There seems to be an incredible amount of confusion over WHY can’t a company just use the Resume as a final hiring document for employees? Why do applicants need to fill out an Employment Application? I had NO IDEA that so many people really think it’s just a way to confuse Applicants and is a real “time-waster” created by HR people to feel important!!
A Resume is a 10 seconds advertisement to entice a prospective employer to call you for either more info or an interview! A Cover Letter is a way to tell why you are sending your resume or state any additional information, it is NOT an Employment Application!
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 usually asked for before interviewing.
Without a signed Employment Application, a company would not have validation or permission to perform a background check.
