• The job application is the first contact between an employer and prospective employees.

One of the first contacts an employer has with a prospective employee is a job application. This form communicates information about the employer to the applicant, provides information about the applicant to the employer, and helps the employer select the best candidate for a particular position.

Employers use applications for many reasons, the most important of which is to ensure that all applicants provide the same information to allow for a fair evaluation and comparison of candidates, as well as obtaining a signature that all information is accurate. Some forms are very general and short, while others are longer and used to gather more detailed information. Some forms are targeted for specific positions.

Application forms can have a variety of designs and layouts, but most include common information, such as:

• Contact information;
• Training or educational background;
• Special skills;
• Work experience;
• References;
• Authorization to verify information;
• Waivers;
• Certification or acknowledgment of truthfulness of the applicant’s information; and
• Signature.