Final answer:
An application form is a device for collecting detailed information about an applicant's educational and job history. It is the specific tool that employers use to obtain standardized data from candidates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device for collecting information about an applicant's education, previous job experience, and other background characteristics is an application form. While a résumé and a cover letter are also key documents in the job application process, the application form is the specific tool that employers use to gather standardized information from all candidates. The résumé is an important self-marketing tool that showcases an applicant's skills and experiences in relation to the job they are applying for. The cover letter serves as an introduction to the résumé and is designed to pique the interest of the employer or admissions officer, encouraging them to read the attached résumé.