Prohibit hiring companies from asking for social security numbers before hiring.

Some employer require applicants to list their social security number when completing job applications. If you don't list it, your application may not be considered and most employers only accept online applications. However, if you can avoid listing it until you are actually considered for the job, it makes sense to keep your social security number and other personal information confidential, if at all possible, until you are further along in the hiring process. Mostly because identity theft is on the rise.