The traffic between the VPN and the target site is anonymous because most VPN’s use a rotating IP system. If the VPN truly doesn’t collect any data, the target site has no clue who is actually visiting other than that randomized IP address.

The point is, VPN’s do work and the biggest caveat is finding a VPN provider that you can trust.

I use Mullvad. You don’t have to give them any personal information at all.

Unfortunately, I have seen some CEO’s that will refuse employees using anything other than major services, like Google, Apple, etc.

I did see one specifically mention he will not interview anyone with a Proton email address because it wasn’t considered “professional”.

It’s certainly ridiculous, but big business is ridiculous.