I am not sure whether this is the best place to get my concerns addressed, but I hope it is. I went through some earlier questions posted on this site about Gmail and privacy but they don't seem to address my concern.
I use Google Chrome heavily as it's really fast and usable compared to other browsers. I also use Gmail for my personal email because it has Google search.
Recently I started a job search and I am using Gmail to email my resume to potential employers. I want to keep this totally secret, such that not even my friends will know that I am seeking a new job. I am concerned that Google seems to use cookies in my browser, and that they could link all the careers related pages I visit, maps I search, companies videos that I see on YouTube, and my Gmail. Could such a dossier be bought by my existing employer either independently or through some third-party online advertising agency? Can I really trust Gmail and Google products to go on my job hunt and at the same time keep healthy relations with my employer?