This would save effort for the job seeker, but would mean more effort (though not much) for the employer. The employers would rather make you do the work. Still, I support the idea.

Hi Dwane,

The way I picture this working for the emploer is that they log into a site and print out the information they want. Perhaps references can be included as well. A great place to implement a system like this would be LinkedIn.com.

What extra work do you see the employer having to do?

Having to log on and look you up. Like I said, it's not much, but they would rather have you just put the info in their hand.

I don't see that as being insurmountable. At present, many employers will look candidates up on Myspace and Facebook - just to see who they are in private and I think a lot would value the speed of the process. (And by employers I'm really more specifically talking about recruiters and HR whose primary job is to do this stuff. Perhaps if it were a busy executive they would view this differently) As soon as they set up an interview with someone they could have the application info in their hand. For most HR departments it's just a formality anyway - they look at the resumes or CVs instead.

I don't see it as insurmountable either. That's why I said that I support it.

Great minds think alike; I had the same idea just a few days ago. Would make job applications easier and faster. Cant think of a reason why this cant be done!

It is simply in the effort. This would be easy for the seeker, but what employer wants to hire those that take the easiest road, rather than work for the destination? Having a general resume and application points to the wider range of your work life. When I look for employees, I look for targeted information. Information that targets the position I am hiring for. When it comes to personality, that is in some sense what the interview is for.

In short, I look for the effort, not the shortcuts.

As someone who enjoys the resume writing process, I totally agree with your comments in regards to a resume. I personalize my entire resume - not just the "objective" for almost every job I apply for and make sure it is appropriate for the job description and the industry.

I was not referring to a resume with this idea at all, JUST an application which is more of a standardized or legal document and is in most cases a formality... a backup to the resume. I've yet to find an application form that has unique information on it. A universal form would save time for candidates because it's 15-45 less minutes they would have to fiddle with papers during an interview and it saves HR professionals time checking references. All the information on the App would have to be verified by employers or a reference before being officially posted.

Also, although there would be a wide variety of information on the app, employers could get essentially a "report" with just the information that they are looking for...

I do agree with your last angle. You can see more and companies placing thier application process online for this general purpose. The paper trail is ending at the application process. Now the work is only in the resume and cover letter. Forgive the missunderstanding. This would be a good idea if someone could create a very general and universal application profile system. Getting to be a well known and respectible one would prove difficult, yet not unworth the effort.

Very good idea . I think in .pdf form it would be even better .

A lot of employers already use "generic" application forms so they aren't sued by people they deem unsuitable for hiring.