2020 is not only the start of a new year and decade; it is also for some, a new start. With that in mind, it is important to understand the implications GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has on your job applications.
Firstly, the boring bit. GDPR came into effect in May 2018 and is Europe’s new data privacy and security law, which determines how businesses in Europe can manage personal data. If you would like to learn more about this, the website is below:
With that in mind, below you will find 3 important points to know about how a company can manage your application / personal data in 2020:
1. Transparency
As a candidate, you have the right to know how your data will be used and processed.
If you are applying for a job via a company website, that company must have clear privacy policies and disclose where and how they store your data i.e. ATS (Automatic Tracking System).
What that means for you is that you can shape your application based on the system they use. If the ATS converts your CV / résumé into a plain text file (PTF), then it is pointless attaching a highly formatted CV, with photos, illustrations, and graphs. All formatting will be lost and what’s worse is that it will change the whole look your CV.
It also means that if you have made the effort to apply for a position, the hiring company should really give you proper feedback if you are unsuccessful.
2. Legitimacy
As an applicant, a company can only hold onto your information for an explicit and legitimate purpose and not be further processed in a manner that is incompatible.
If you are applying for a position, you cannot assume (unless otherwise stated) that your CV / application will be (or can be?) considered for alternative positions.
What that means, is that if you are really interested in working for a company, do not apply with a generic CV, rather a targeted CV specific to that position. It also means that companies can no longer hold onto your personal data indefinitely; and therefore, if you are interested a year on, you may need to create a new profile.
3. Access
Candidates have a right to access their data and rectify it.
As an applicant, you have the right to request your personal data the hiring company holds, and they must provide you with a free electronic copy. Previously a company could charge a fee for you to access your personal data; GDPR states that this is now free.
If you’re not having any luck with a particular company, it might be worthwhile checking the information they do have is correct. Perhaps they might have your wrong job title. From experience, some ATS systems are daunting and it may have got your career history in the wrong order.
Bigger companies often use a portal where they can send you a link to access your data. What’s also great is it means you can update your CV at the same time!!
If you would like to know more or learn about how to improve your Personal & Career Brand, please feel free to contact me.
Best of luck for 2020,
Dave Crumby,
Founder
360 Talent Solutions