That seems redundant to me.
An application often contains requests for required info that the resume might not include.
Info about legal status (just an example) and other information that a resume might not contain, such as previous addresses, etc.
An application contains enough info for background checks, and it offers an opportunity for the employer to tell you about its compliance with different laws/regulations.
I’ve been annoyed by this too. But here are two ideas:
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This way, they have a standardized form for their files for ALL employees, both the higher-level ones who would have a resume, and the lower-level ones (e.g. maintenance staff) who would not. This makes it easier to find someone’s address or references, because it is in the same part of the form for everyone.
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There may be items which they want to know which might not be on everyone’s resume.
That said, I think some applications are asinine. More than once, I – a college graduate – was asked not only about my college and high school, but also my elementary school - the name, address, years, and course of study! And there I am, trying to remember all the subjects I learned in 4th grade! I felt like such an idiot. I probably could have left it blank, but I was afraid that I’d get disqualified. (Or, maybe filling it in marked me as a nerd and that’s what disqualified me?)
This was explained to me. A resume is not a legally binding document while and application is. Misstating your background on an application can be grounds for later termination. It would be harder to take action against someone who misstates their background on a resume.
To protect themselves, most companies require a formal application at some point in the hiring process. It seems that the lower the position, the earlier in the process the application is required. Applicants for entry-level positions generally have to fill out an application as a first step. For management positions the application is often required just before the first interview.
Concur, especially since every job application I think I’ve ever filled out had a place that you had to sign stating such.
Is it a case that if every applicant fills in the same form, then the company is covered against possible discrimination claims, ie: everybody gets treated equally. So everybody fills in the bog standard form, meeting a minimum standard, but we then want a CV to see just who are the better candidates.
I have sent in my CV to companies, been interviewed, accepted/started the job, and only then had managers get me to fill in the aplication form to go into my personel file, making me believe it is something legal.
Eta: What the pharmacist said.
Speaking as an HR professional – the answers above are all essentially correct. We have to have an application on file for everyone with legal status, address, employment history, etc.
Look at it this way: a resume is simply a letter of introduction. It (hopefully) gets you noticed and gets you an interview. An application though is a formal, legal employment document.
The first step to me getting my current job was submitting an resume. Then came several rounds of interviews. It was only after receiving and accepting a job offer that I was asked to fill out an application as a condition of employment.
Why do so many places put job postings on monster for example but don’t let you apply from monster? I mean alot of places I’ve been applying to any “apply” button takes you away from monster (where I’ve already entered in my resume and info) and to their web page. What’s more confusing is that their web page is usually some standard software (usually Taleo) which asks me the same exact questions as every other page. (I mean literally a huge portion of them are on taleo.com. But even though they’re all on the same web site you can’t create one taleo account and use it to apply. You have to create an account for each company, enter in all the same information for each company, and then you can apply but only for that company.)
the two documents serve different purposes. The resume or (and/or interview depending on the position) gets you the job offer. Once that is done, the application provides whatever information the company needs to confirm the decision to hire. The only information our HR dept uses from the resume is the address and phone number. The supervisor never even sees the application. Perhaps it is different other places, but that is how it works in my experience (US employer).
I’ve filled out applications like that too a number of times and I have always wondered what the rule was on this. For “Course of Study” I’ll put down my major for college, but leave it blank or just write “general studies” for the high school and elementary school parts. Also while we’re on this topic, how thorough do you have to be when putting down the addresses for your previous schools. It’s been over a decade since I graduated from high school and I don’t remember the address of the place, (and to be honest I probably couldn’t have told you the exact street address even when I was attending) so I’ll just write down the town.
I’ll add one more thing - the application doesn’t really let me see your writing skills, or if you can coherently put together a resume, or if you spelled something atrociously wrong in your resume. The resume tells me a little more about you as a person.
…and the all important question, “Did you graduate”?
In the 90s actually up till about 2005, I NEVER filled in an application. My response was, you have my resume and if you hire me I’ll fill one in before I start. Or I’ll fill one in when you start the reference and background checks.
Never ONE single time did any employer balk at this.
Of course now with employment being scarce employers call the shots. And with online applications they can do all sorts of things, like make sure you can’t skip any questions or write in general answer. (This is especially bad when it asks for salary, you have to put in a number).
The same reason they can make you pee in a cup in front of two other people: Because they can, and you’ll do it because you need the job.
Giving someone an application to fill out also serves the purpose of determining if they can follow simple instructions. Resumés and cover letters are often composed or edited by third parties and may not convey this information.
If I’m looking at twenty similar resumes, it makes it easier to narrow down the selection if one person is able to fill in the date in the requested format and someone who is otherwise on the same plane with them fills it in reversed.
Might sound trivial, but it helps.
Ever have a security clearance? One one of mine, they wanted to know every address I’ve ever lived at, including phone numbers. The best estimate we could make is that the family moved 22 times before I moved out. Do I remember a phone number from 14 or 20 phone numbers ago, that’s been disconnected for 40 years? How can they expect anyone to answer things like that accurately?
Maybe it’s a trick question. I feel that anyone who does know all that info and can fill it in is probably a spy with a memorized cover story.
I disagree. In most places in the U.S. we abide by the principal of “at will” employment. Meaning that either party can terminate the relationship with the other at any time, as long as the employer doesn’t fire you for legally discriminatory reasons. If the employer finds out you lied on your resume, they can fire just as easily as if you lied on your application. In fact you can be fired for no reason at all.