Why do you have to fill out an application if you already...

Post Reply New Topic

submitted a resume?

I don't get it. Employers make me fill out my education and work experience info even after I already sent them a resume. Why is this? Now you may say "don't be lazy, you must not want the job that badly if you won't fill out the application." I'll address that point later, but for now, could someone just tell me why employers do this?

They want a standard format for a quick reference to your information as well as documenting that you are applying for employment in a more formal and legal way.

I think it's pretty damn silly.

Just gotta do it. Some things don't make sense.

I call them "Non-optional social conventions"

I agree with Mack27, they do want a standard form layout for easy access to the info. Also, on the application form, they ask for additional info that is not on the resume, like health info, criminal history, military service info, family info--for work insurance use, so they will know who will be on your work insurance with you. They often also ask about foreign languages and other skills that might be useful in your work. Much of this stuff may not be on your resume, so the form provides a place to plug it in.

Health info is important, as it can effect ones ability to work, or how well one can work. It also has an effect on workplace insurance.

Criminal history is obvious. They don't want thieves, embezzlers, druggies, and violent people on the payroll.

Military service info effects the work insurance because you may be using military insurance instead. Also, if you are in the Reserves, it can effect whether you get the job or not. Some jobs need the employee to be there every work day, except when sick. Other jobs have several people there who can do the work, so they can pick up the slack if you have to take off to go on military duty.

Work skills info helps, as it may show that you could be helpful in a number of jobs in the company, or especially helpful in one particular job there.

There may be other info besides all this that they want that is not on the resume. The application form allows for collecting it all together in one place, in a format that is easy to access when needed.

I know it's annoying, but it's part of the process, along with the interview.

Often, you can just write on the part where you go through every job on the application to "see resume" and include the resume. This will save a lot of writing and I find they usually let me do that (do ask). The other parts of the application I fill out because it might be questions like about schedules and such that the resume would not have.

It can go either way. If you put 'see resume', they can see as you not following directions or it can show initiative/efficiency. I always fill it out.

I think it's better to fill out the application instead of writing "See resume" since most people don't put down the full address and phone number of previous jobs, which is what employers really want to see.