when it comes to posting a resume?

You've posed a number of questions - all of which raise interesting points about posting a resume online.

In order to decide if you should post your resume, there are several factors to consider. The two big dangers of posting your resume include:

1. If the resume site allows people to see your contact information without going through some sort of verification process to prove that they are a real business, you can be making it easier for people intent on stealing your identity. Your resume contains your personal contact information, your email address, your employers over the past several years, including what cities/states you were located in. This is a good starting point for someone with bad intentions.



2. Your own employer might be browsing the internet to see if any current employees have posted their resumes. Posting your resume broadcasts to all the fact that you are looking for a new job. If you're unemployed, this might be OK. But, if you have a job, your current employer might find out you're looking. This could put you first in line to be gone if a layoff occurs, or might impact a promotional opportunity.

Just as an aside, I have seen resumes posted online that contain a social security number. This data should never be included on your resume (online or off). Likewise, do not list your references on your resume. If you do, you're not only exposing yourself - but now you'll be exposing your colleagues. Not a good move.

In terms of posting on general job websites, there are typcially fewer safeguards built in to protect your identity. If someone pays for a subscription that allows resumes to be searched, your information can be accessed. Legitimate companies as well as scam artists can see your data.

Payment for resume searching also limits the number of potential employers who can see your credentials. There are no guarantees for employers who subscribe to these sites. Candidate information is often outdated, leading an employer on a wild goose chase. Some employers are not willing to pay for the "promise" of good candidates. They want proof.

Many niche job sites, like Top-Sales-Jobs.com, have added safeguards built in for candidates who post their resume.

In our system, employers can search resumes for free - opening up the pool of potential employers who will see your credentials. However, your contact information is not released until two things happen:

1. The employer has provided evidence to our Customer Service Team that they are a legitimate business; and


2. You agree to share your contact information for a specific job opportunity.

Here's how that works in practice:

Let's say your resume is posted on Top-Sales-Jobs.com. Your contact information is withheld from the posting. A potential employer sees your background. They think you'll be a great fit for a Sr. Sales Director role they have open.

The employer will send a request to you via our system, asking you to consider their particular job opening. If you're interested, you agree to release your information. If you are not interested, your contact information is not shared.

This way, employers are able to pre-screen candidates without a fee. They know that your background is a fit from your resume, AND that you are interested in the opening. As the candidate, you have total control over the release of your contact information.

Employers are charged a nominal fee when you agree to release your contact information. These services are totally free to our candidates.

From my perspective (albeit just a little biased on this topic!), I would protect my contact information. Top-Sales-Jobs.com, and sites with similar safeguards built in, are a much better strategy for job seekers. You'll get exposure to more targeted employers and protect your privacy at the same time.