The employment application is the employer's first opportunity to screen candidates. Every employer should require candidates applying for a job at their company to fill out their company employment application so they can select qualified candidates for interviews. An employment application allows the employer to obtain basic information regarding the prospective employee's educational and work background. The application should also have a statement that all the information contained in the application is true and correct. This is important if contradicting information is uncovered at a later date. When signed and dated by the applicant, the employment application becomes a legal document.
Employers should be aware of the states and cities that have enacted Ban the Box legislation, prohibiting employers from asking applicants if they have been convicted of a felony on initial employment applications. Ban the Box refers to the "box" on employment application forms where prospective employees are asked whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. Employers should be aware of their state and local laws to determine if they are subject to a Ban the Box law. Further, in several states, an applicant may answer "no record" on a job application if asked about prior arrests, convictions, or court appearances that have been expunged.
Employers should also be aware that several states and municipalities restrict an employer's ability to ask about or consider a job applicant's salary history during the hiring process, including employment applications. Each of these laws has its own nuance that employers, particularly multistate employers, need to be aware of so that their recruiting and hiring practices are in compliance. Reach out to your FrankAdvice HR Consultant for guidance.
If you do not have your own company application form, click on the link below to see a customizable employment application form that may be used. The employer adds their information to the first and last section and the candidate fills in their information on their applicable parts.