Increasingly people are becoming more and more concerned about how companies use their data. The majority of US citizens have indicated that they believe that their personal data is less secure than ever before and that data collection poses more risks than benefits.
As a candidate applying for a job internationally you might be asked to disclose more personal information than typically required, so how do you strike the balance between protecting your personal data and finding a job.
In Canada, there are very strict laws about the type of information that employers can request from candidates.
What companies can ask:
- Resume: It is essential for resumes in Canada to include the applicants name, contact information, skills, accomplishments and relevant experience. Do not include personal information such as social security numbers, religion, marital statuses, not even your gender.
- Proof of credentials: Credentials are expected to be placed at the bottom of the resume underneath a category labelled as professional credentials, academic credentials or along those lines. Examples may include academic degrees, certifications, or work-related licenses and clearances.
- References: Do not include references unless the employer or job posting specifically asks for it. Typical employers like to see three to four references, with the strongest references listed as your first. With that being said, remember not to include references on your resume unless it is being asked for.
What companies cannot ask:
- Marital status
- Gender
- Race
- Religious beliefs
- Sexual orientation
- Height, weight or for photographs
We have heard countless stories from international candidates who have fallen victim to immigration scams. In no instance should you as a candidate ever pay for a company to find you a job. Do your research on the company ahead of time and ensure that they are a legitimate business.
Regardless of the logos and names visible in the job offer, always protect your privacy while searching for jobs. For example, it is never required to share your real date of birth unless you are applying on an official government website. Please remember that no employer should be asking you for your mother’s maiden name, bank account number or your birth date. This is not to discourage applicants, but to encourage safe tendencies when job applying.
Moving to a new country is a big decision and it can be difficult to know who to trust with the process. Working with an agency that specializes in hiring and relocating international talent will help you navigate the potential pitfalls in the process — and that’s exactly what Global Talent Accelerator is here to do. If you are an international tech professional looking for opportunities in Canada, please reach out to Danna.
Written by John Sears, Marketing intern at Global Talent Accelerator.
