How do you autofill job applications safely?

Prepare once

• Keep one clean record of your contact details, address, work history, education and links.
• Decide your standard answers ahead of time: work authorization, sponsorship, notice period, relocation, salary expectations and how you heard about the company.
• Keep your resume file and a plain-text version ready for upload.

Check each page before moving on

• Look for fields that were filled with the wrong thing, such as a phone number in the wrong format or the wrong state.
• Read every yes/no question yourself, especially anything about legal status, past employment with the company or conflicts of interest.
• Confirm dates and job titles match your resume exactly. Application systems often compare them.
• Voluntary self-identification questions are optional. Answer only if you choose to.

Stay safe

• Do not save job-site passwords on a shared or public computer.
• Be wary of any tool that submits for you. Bulk applications can carry wrong answers in your name.
• Keep a record of where you applied and which resume you sent, so you can follow up and prepare.

Multi-page systems

Systems like Workday often make you create an account and walk through several pages. Expect to complete a few custom questions by hand, and save your progress before you close the tab.