AI tools have evolved greatly over the past years and are improving the job search process by personalizing recommendations, improving resumes, and automating the application process.
However, safeguarding personal data while using these tools is important. Integrating AI tools hasn’t only revolutionized recruitment processes but has solved problems regarding safeguarding sensitive information during job searches.
In this article, we’ll explore the important role AI tools play in job searches and how to safeguard your information while using them.
Choose AI tools with strong privacy policies
Using AI tools for your job search without compromising data privacy can only be done using secure AI platforms.
In order to do so, you need to make sure that the AI tools you use inform you of how your data is collected, stored, used, and shared.
Ask yourself three important questions:
- Is your data anonymized?
- Is the tool you are using retaining your data and for how long?
- Is your data shared with third parties?
After you do this, it’s important to look for certifications under SOC 2/IEC 27001.
Above all, you need to make sure the AI tools you are using comply with global data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Only share essential information
Keeping your privacy at the highest level means making sure you are not starting to share highly sensitive details like personal ID numbers, banking information, and full addresses.
It’s best to change things up a bit and use your professional email address for job applications instead of using your personal one to prevent any phishing risks.
Additionally, it’s important to always check what kind of information job applications are asking for.
Before you input any information, make sure to check all the required information.
At the end of the day, if the job application is getting too personal with collecting sensitive information, it’s best to not share any information at all.
Use secure resume builders
AI resume builders can create professional, secure, and optimized resumes quickly, but they often require personal information.
Here are some tips you can follow for using secure AI resume builders for your job search:
- Choose trusted resume builders: Check if they possess certifications like ISO 27001 to make sure they are complying with privacy regulations like the CCPA and GDPR.
- Review the builder’s privacy policy: Make sure the resume builder isn’t retaining your data or sharing it with third parties. You can also consider deleting your data after you’ve applied for the job to ensure you are on the safe side.
- Limit personal information: Only include essential information like your professional email, phone number, LinkedIn URL, and name. Avoid uploading unnecessary sensitive information such as social security numbers or any references unless they are required from the job application.
- Download your resume directly: It’s best to avoid cloud sharing and save it on any platform to keep your data safe. Your best option is to save it directly on your device.
- Use resume template: A modern resume template is safe and secure to use for your job application, helping bypass resume-scanning bots while protecting your sensitive information.
- Enable security features: A great practice is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), which makes sure that nobody can get past your passwords when creating accounts on any resume-building platform.
Secure resume builders protect your personal information while you are on a hunt for your new job.
Avoid sharing too much information with chatbots
AI chatbots are commonly used to gather information for job applications now.
Maybe you’ve had a chance to encounter one when you applied for a job and had the chatbot asking you questions to see if you are the right fit for the job or not.
While this is totally fine, it’s important to make sure you are not oversharing information with chatbots.
Remember, they are still AI and can put your privacy at risk if you don’t know how to limit them. The best way to make sure you are going through regular interaction with chatbots is to follow these rules:
- Understanding what the chatbot’s purpose is: What kind of questions is the chatbot asking you?
- Avoid providing them with sensitive information: Don’t include Social Security Numbers, tax identification numbers, financial details, home addresses, and details about your current or previous salaries.
- Look for red flags: If chatbots are starting to get unusual with personal information or job offers, it’s best to start reporting suspicious behavior or leave the application altogether.
- Clear chat histories: To be on the safe side, it’s always best to clear your chat conversations after each interaction. Some platforms offer this option for users who are concerned about data retention.
While chatbots are a great way of interacting and applying to a job quickly, data breaches are common and misused when collecting information.
Therefore, always be careful and only share essential information, making sure the platform will follow privacy standards.
Pay attention to cookie banners
Cookie banners are also known as consent banners, and they’ve been around for some time. They’re now becoming a must and part of the user experience when they visit a website for the first time.
Usercentrics cookie banners protect users by showing them a banner or pop-up window when they visit a website for the first time.
This is specifically used for protecting users’ personal data and we advise you to never accept giving out personal information without cookie banners being present.
Furthermore, a cookie is a small text file that is saved in the user’s browser that stores information and allows websites to recognize users for future visits to a website.
Implement advanced security features when using AI tools for your job search
AI tools can improve your job search, but ensuring your data security should be a priority.
Advanced security features prevent data breaches, minimize risks, unauthorized access, and ID theft.
Here are some advanced security features you can use to make sure your data is safe when applying for a new job:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring two layers of verification. You can look for 2FA in account preferences, and choose verification methods like SMS codes, email verification, or authenticator applications.
- Set unique and strong passwords: This prevents unauthorized access to your accounts. Some AI tools will show you the strength of your passwords and you can even use a password strength meter. Also, avoid reusing the same passwords across different platforms.
- Check for HTTPS encryptions: Encrypt the data transmitted between your server and device. Look for “https ://” in the URL bar and avoid entering personal information that doesn’t include HTTPS.
- Use secure WI-FI connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks that can expose your data to online attackers. However, if you do so, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing AI tools through public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid auto-save features for credentials: Avoid saving any personal data or passwords that can be vulnerable if your device is hacked.
- Use biometrics where they are available: Set up facial recognition, fingerprints, and other login options on apps that support them.
- Always keep your software updated: Updates include patches for security vulnerabilities so it’s important to regularly update browsers, AI tools, and operating systems and enable automatic updates for convenience.
- Use encrypted communication: It’s important to use secure email providers for job-related communication. Always choose platforms that encrypt chats and application submissions.
- Regularly audit connected apps: Sometimes, third-party applications could become weak points so it’s important to always review app permissions on the platforms you are using, which might include LinkedIn and Gmail.
Advanced security features are not only protecting your data but making sure that you have a piece of mind during your job search.
You can safely leverage AI tools during your job search and keep your personal information secure at the same time.
Using AI tools for your job search and protecting your data is becoming more important than ever.
AI tools can have a huge impact on how fast you find your new job, considering the personalized insights, efficient resume building, and opportunities it offers you.
By choosing reputable AI platforms, limiting what kind of information you share, implementing advanced security features, and remaining informed about data privacy regulations, you can leverage AI capabilities and protect your privacy.
Always remember that your job search experience will undoubtedly get better as you become more mindful of your data privacy.
About The Author: Tony Ademi is a freelance SEO content and copywriter. He has been in the writing industry for three years and has managed to write hundreds of SEO-optimized articles. Moreover, he has written articles that have ranked #1 on Google. Tony’s primary concern when writing an article is to do extensive research and ensure that the reader is engaged until the end.
Main image by Muhammad Usman Nazeer Gilani from Pixabay
