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DuckDuckGo Email Protection can work for reference checks if forwarding is reliable and you monitor the real inbox behind it, but a dedicated long-term inbox is often safer once the hiring process gets serious.
A separate browser profile is usually a smart way to handle reference checks with fewer login mix-ups, cleaner downloads, and better privacy than using your everyday browsing setup.
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.