I've Never Written an Application

But I sure have filled them out...

There's something to be said for knowing peoples' full names.  I always knew there was a reason I wanted to. And tonight it hit me as to just exactly why: Applications.  You could have a completely flawless application, complete with glowing references, a fresh degree, some volunteer work, and maybe even a little experience in your field.

Then it hits you: Previous employment.  It isn't so much the fact that you have previous employment, it's more that you don't know anyone's full name there.  Seriously.  This has happened to me on more than one occasion.  I'll know their first names perfectly well.  But putting just a first name on an application makes it feel naked and exposed - probably because it's the only visible flaw.  I will agree that on a daily basis, full names aren't required (and thus probably the reason they're never learned in the first place).  But officialdom sure appreciates them, and will be sure to raise an eyebrow at you if you dare to leave it blank.

Why is it too, on applications, that they demand every morsel of information imaginable about your previous employers, yet only give you 2 inches of space to write it in? Are they really sending some sort of subconscious message to us? "We don't really want to know!  We're just required to ask!"  Is that it?  How many of those previous employers actually get called?  I've never asked.  But then again, in so many ways, I really don't want to know.