An unsigned application may signify hesitance to have references or previous employment verified. The interview should be the most important part of the hiring process. In a limited period of time, the interviewer must determine if the applicant has the skills required to successfully perform the job for which they have applied. The interviewer must ask open ended questions that both provide information and test the applicant's ability to communicate. A good interview strategy is one that provides answers to the questions.
Past performance is the best indication to future performance.
Share the job description and skills assessment with candidates to ascertain why they think they will be successful if hired. The best way to avoid any perception of discrimination is to insure that you don't ask for information that can be used inappropriately. With few exceptions, you cannot use age or sex as a barrier to hiring. It is also an unlawful employment practice to hire based on marital status. Don't ask a man for his wife's name.