Why both? Resume and Employment Application

When we submit in a resume to a company, why do we need to also fill out an application? Don't they have exactly the same information? After all, a resume seems to be just a more detailed application.

Hundreds of companies make you submit form-style applications along with your online resume, or ask you to fill one out on paper before the interview.

But there are a few good (and not so good) reasons why employers do this. Here's what I can think of:

1. Background checks: The application asks for information that you don't normally include on a resume which is all important for conducting background checks.
2. Comparison purposes: helps them tell you apart and compare certain parts of your experience against others.
3. Resume types: Most job applications ease that stress by requesting employment history in order of dates.
4. Salary tricks: an employer can get the upper hand by making you reveal your income history on the application.
5. It's a test: reveals how well you can follow instructions and express yourself.

Whatever the motivation is behind this extra and seemingly unnecessary step, you have to fill out the application if you really want the job.

More details about the above reasons you can find here.