Application for employment

Last updated

An application for employment is a standard business document that is prepared with questions deemed relevant by employers. It is used to determine the best candidate to fill a specific role within the company. Most companies provide such forms to anyone upon request, at which point it becomes the responsibility of the applicant to complete the form and return it to the employer for consideration. The completed and returned document notifies the company of the applicant's availability and desire to be employed as well as their qualifications and background so that a determination can be made as to the candidate's suitability to the position.

Contents

A job application letter dated January 1, 1913 Southmayd letter 1 0.jpg
A job application letter dated January 1, 1913
Rejection letter dated January 16, 1913 Southmayd letter 2 0.jpg
Rejection letter dated January 16, 1913

Definition

From the employer's perspective, the application serves a number of purposes. These vary depending on the nature of the job and the preferences of the person responsible for hiring, as "each organization should have an application form that reflects its own environment". [2] At a minimum, an application usually requires the applicant to provide information sufficient to demonstrate that they are legally permitted to be employed. The typical application also requires the applicant to provide information regarding relevant skills, education, and experience (previous employment or volunteer work). The application itself is a minor test of the applicant's literacy, penmanship, and communication skills. A careless job applicant might disqualify themselves with a poorly filled-out application.

The application may also require the applicant to disclose any criminal record and to provide information sufficient to enable the employer to conduct an appropriate background check. For a business that employs workers on a part-time basis, the application may inquire as to the applicant's availability at specific times and/or days and preferences in this regard. Employers may be prohibited from asking applicants about characteristics that are not relevant to the job, such as their political view or sexual orientation. [2] [3]

For white collar jobs, particularly those requiring communication skills, the employer will typically require applicants to accompany the form with a cover letter and a résumé. [4] However, even employers who accept a cover letter and résumé will frequently also require the applicant to complete an application form, as the other documents may neglect to mention specific details of importance to the employer. [5] [6] In some instances, an application is effectively used to dissuade "walk-in" applicants, serving as a barrier between the applicant and a job interview with the person who has the authority to hire. [7]

For many businesses, applications for employment can be filled out online, rather than submitted in person. However, it is still recommended that applicants bring a printed copy of their application to an interview. [8]

Application forms are the second most common hiring instrument next to personal interviews. [9] Companies will occasionally use two types of application forms, short and long.[ citation needed ] They help companies with initial screening and the longer form can be used for other purposes as well[ clarify ]. The answers that applicants choose to submit are helpful to the company because they can potentially become an interview question for that applicant.

Standardization and regulation

The employment application is not a standardized form, so every company may create its own as long as regulations set by the government are adhered to.

Document elements

At a minimum, applications usually ask the applicant for their name, phone number, and address. In addition, applications may also ask for previous employment information, educational background, emergency contacts, and references, as well as any special skills the applicant might have.

The three categories of information that application fields are very useful for discovering are physical characteristics, experience, and environmental factors.

Physical characteristics

If the company has a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) to ask regarding a physical condition, they may ask questions about it.[ citation needed ] For example:

The job requires a lot of physical labor. Do you have any physical problems that may interfere with this job?

Experience

Experience requirements can be separated into two groups on an application: work experience and educational background. [10] Educational background is important because it allows a potential employer to evaluate an applicants' performance in school as well as make determinations as to personality and intelligence. Work experience is important because it will inform a potential employer if the applicant meets their specific needs. Companies are usually interested when applicants were unemployed, when/why the applicant left their previous job and their highest position at their previous job.

Socio-environmental qualifications

Companies may be interested in the applicant's social environment because it can inform them of their personality, interests, and qualities. [11] For example, if they are extremely active within an organization, that may demonstrate their ability to communicate well with others. Being in management may demonstrate their leadership ability as well as their determination.

Photograph

Customs vary from country to country when it comes to the inclusion or non-inclusion of a photograph of the applicant. In many English-speaking countries, notably the United States, this is not customary, and books or websites giving recommendations about how to design an application typically advise against it unless explicitly requested by the employer. [12] In other countries (for instance, Germany), the inclusion of a photograph of the applicant is still common, and many employers would consider an application incomplete without it.

In other non-English speaking European countries

France

In France, the 2006 Equal Opportunities Act  [ fr ] requires companies with more than 50 employees to request an anonymous application (CV anonyme).

Germany

The job application is called Bewerbung in Germany and usually consists of three parts: the Anschreiben (cover letter), the Lebenslauf (curriculum vitae (CV)) and the Zeugnisse (references). The Anschreiben is used to convince the employer to submit an invitation for a job interview. It must be in paper size DIN A4, not exceed one page, have a handwritten signature, and be accompanied by a Lebenslauf and Zeugnisse. The Lebenslauf is documented in reverse chronological order and should give information on work experience, education and professional training as well as an applicant's skills. In Germany, the Lebenslauf usually includes a photograph called Bewerbungsfoto. Some employers, mainly governmental organisations, deliberately neglect the photograph to ensure a higher degree of objectivity in the course of assessment procedures. The Lebenslauf should be two pages long. In general, there are two options of submitting a job application in Germany: a job application folder (Bewerbungsmappe) or online (Onlinebewerbung). According to a study, the Onlinebewerbung was more favored in Germany than the Bewerbungsmappe by 2012. [13]

Italy

The CV is the most important part of the application and should not be longer than two to three pages. It is divided into three areas:

In chronological order:

In reverse chronological order:

The cover letter (La Lettera di accompagnamento al curriculum) is relatively short, polite and formal in Italian applications. Long versions and extensively explained motivations, as well as photos and copies of certificates, are presented only at the interview.

Spain

In Spain, the application consists of two parts: the cover letter (Carta de Candidatura) and the CV. No work or training certificates are attached. The cover letter should be short and contain the reason for applying. The CV should be structured in a tabular form. In Spain, multiple job interviews with the same company are common.[ citation needed ]

Usage by hackers

Job applications are known to be used by hackers to get employees to open attachments or links or connect USB sticks with malware. As companies typically have more financial resources than private individuals, they are often a target of cyberextortion. [14] [15] Ransomware such as "Petya" [16] [17] and "GoldenEye" [18] [19] [20] [21] were discovered to exploit job applications. Cyberespionage and attacks on critical infrastructure-related companies may be other reasons for such attacks and other than ransomware attacks may leave employees in the dark about their computer or network infection. [22] [23] [24] The best method for mitigating such risks would be to have the HR department use a separate computer for job applications that is entirely disconnected from the internal network, on which no confidential or valuable information is stored and to which no portable devices such as USB sticks that may get connected to other computers of the company are connected.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Résumé</span> Business document

A résumé, sometimes spelled resume, is a document created and used by a person to present their background, skills, and accomplishments. Résumés can be used for a variety of reasons, but most often they are used to secure new employment.

The H-1B is a visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H), that allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is the largest visa category in the United States in terms of guest worker numbers. A specialty occupation requires the application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or the equivalent of work experience. The duration of stay is three years, extendable to six years, after which the visa holder can reapply. Laws limit the number of H-1B visas that are issued each year. There exist congressionally mandated caps limiting the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year, which is 65,000 visas, and an additional 20,000 set aside for those graduating with master’s degrees or higher from a U.S. college or university. An employer must sponsor individuals for the visa. USCIS estimates there are 583,420 foreign nationals on H-1B visas as of September 30, 2019. The number of issued H-1B visas have quadrupled since the first year these visas were issued in 1991. There were 206,002 initial and continuing H-1B visas issued in 2022.

Staffing is the process of finding the right worker with appropriate qualifications or experience and recruiting them to fill a job position or role. Through this process, organizations acquire, deploy, and retain a workforce of sufficient quantity and quality to create positive impacts on the organization's effectiveness. In management, staffing is an operation of recruiting the employees by evaluating their skills and knowledge before offering them specific job roles accordingly.

A background check is a process used by an organisation or person to verify that an individual is who they claim to be, and check their past record to confirm education, employment history, and other activities, and for a criminal record. The frequency, purpose, and legitimacy of background checks vary among countries, industries, and individuals. An employment background check typically takes place when someone applies for a job, but it can also happen at any time the employer deems necessary. A variety of methods are used to complete these checks, including comprehensive database search and letters of reference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Recruitment</span> Process of attracting, selecting and appointing candidates to a job or other organization

Recruitment is the overall process of identifying, sourcing, screening, shortlisting, and interviewing candidates for jobs within an organization. Recruitment also is the process involved in choosing people for unpaid roles. Managers, human resource generalists, and recruitment specialists may be tasked with carrying out recruitment, but in some cases, public-sector employment, commercial recruitment agencies, or specialist search consultancies such as Executive search in the case of more senior roles, are used to undertake parts of the process. Internet-based recruitment is now widespread, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Job interview</span> Type of interview

A job interview is an interview consisting of a conversation between a job applicant and a representative of an employer which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should be hired. Interviews are one of the most common methods of employee selection. Interviews vary in the extent to which the questions are structured, from an unstructured and informal conversation to a structured interview in which an applicant is asked a predetermined list of questions in a specified order; structured interviews are usually more accurate predictors of which applicants will make suitable employees, according to research studies.

Ransomware is a type of cryptovirological malware that permanently blocks access to the victim's personal data unless a "ransom" is paid. While some simple ransomware may lock the system without damaging any files, more advanced malware uses a technique called cryptoviral extortion. It encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them. In a properly implemented cryptoviral extortion attack, recovering the files without the decryption key is an intractable problem, and difficult-to-trace digital currencies such as paysafecard or Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are used for the ransoms, making tracing and prosecuting the perpetrators difficult.

Job hunting, job seeking, or job searching is the act of looking for employment, due to unemployment, underemployment, discontent with a current position, or a desire for a better position. The immediate goal of job seeking is usually to obtain a job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired. The job hunter or seeker typically first looks for job vacancies or employment opportunities.

Overqualification is the state of being educated beyond what is necessary or requested by an employer for a position with the business. There can often be high costs for companies associated with training employees. This could be problematic for candidates resulting in failure to secure employment for the position in question. Employers foresee costs related to hiring such “overqualified” candidates. When seeking employment, candidates should consider providing explanation to potential employers as to why they are seeking a position that requires less skill, education and therefore less pay than their education and experience qualify the candidate for.

A letter of recommendation or recommendation letter, also known as a letter of reference, reference letter, or simply reference, is a document in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual's ability to perform a particular task or function. Letters of recommendation are typically related to employment, admission to institutions of higher education, or scholarship eligibility. They are usually written by someone who worked with or taught the person, such as a supervisor, colleague, or teacher. Financial institutions, such as banks, may ask other institutions for references to judge, for example, a potential customer's creditworthiness.

A cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter, or a letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to or accompanying another document such as a résumé or a curriculum vitae.

Job fraud is fraudulent or deceptive activity or representation on the part of an employee or prospective employee toward an employer. It is not to be confused with employment fraud, where an employer scams job seekers or fails to pay wages for work performed. There are several types of job frauds that employees or potential employees commit against employers. While some may be illegal under jurisdictional laws, others do not violate law but may be held by the employer against the employee or applicant.

A work permit or work visa is the permission to take a job within a foreign country. The foreign country where someone seeks to obtain a work permit for is also known as the "country of work", as opposed to the "country of origin" where someone holds citizenship or nationality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curriculum vitae</span> Summary of career

In English, a curriculum vitae is a short written summary of a person's career, qualifications, and education. This is the most common usage in British English. In North America, the term résumé is used, referring to a short career summary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malwarebytes</span> Internet security company

Malwarebytes Inc. is an American Internet security company that specializes in protecting home computers, smartphones, and companies from malware and other threats. It has offices in Santa Clara, California; Clearwater, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Bastia Umbra, Italy; and Cork, Ireland.

The EB-1 visa is a preference category for United States employment-based permanent residency. It is intended for "priority workers". Those are foreign nationals who either have "extraordinary abilities", or are "outstanding professors or researchers", and also includes "some executives and managers of foreign companies who are transferred to the US". It allows them to remain permanently in the US.

Skills-based hiring refers to the practice of employers setting specific skill or competency requirements or targets. Skills and competencies may be cognitive or other professional skills, often commonly called "soft" skills.

Ban the Box is an American campaign by advocates for ex-offenders aimed at removing the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record from hiring applications. Its purpose is to enable ex-offenders to display their qualifications in the hiring process before being asked about their criminal records. The premise of the campaign is that anything that makes it harder for ex-offenders to find a job makes it likelier that they will reoffend, which is bad for society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petya (malware family)</span> Family of encrypting ransomware discovered in 2016

Petya is a family of encrypting malware that was first discovered in 2016. The malware targets Microsoft Windows–based systems, infecting the master boot record to execute a payload that encrypts a hard drive's file system table and prevents Windows from booting. It subsequently demands that the user make a payment in Bitcoin in order to regain access to the system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Ukraine ransomware attacks</span> Series of powerful cyberattacks using the Petya malware

A series of powerful cyberattacks using the Petya malware began on 27 June 2017 that swamped websites of Ukrainian organizations, including banks, ministries, newspapers and electricity firms. Similar infections were reported in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. ESET estimated on 28 June 2017 that 80% of all infections were in Ukraine, with Germany second hardest hit with about 9%. On 28 June 2017, the Ukrainian government stated that the attack was halted. On 30 June 2017, the Associated Press reported experts agreed that Petya was masquerading as ransomware, while it was actually designed to cause maximum damage, with Ukraine being the main target.

References

  1. Ruminski, Clayton (18 May 2016). "Manuscripts and Archives: Early Twentieth Century Job Applications - A Personal Affair". Hagley Museum.
  2. 1 2 Diane Arthur, Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting & Orienting New Employees (1998), p. 111.
  3. Donald H. Weiss, Fair, Square & Legal: Safe Hiring, Managing & Firing Practices to Keep You and Your Company Out of Court (2004), p. 45.
  4. Sandra Bunting, The Interviewer's Handbook: Successful Interviewing Techniques for the Workplace (2005), p. 82.
  5. Diane Arthur, Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting & Orienting New Employees (1998), p. 168.
  6. Joe Kennedy, The Small Business Owner's Manual (2005), p. 122.
  7. Diane Arthur, Recruiting, Interviewing, Selecting & Orienting New Employees (1998), p. 59.
  8. A C "Buddy" Krizan, Patricia Merrier, Joyce P. Logan, Business Communication (2010), p. 551.
  9. Johnson, Tarun. "Role of Application Blank in the Selection Process". GradsUp. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07.
  10. "completing a job application". 21 April 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  11. "interests on a resume". 8 April 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  12. "Should I Include a Photo with My Cover Letter and Resume on a Job Application? | Everyday Life - Global Post". Archived from the original on 2013-12-29. Retrieved 2013-12-28., accessed 28 December 2013.
  13. "Internet überholt die Bewerbungsmappe auf Papier". BITKOM (German). Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-01-30.
  14. Lindner, Martin (4 February 2017). "Computerkriminalität: Hacker im Spital". NZZ Am Sonntag (in German). Neue Zürcher Zeitung. Archived from the original on 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  15. "Warning: Malware is showing up in job applicants' files". 1 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  16. "Email scam Petya locks down PCs until a ransom is paid". Digital Trends. 25 March 2016. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  17. "Angebliches Bewerbungsschreiben: Ransomware Petya verschlüsselt Master File Table" (in German). ZDNet. 29 March 2016. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  18. "GoldenEye ransomware disguised as job application". IT PRO. 6 January 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  19. Palmer, Danny. "This ransomware targets HR departments with fake job applications". ZDNet. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  20. "GoldenEye Ransomware analysiert". 2 February 2017. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  21. Ziemann, Frank (6 December 2016). "Goldeneye: Bewerbungs-Mails mit Erpresser-Malware". PC-WELT. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  22. "Cyber Espionage Firms Targeting Critical Infrastructure". Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  23. Constantin, Lucian (12 July 2016). "Stealthy cyberespionage malware targets energy companies". Computerworld. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  24. "Blackout - Deutschland ohne Strom" (in German). Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.