Online Resume Dangers, How To Make It More 'Cyber-safe'

Job search websites promise to increase exposure if you post your resume online

More than 300 people showed up at a job fair at Spotlight 29 Casino Monday. And while many job seekers like them turn to traditional ways of looking for work, millions are also looking to the web to increase their chances.

During a job search, we want to get our names out there but with the risks of identity theft and online fraud, it's extremely important to make your information more cyber-safe.

Debbie Martin, who attended Spotlight 29 Casino's job fair Monday, is aware of the risks but she is also aware of the competition.

"There (were) like a million people," she said about another job fair she attended recently.

Unemployed for 14 months, Martin is doing whatever she can to get her name out. That includes posting her resume and contact information online so employers can find her. She's worried about the risk of identity theft.

"But I also worry about being homeless," Martin said. "You have to do what you have to do, even if you don't want to," she added.

Zabrina Magana, a job seeker who also attended the job fair, says she doesn't want to miss out on an opportunity either.

"You have to be competitive. It's very important. You have to put your name out there," Mangana said about posting her resume online.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates nine million Americans are getting their identities ripped off online every year. Exposure can increase risk.

Here are some ways to make your resume more cyber-safe.

• Use your first initial and last name, instead of your full name.

• Set up a third party email address, like a Hotmail or Gmail account, that is not linked to personal information.

• List a cell phone number, not a home phone number.

• When giving your education or employment history, don't give away too much. For example, if you list your college name leave out the date you graduated.

• Remember, if you get a callback from an 'employer' don't give out private information unless you've had an in-person interview. There have been reports of people pretending to be employers to steal an applicant's information. 

•  Identity theft experts also recommend putting a caption on your online resume letting employers know some information has been omitted for safety concerns. You may also want to add 'Additonal information is available upon request'.

Though Martin is concerned, she says the thought of going another day without call back is even worse.