Job Discussion Forums

serrabella · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 14 Location: USA

I'm being asked to put passport numbers, address history, and mothers maiden name on multiple applications for jobs in Spain. I'm a little paranoid about sending that type of info over the internet to schools. Is it standard procedure to ask such information on applications?

Thanks! Question

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

Even if it's standard procedure (which I don't think it is) that doesn't make it an intelligent decision. If I were you I would fill out the application but leave details like passport number and mother's maiden name blank. I would provide my passport number after I received an offer of employment and I would never give out my mother's maiden name. This sounds quite suspect...

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Quite honestly, employers in Spain (and Europe in general) almost NEVER hire from abroad. I'd be very suspicious.

serrabella · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 14 Location: USA

Have you heard of TECS in Spain and Village camps in Switzerland/France/Austria. They ask quite a bit of background info...I suppose because I would be working with kids in a camp environment. I will be cautious as suggested in general.

Nicmelide · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 11 Location: Galicia, Spain

I recently got a job at a summer camp and had to give them that type of info, though I did fax it rather than email. This company only hires native speakers and clearly targets the uk (I'm missing all their induction stuff in London because I'm already working in Spain!), so I guess they know what they're doing. They are organising all our official social security type stuff, don't actually know what that entails but figure if a company is doing that for you, they'll need your info. Obviously be careful, but I wouldn't worry too much. If they really want you obviously they'll phone, but leaving blanks on an application form can result in it being chucked out, especially if they have a lot. Good luck!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Serrabella, how is this company proposing to get you a legal work permit for the countries you mention? Can you go on a student visa or short-term work visa?

The fact that you're in the U.S. and are being recruited for EU member countries (+Switzerland) that are notoriously impossible to get legal work permits in without EU member citizenship adds to my suspicion.

Nicmelide's situation is entirely different, as he/she presumably is a British citizen and able to work legally within the EU.

serrabella · Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 14 Location: USA

The applications I'm filling out are available to all via company websites. So I guess whether you are EU or non-EU they're asking for it on the app. I've contacted one school and they said it's ok if I apply as an American. I figure since these jobs are less than three months, I can be there on a tourist visa(!?)

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sure, you can be there on a tourist visa - but I wonder how the company plans to PAY you, since you can't legally be put on the company books as an employee.....

I think if I were you, I'd ask a lot of questions before sending potentially sensitive information to a company promising jobs in countries you're not technically eligible to work in legally.