I don't understand why job applications do this?

[ToastyCat]

I'm currently in the process of looking for employment and have been applying for jobs.

I've noticed a lot of them ask for your CV, and then on the application, they want you to fill out all the information that's on your CV, like employment history, qualifications, etc

I just copied and pasted it from my CV, but why do they do this?

I'm sure there's a reason, but I'm losing the will to live and don't understand why they need all the information twice.

Maybe I am being unreasonable, and there's a really important reason if anyone can shed some light?

I find a lot of jobs are one or the other. The application form is often generic whereas a cv, covering letter or personal statement is specific to you.

Often the forms can populate the information onto your personal file and can be used for monitoring purposes.

They'll be using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) which essentailly means they can put your application through a process and use it to report on to monitor their recruiting processes.

There's no standard format for a CV. If you're having to go through hundreds of applicants and every bit of information is in a different bit of every CV (page 1, page 3, academic CVs can run to 20 pages...) worded or described differently, some in blocks of text, some in bulletpoints, it makes it much more difficult and time consuming which in turn means you're more likely to miss things, which disadvantages the candidates. It also forces the applicant to focus a little and think about the specific information needed for the application rather than just chucking you a generic CV. And I'm sure yours is excellent but some people's CVs are bloody awful - too long, too vague, poorly formatted, contain information you don't need but miss out information you do need. It's a hassle but it's there for a reason. Good luck!