So, I apply for a job and they send me an automated email with my username....and my pasword....in plain text...I should use a different password for my applications....

Why do you reuse your main password for external services though? Use a main password for a password manager and create password for external services via a random generator to be saved in the manager.

@k0pernikus fair point any recommendations for a PW manager?

That means they need you there.

@Deim For web-services I rely on the Chrome-internal password manager. (If you are paranoid, it's not the most safe way to store passwords. Yet convenience is a feature. I do like and want the syncing.) For other stuff, have a look at keePass2.