How a Resume Is Different from a Job Application

Job seekers must fully understand the vast differences between a company employment application and a well-crafted résumé. “The résumé is a selling tool that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employers’ workplace.” (Mort, n. d. ) “An application is a form that a job candidate fills out to apply for an open position with a particular company.” (GreatSampleResumes.com, 2012) Although there are some similarities, the differences between a résumé and a company employment application are great.
Company Employment Applications
Most employers require that all potential employees complete a company employment application. The form is usually standardized and is a good tool for collecting data on applicants. Some employers provide a paper form for candidates to complete and others will direct candidates to a website to complete the form. (Guffey, Penrose, Rasberry, & Myers, 2010) The application is normally completed prior to an interview.
Candidates should always be prepared to complete an application when inquiring about possible job openings or arriving for an interview. “Carry a card summarizing vital statistics not included on your résumé.” (Guffey, Penrose, Rasberry, & Myers, 2010) This includes dates, reference names, reference phone numbers and other critical information. An applicant should not rely on their memory when answering questions on a company employment application. The information may not be something that is easily remembered. Being prepared can make a difference in the time it takes to complete the application. Also, preparation can insure accuracy and determine whether or not you are able to complete the form in its entirety. (Guffey, Penrose, Rasberry, & Myers, 2010)
A company employment application is a form that is normally a required part of an employee’s personnel file. The information input on the application should always be completely accurate.

Cited: GreatSampleRésumés.com. (2012). Retrieved June 25, 2012, from Great Sample Résumés : http://www.greatsamplerésumé.com/ Bayside Solutions, Inc. (2011, March 11). Honesty on Job Applications? Not So Much . Retrieved from Bayside Solutions: http://blog.baysidesolutions.com/2011/03/honesty-on-job-applications/ Guffey, M. E., Penrose, J., Rasberry, R. W., & Myers, R. J. (2010). Business Communication (Belhaven custom). Mason: Cengage Learning. Hageman, C. (2006, October 4). Résumé Development. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from Century College Career Services: http://www.century.edu/files/careerservices/résumédevdevelopment.pdf Heathfield, S. M. (2012). About.com . Retrieved from Human Resources : http://humanresources.about.com/od/selectemployees/qt/Why-Employers-Use-An-Employment-Application.htm Mort, M. L.-E. (n. d. ). JobStar Central. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from JobStar--What is a Résumé?: http://jobstar.org/tools/résumé/res-def.php/