Q. My daughter recently interviewed with a placement agency for non-profit jobs. They requested two photo IDs and suggested a passport. My daughter asked why they would want a passport and was told they use it for the agency's employment records since she would be placed and paid by the agency. She brought the passport with her and they made a photocopy. She gave other identifying information on the application, including her social security number. I've never heard of an agency requesting or photocopying a passport and was uneasy with this request. Is there anything to be concerned about?

A.Protecting your identity is a valid concern, and proceeding with caution any time you are asked to produce this type of information is a good course of action. This is an example where it is a necessity to provide the requested documents.

Your daughter and all new employees will be asked to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Form, a document from the Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The purpose of the form, as stated on the I-9 is "to document that each new employee (both citizen and non-citizen) hired after November 6, 1986 is authorized to work in the United States."

Employees need to produce documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility.

Q: What is your opinion about recruiters? Is it worth the effort to hook up with several of them?

A: When looking for a job I recommended that you reach out to as many sources as possible. A multi-pronged, multi-layered, multimedia approach is best. That, of course, includes recruiters.

Q. I have an issue with sites like Monster, Job Find, and Dice. I've noticed more and more "spam” jobs from "recruiters" that don't actually have real positions. How do you suggest a search that filters them out?

A. I'm not sure if your question is really about creating filters, or dealing with feeling mislead, or not being able to access recruiters. Every economy brings out different behaviors in job seekers, and recruiters. Recognizing the economic situation can be easy; following how people work and why might be a bit more challenging, but "following the buck" is often a good place to start.

Reputable recruiters do not post fake jobs. The practice of harvesting resumes to develop a database is frowned upon by the industry.