The application is the introduction to the selection process and provides the criteria for the first separation of qualified candidates from unqualified candidates.  The selection process won't really start without one and without an application the background investigation doesn't have much to work on.

If one fills out an application and does not at least allege to be qualified for the position, their applications will most likely be rejected. For example if the job requires a highschool education and the applicant fails to answer that they have a high school education then they can be disqualified without further testing. Most government employment application packets include a notice that any intentional false statements in an application are not only grounds for disqualification but may be used as grounds for termination even after the applicant is hired.

The employment application used by some agencies require a doctors statement that the applicant can safely submit to physical agility testing as well as release forms for background information and if these forms are not properly filled out then the applicant is going to be rejected as well.

If inclusions or omissions in the employment application can be used in any way to disqualify an applicant, it must necessarily be included as part of the selection process.

Convinced yet?

Sancho Panza