1. What is a "blind" recruitment advertisement? Does the Code of Practice on Human Resource Management apply to all recruitment advertisements?

1. What is a "blind" recruitment advertisement? Does the Code of Practice on Human Resource Management apply to all recruitment advertisements?

A "blind" recruitment advertisement is one that does not identify either the employer or the employment agency acting on its behalf.

The Code only applies to recruitment advertisements that directly solicit personal data from job applicants. Under the Code, an employer or the employment agency acting on its behalf is not permitted to place a "blind" recruitment advertisement that directly invites job applicants to submit their résumés or CVs. Where there is no direct solicitation of personal data in a recruitment advertisement, such an advertisement would not be subject to the requirements of the Code. For example, if the advertisement merely invites job seekers to write in to obtain an application form or contact a representative person, there is no direct solicitation of personal data.

On the other hand, an employer or recruitment agency who clearly indicates its identity (the company name) in a recruitment advertisement can ask job applicants to submit personal data, provided that the data requested are adequate but not excessive in relation to recruitment purposes and are to be used lawfully.