text: is it really important to put your ssn on a job application? will omitting it lessen your chance for hiring? i would rather not provide my social security number on my job applications until hired. is this costing me calls from employers? i would leave it blank and if they ask you for it, then ask them why they need it.   with identity theft such a hot issue nowadays, i think any reasonable employer would understand your hesitation.   upon hire of course they will need it.