An Employment Application:

.... is a “Legal Document” that requires a signature to confirm that all the information on the Employment Application is true,

.... gives the Hiring/HR Manager permission to run background checks,

..... will ask about criminal convictions,

..... confirms that the person does in fact have the education and certification needed to perform in the job,

..... contains information about dates of employment,

..... contains names and contact information for references,

.....  protects other employees and the company from hiring people who could put others at risk,

.....  is commonly asked for before interviewing.

Without a signed Employment Application, a company would not have validation that a Child Care Aide or Elderly Care Aid is in fact licensed by the state to do their job.  It confirms that a truck driver doesn't have a felony, etc.  Yes, there is additional documentation needed if an actual Offer of Employment is made.  Many companies don't want to waste time interviewing someone without an assurance that a clean criminal background is confirmed.  There are certain positions and companies that are very strict - think teachers, security officers, IT people, medical doctors, etc.