Recruiter Confidentiality is a growing concern amongst jobseekers, so we’ve made it one of our top priorities here at On Line Recruitment. Resumes are a confidential document containing detailed information about their owner, so it goes without saying that they should be treated with the care and respect they deserve.
Some Recruitment Agencies are more responsible than others, so it’s important that you ask the right questions. For example, you could ask whether the agency’s recruitment consultants request a candidate’s permission prior to sending out resumes to a third party. Never be afraid to let them know how you would like your personal information handled, and you can also state on your resume ‘not to be circulated without my permission’ or ‘strictly confidential.’
Pre-Employment Checks and Privacy
One of the most contentious areas of recruitment is pre-employment checks. Just how much information can an employer request about you before it becomes intrusive? Pre-employment checks can include some or all of the following:
- Employment history
- Academic record
- Criminal history
- Social media profile
- Medical and psychological assessments
- Credit history
There isn’t anything specific in The Privacy Act about pre-employment checks, but recruiters and employers do need to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles. These principles stipulate that pre-employment checks should only collect information that is relevant to the performance of the advertised position. The candidate’s consent must always be sought and sensitive information cannot be collected unless it is required by law.
What Happens To Your Information?
Australian Privacy Principles do not apply to information an organisation holds about former or current employees, but they do impact the way information about job candidates is managed. According to PCC Employment Lawyers
“Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), a candidate has the right to access and correct personal information (including a referee’s report) which an organisation holds about the person.”
Many candidates do not realise they have the right to access information provided about them by referees whether it be an email or notes from a phone call. Unsuccessful candidates can also ask to see any other files or documents recruitment agencies hold about them. Furthermore, if businesses wish to hold onto information about candidates, they must seek their express permission. To avoid any legal issues, referees, candidates and employees should be made aware of these privacy principles at the beginning of the recruitment process.
If you have any questions or concerns about how a Recruitment Agency collects and stores information, ask to see their Privacy Policy.
Only Work With One Agency
The best way to get the most out of recruitment service is to work exclusively with one agency. Signing up with multiple agencies doesn’t double or triple your chances of success. However, it does mean that you increase your risk of your privacy being breached and losing control of your job search. Multiple recruitment agencies sending out your resume for the same role is not a good look!
The role of a recruitment agency is to offer a professional and trusted service to both jobseekers and employers. Before signing on with a recruitment agency, make sure they aren’t just resume flickers. You want a team of professionals who offer a valuable service to those looking for work and businesses looking for employees.
Confidential Recruitment In Nowra
Whether you are a job seeker or a business, there is clearly a great deal of information which you will be sharing with us. We understand that much of this information will be private and is meant to be kept confidential. Our recruitment team is committed to the protection of your personal information and your business information. You can rest assured that your details are always kept highly confidential and only accessed by staff who have had training in dealing with sensitive matters, documents, and information. Additionally, we’ll only share as much of your business details with potential candidates as you would prefer us to. Get in touch with On Line Recruitment in Nowra and experience the difference.
