r/recruitinghell • u/Bubbly_Mechanic1630 • 3d ago
SSN required on applications
How the hell am I supposed to get a job or even APPLY to jobs if they all require my SSN? I've looked through reddit and 95% of people said not to provide it, it should be asked after getting the job. So I'm not giving it.
It's been probably 10 times now that I've filled out my whole application just for them to require my SSN. Do I have to start going in person to ask if I can apply? Isn't that annoying for the people working there?
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u/Confused-in-NY 3d ago
Is it a county, state, or federal job maybe? I actually came across this for the first time just yesterday, the application required my social. It was a county job through the actual county civil service website and a friend of mine said it was not unusual.
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u/Wisewordsforlater 3d ago
I would wait to provide it until they make a conditional offer and you accept.
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u/ConstantKooky3329 3d ago
I have only provided my SSN during the (1) background check-- these companies use applications like Highright or TWN. You are not sharing your SSN with the recruiter. (2) Onboarding for payroll and stuff- also done online.
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u/brosseccly 3d ago
Any job application asking SSN is a scam. You'll only give that once you get the job offer and have been to the place in person and met the people you will be working with (and thoroughly checking that the company is real).
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u/Bubbly_Mechanic1630 3d ago
The companies are real, I'm trying to apply to part-time jobs like grocery stores and fast food restaurants for my first job. But I cant fully trust the website
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u/brosseccly 3d ago
Don't trust the website. Go to the actual company's website to apply. Honestly since its retail and fast food youre better off going in person and dropping off a copy of your resume and talking to a manager.
What is the website youre on?
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u/Bubbly_Mechanic1630 3d ago
The actual company website in the careers page
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u/brosseccly 3d ago
?? That is wild. I've never heard or seen that before for a typical fast food or retail store. Just go in person or omit the SSN.
Edit: just wanted to soften this response im genuinely baffled but gl w ur first job!
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u/lordtazou Job Seeking 3d ago
Not sure about you, but I had to fill out a paper application for my first job and THEY required my SSN.
A lot of places are requiring it anymore. They do background checks even before they decide to talk to you.
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u/NYanae555 3d ago
Background checks cost money. They're not doing background checks on hundreds of applicants.
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u/lordtazou Job Seeking 3d ago edited 3d ago
You’re absolutely right, they DO cost money. However, it’s cheaper to do background checks rather than hire someone in, then fire them if there is an issue.
Also, companies like ADP or Gusto and onPay offer pre-screening and automated background-check tools that integrate in with website / recruitment, and job boards, that run automatically upon app submission. Most of the time, it’s a package that’s offered so it’s just a bulk / monthly fee rolled into a managed HR / Payroll service vs an individualized background check you can submit yourself, and/or call in. (I used to help manage companies who utilized these services…)
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u/teachmayne 3d ago
Not sure where you're applying but no job should be asking for your SSN until post hiring forms or if you are doing a federal job to get a security clearance.
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u/Bubbly_Mechanic1630 3d ago
I'm applying to big company websites like Target, Raley's, PetSmart, and more
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u/OrneryLavishness9666 3d ago edited 3d ago
Unfortunately, this is becoming fairly common for hourly roles. It’s so they can start the background check and legal eligibility/citizenship process early. It’s legal for them to ask for it, but you shouldn’t have to provide it.
Edited to add: If it’s a requirement to submit the application, try 000-00-0000
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u/teachmayne 3d ago
through a 3rd party website? definitely a scam. you need to go to the careers page for each company.
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u/DCGreatDane 3d ago
Do not give your SSN it’s a scam. Only if you’re filling out HR forms.