4 ms·

Why would they legitimately need this information? It's become a common practice especially among large, buraucratic employers. The Last 4 Digits are simply a

Why would they legitimately need this information? It's become a common practice especially among large, buraucratic employers. The Last 4 Digits are simply a unique identifier, used for quick (soft) reference in employment eligibility. You're just a number to machine at this point. HR Flunkies & Bozo Recruiters don't care if it turns you off or raises red flags about your security. Here's an excellent take on this by Nick Corcodillos >http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/7696/wanted-hr-exec-with-the-guts-to-not-ask-for-your-ssn http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/7696/wanted-hr-exec-with-the...

dragonwriter 10y ago
> The Last 4 Digits are simply a unique identifier No, they aren't. As is kind of obvious, given the number of combinations of four digits there are, and the size of the universe of people identified with SSNs.
- JSeymourATL 10y ago
  More on this explanation from Corcodilos: The reality is, some software designer included a SSN field in the employer’s database, and the HR department bought the software without questioning the design and intent. Because HR relies on such software to process you, HR doesn’t know what to do if you decline to provide data the software “requires.” Go figure. Suppose the software included a credit card field instead — that’s unique to you, too, right? But no one would expect you to provide it because the employer doesn’t need it. I feel your pain. Some employers will boot you out of the hiring process if you don’t give them your SSN (and your salary history) — just like a phone or cable company will refuse to sell you service without it. I wish someone would file a lawsuit. > http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/ask-the-headhunter-does-hr-really-need-your-social-security-number/ http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/ask-the-headhunter-...
thefastlane 10y ago
no, a recruiter never "legitimately needs" this information. edit: - an agency recruiter never needs it. period. - an internal recruiter, if the firm's HR dept is set up such that the recruiter that first contacted you is also in charge of onboarding you post-offer, then ok.

dragonwriter 10y ago

> The Last 4 Digits are simply a unique identifier No, they aren't. As is kind of obvious, given the number of combinations of four digits there are, and the size of the universe of people identified with SSNs.

JSeymourATL 10y ago
More on this explanation from Corcodilos: The reality is, some software designer included a SSN field in the employer’s database, and the HR department bought the software without questioning the design and intent. Because HR relies on such software to process you, HR doesn’t know what to do if you decline to provide data the software “requires.” Go figure. Suppose the software included a credit card field instead — that’s unique to you, too, right? But no one would expect you to provide it because the employer doesn’t need it. I feel your pain. Some employers will boot you out of the hiring process if you don’t give them your SSN (and your salary history) — just like a phone or cable company will refuse to sell you service without it. I wish someone would file a lawsuit. > http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/ask-the-headhunter-does-hr-really-need-your-social-security-number/ http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/ask-the-headhunter-...

thefastlane 10y ago

no, a recruiter never "legitimately needs" this information. edit: - an agency recruiter never needs it. period. - an internal recruiter, if the firm's HR dept is set up such that the recruiter that first contacted you is also in charge of onboarding you post-offer, then ok.