Recruiter asking for Social Security Number

cube_rat · 01-16-2007, 01:57 PM

I've been hounded recently by a large telecommunications company (ahem) in the bay area. My resume is apparently still floating around out there and they were quite impressed. It's more money, but I would have a commute.

The recruiter, who is outsourced by the way, is requesting my SS number in order to submit my package to set-up an interview with mega telecom company. I've never heard of such a request! The outsourced recruiter is legitimate, but I'm still reluctant in giving out my SS number to any perspective employer without going through an interview process. Any one else hear of this request PRIOR to an interview?

FinanceDude · 01-16-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cube_rat

I've been hounded recently by a large telecommunications company (ahem) in the bay area. My resume is apparently still floating around out there and they were quite impressed. It's more money, but I would have a commute.

The recruiter, who is outsourced by the way, is requesting my SS number in order to submit my package to set-up an interview with mega telecom company. I've never heard of such a request! The outsourced recruiter is legitimate, but I'm still reluctant in giving out my SS number to any perspective employer without going through an interview process. Any one else hear of this request PRIOR to an interview?

Heard of it, have been asked for it, but would not give it......... I give them the same message: "I am sure you are aware of the growing problem with identity theft". As such, I am unwilling to provide my number unless I am receiving a bonafide offer that includes a review of credit history as a pre-requisite to the offer being accepted. I am sure you understand................

runchman · 01-16-2007, 02:15 PM

not an exact answer, but... my buddy just left our company for another one, and had to take an entrance drug test. They wanted his ss# on the drug test form. He told them no, he doesn't give it out. They said "Ok, no problem we just use it to communicate the results to you".

I'd tell him forget about it, he shouldn't need it for setting up an interview.

justin · 01-16-2007, 02:20 PM

They might do a background check to weed out applicants BEFORE the interview process. Credit reports, criminal record, etc.

cube_rat · 01-16-2007, 02:21 PM

It's weird, the recruiter agreed that asking for a SS number is a bit of an outrageous request and understood my reluctance. He told me this particular company asks for the number beforehand. He really didn't elaborate on why that is...

cube_rat · 01-16-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin

They might do a background check to weed out applicants BEFORE the interview process. Credit reports, criminal record, etc.

Perhaps. Mega telecom is looking to fill this position yesterday, so maybe they want to jump start the background process. I thought one needed to sign a release in order for a company to conduct a background check.

brewer12345 · 01-16-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cube_rat

Perhaps. Mega telecom is looking to fill this position yesterday, so maybe they want to jump start the background process. I thought one needed to sign a release in order for a company to conduct a background check.

If they are so eager, then they will have to bend to what the prospective employee wants, no? I would politely tell them no.

nwsteve · 01-16-2007, 02:49 PM

Cube
AMEN to all the above. I have spent the last 25 yrs in the recruiting and staffing sector and any request for your SS # now is strictly a matter of convenience for some downstream HR jock.
Politely indicate that later you will make it available (vs No) when you have mutual agreement that this a position you want to pursue. Remember you have not met the boss yet

.
nwsteve

Brat · 01-16-2007, 04:03 PM

Concur with NWSteve.

dex · 01-16-2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin

They might do a background check to weed out applicants BEFORE the interview process. Credit reports, criminal record, etc.

I would guess this is the reason. Ask the recruiter why it is needed. If, for a background check ask for the name and phone number of the HR person who will be submitting the request and only give it to that person.

The only people legally allowed to ask for SS numbers are those that report financail info to the IRS.

Texas Proud · 01-16-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dex

I would guess this is the reason. Ask the recruiter why it is needed. If, for a background check ask for the name and phone number of the HR person who will be submitting the request and only give it to that person.

The only people legally allowed to ask for SS numbers are those that report financail info to the IRS.

You might be limiting your response to the OP, but the State can ask for your SS number for drivers license and car registration.... it is now allowed, much to my dismay....

REMEMBER... whenever someone in govmt tells you something will ONLY be used for this one thing.... they are lying... when it becomes convenient for them and can do it without much protest.... it will be used for more...

cute fuzzy bunny · 01-18-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin

They might do a background check to weed out applicants BEFORE the interview process. Credit reports, criminal record, etc.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

A lot of companies are doing a credit report and background check before bothering with the interview process. Hell, its practically free to do compared with wasting a dozen hours or so interviewing people.

If I was still hiring, I'd ask HR to screen people before I bothered wasting any time on them.

justin · 01-19-2007, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cute Fuzzy Bunny

A lot of companies are doing a credit report and background check before bothering with the interview process. Hell, its practically free to do compared with wasting a dozen hours or so interviewing people.

That's what I'm thinking. I've been through some LONG interviews. Multiparty interviews, meet the whole office interviews, etc. A dozen man-hours at an average billable rate of $100-200/hr is huge compared to $40-100 for a credit report and background check.

**Martha** · 01-19-2007, 08:25 AM

An employer needs your consent before doing a credit check.

cube_rat · 01-19-2007, 08:56 AM

Yeah, I know they need a consent before conducting credit or background checks. I don't think that matters these days. Or at least times are changing. Anyone can get information on people relatively easy these days using internet services such as Intelus (sp?). My current employer used an internet background service for which I promptly ordered my file from the same service for $60-70 bucks. To my suprise, I found inaccruate address information, etc AND a link the the megan's law web-site which indicated numerous convicted sex offenders that lived near me. What the hell??

Can you imagine what a potential employer may infer from such linked information

Who is controlling this information which sits in disparate systems AND can be accessed by anyone for a small fee? At least, we as consumers can correct our information with the three credit bureaus.

Bottom line is, I don't like the fact that my personal information is all over the planet. It's shocking to find my history (albeit high level) in a one off system/site such as intelus which can be accessed by anyone. Okay, I made my point....

HFWR · 01-19-2007, 10:41 AM

Got any nudie photos out there?

Nords · 01-19-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFWR

Got any nudie photos out there?

Which ones would you like to buy from our fine online retail establishment-- yours or hers?

HFWR · 01-19-2007, 05:45 PM

NekkidSkinnyWhiteGuy.com

cube_rat · 01-19-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFWR

Got any nudie photos out there?

enuf said!

01-16-2007, 01:57 PM	#1
cube_rat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,466	Recruiter asking for Social Security Number I've been hounded recently by a large telecommunications company (ahem) in the bay area. My resume is apparently still floating around out there and they were quite impressed. It's more money, but I would have a commute. The recruiter, who is outsourced by the way, is requesting my SS number in order to submit my package to set-up an interview with mega telecom company. I've never heard of such a request! The outsourced recruiter is legitimate, but I'm still reluctant in giving out my SS number to any perspective employer without going through an interview process. Any one else hear of this request PRIOR to an interview? __________________ fuzzy? cute?

01-16-2007, 02:15 PM	#3
runchman Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 284	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number not an exact answer, but... my buddy just left our company for another one, and had to take an entrance drug test. They wanted his ss# on the drug test form. He told them no, he doesn't give it out. They said "Ok, no problem we just use it to communicate the results to you". I'd tell him forget about it, he shouldn't need it for setting up an interview.

01-16-2007, 02:20 PM	#4
justin Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4,010	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number They might do a background check to weed out applicants BEFORE the interview process. Credit reports, criminal record, etc.

01-16-2007, 02:21 PM	#5
cube_rat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,466	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number It's weird, the recruiter agreed that asking for a SS number is a bit of an outrageous request and understood my reluctance. He told me this particular company asks for the number beforehand. He really didn't elaborate on why that is... __________________ fuzzy? cute?

01-16-2007, 02:49 PM	#8
nwsteve Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Pullman Posts: 280	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number Cube AMEN to all the above. I have spent the last 25 yrs in the recruiting and staffing sector and any request for your SS # now is strictly a matter of convenience for some downstream HR jock. Politely indicate that later you will make it available (vs No) when you have mutual agreement that this a position you want to pursue. Remember you have not met the boss yet . nwsteve

01-16-2007, 04:03 PM	#9
Brat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,834	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number Concur with NWSteve. __________________ Duck bjorn.

01-19-2007, 08:25 AM	#14
Martha Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: minnesota Posts: 9,866	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number An employer needs your consent before doing a credit check. __________________ . Do not rely on the information provided--my posts are not to be taken as legal advice. Needless to say you must consult with your legal representative. I am not responsible for errors. If I offended you with cya I apologize. If I did not, I tried.

01-19-2007, 08:56 AM	#15
cube_rat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,466	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number Yeah, I know they need a consent before conducting credit or background checks. I don't think that matters these days. Or at least times are changing. Anyone can get information on people relatively easy these days using internet services such as Intelus (sp?). My current employer used an internet background service for which I promptly ordered my file from the same service for $60-70 bucks. To my suprise, I found inaccruate address information, etc AND a link the the megan's law web-site which indicated numerous convicted sex offenders that lived near me. What the hell?? Can you imagine what a potential employer may infer from such linked information Who is controlling this information which sits in disparate systems AND can be accessed by anyone for a small fee? At least, we as consumers can correct our information with the three credit bureaus. Bottom line is, I don't like the fact that my personal information is all over the planet. It's shocking to find my history (albeit high level) in a one off system/site such as intelus which can be accessed by anyone. Okay, I made my point.... __________________ fuzzy? cute?

01-19-2007, 10:41 AM	#16
HFWR Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: May 2005 Location: DFW Posts: 5,440	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number Got any nudie photos out there? __________________ Have Fun When Retired Never mind the furthermore, the plea is self defense...

01-19-2007, 05:45 PM	#18
HFWR Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: May 2005 Location: DFW Posts: 5,440	Re: Recruiter asking for Social Security Number NekkidSkinnyWhiteGuy.com __________________ Have Fun When Retired Never mind the furthermore, the plea is self defense...