blog
Public Wi‑Fi is usually a poor place to handle reference checks because late-stage hiring often involves identifiable emails, portals, and contact details. A private connection is usually safer.
Using a work browser profile for reference checks can expose portal activity, saved logins, autofill, and browser history. A personal browser profile is usually the safer choice.
Using work Wi‑Fi for reference checks can expose late-stage job-search activity through network logs, timing patterns, and third-party portal traffic. A personal connection is usually safer.
Usually no. A work laptop is rarely the right device for reference checks because employer-managed browsers, downloads, histories, and security tools can expose sensitive late-stage job-search activity.
Usually yes, if the Relay address forwards reliably to an inbox you monitor and you can reply cleanly. Here is when Firefox Relay helps with reference checks, where it can create friction, and when a dedicated inbox is safer.
Usually only if that number is stable and you will keep it active. For most job seekers, a personal or dedicated job-search number is safer for late-stage reference checks.
Usually no. A college email can work for reference checks only if it will stay active, you check it daily, and you expect to keep control of it through the full hiring process.
Should you use two phone numbers for reference checks? Usually no, but a separate line can help you protect privacy, avoid missed calls, and keep hiring follow-up organized.
Usually no. Reference checks usually work better with one stable inbox you monitor closely, not two addresses that can split time-sensitive messages across threads and portals.
A burner email can protect your main inbox during a job search, but reference checks usually need a more stable address. Learn when a burner email helps and when to switch.