We’ve all seen it. “Apply on the company website.” Sounds simple, official, and safe, right? But here’s the twist: you click the link, and boom, you’re no longer on [CompanyName].com, you’re now in a place called Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, or some other hiring portal that looks different. So what’s really going on here?
Behind the Scenes: The ATS Power Players
That detour you just took? It’s not a scam, it’s an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in action.
Companies use platforms like:
- Greenhouse
- Workday
- Lever
- iCIMS
- SmartRecruiters
These aren’t random sites. They’re powerful tools used to collect applications, filter resumes, and streamline hiring. But here’s the kicker: they’re not hosted directly on the company’s servers. You’re entering your info into third-party platforms that companies have partnered with. So yes, when people say “apply on the company website,” what they really mean is:
“Apply through the official portal the company uses, even if it’s technically hosted by someone else.”
Cyber Twist: Where Is Your Data Going?
From a cybersecurity standpoint, this is where things get murky.
You’re submitting:
- Name
- Email
- Phone
- Employment history
- Possibly even race, veteran status, or Social Security Numbers (in later steps)
All of that lives on third-party systems, likely in the cloud, hosted somewhere else entirely. Now think: How many systems are holding your data? Who sees it? Is that ATS vendor under the same security scrutiny as the employer? I’m not fear-mongering, I’m asking for transparency.
Why Job Scams Thrive in This Environment
Fake job listings. Phishing emails. Spoofed recruiter profiles. Scammers know that people trust the phrase “apply on the company website.” So they recreate the flow, mimic the pages, and harvest your personal data for malicious use. You think you’re applying for a job. They’re applying to ruin your day.
What Needs to Change
This system isn’t broken, but it’s not clear either. To improve safety and rebuild trust in digital hiring, we need:
1. Clearer disclosures
Companies should say, “You’ll be redirected to Greenhouse, our trusted hiring partner,” and link to the ATS’s privacy policy.
2. Consistent branding
Even on third-party pages, job portals should look and feel like the company, with logos, colors, and trust indicators to reduce phishing risk.
3. Smarter applicants
Double-check URLs. Don’t reuse passwords. Use password managers to detect fake login pages. Trust, but verify.
Cyber Tip of the Day:
Legit ATS platforms include domains like:
- greenhouse.io
- myworkdayjobs.com
- jobs.lever.co
- icims.com
These are real, but only if you got there from the official company website. If someone DMs you a direct link to apply, don’t click it blindly.
Digital Breadcrumbs Matter
The job hunt is already hard. Applicants deserve clarity, not confusion.
When we say “apply on the company website,” we owe it to job seekers to be upfront about where that click will take them and where their data will end up. Transparency isn’t just good UX. It’s good cybersecurity.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not claim wrongdoing by any ATS provider or hiring company. All platforms mentioned are industry-standard hiring tools. Job seekers should always verify links and use caution when sharing personal information online.
AQ'S Corner 
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