On the surface, modern job hunting should be easier than ever. With platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake, candidates can apply for dozens — sometimes hundreds — of positions with just a few clicks. For recent graduates like Mihir Goyenka, a 24-year-old computer science master’s degree holder from Tempe, Arizona, that convenience meant submitting thousands of applications in less than a year.
But this apparent advantage hides a deeper problem: the easier it is to apply, the harder it is to stand out.
The Rise of “Spray and Pray” Applications
Recruiters call it “spray and pray” — blasting out résumés to every possible opening in hopes that something sticks.
For Goyenka, networking didn’t initially pay off, so he defaulted to volume: “It became a numbers game,” he said.
He’s far from alone. LinkedIn data shows job applications submitted on its platform jumped 45% year-over-year as of May 2024. Yet, many applicants report hearing back less often despite applying to more roles.
What was meant to reduce friction in hiring has instead created a tsunami of résumés for HR departments, often burying qualified candidates under sheer volume.
Recruiters Are Overwhelmed
With thousands of applications flooding in for a single role, recruiters increasingly rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidates. These systems scan résumés for keywords and automatically reject applicants who don’t meet predefined requirements.
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Lindsey Zuloaga, chief data scientist at Hirevue, said keyword-matching isn’t a great way to evaluate talent, but employers use it because “the numbers are stacked against you.”
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Jenny Dearborn, chief people strategy officer at BTS, called it “a tsunami of digital paperwork” where quick-apply candidates risk being ignored altogether.
Even for high-level positions, irrelevant résumés pile up. Zuloaga recalled receiving 4,000 applications for a data scientist role, half of which didn’t meet the basic qualifications.
Why Job Seekers Feel Worse Despite Applying More
A LinkedIn survey from late 2024 revealed that 37% of job seekers reported applying to more jobs but receiving fewer responses.
This cycle leads to frustration and self-doubt. “You start to feel terrible about yourself when likely no human has ever viewed your résumé,” said career coach Laura Labovich.
The constant ghosting pressures candidates to apply to even more jobs, perpetuating the cycle.
The Cobra Effect of Easy Applying
Career educator Erin McGoff calls it a “cobra effect” — a solution that creates a bigger problem. Quick-apply buttons and AI-assisted résumé builders promise speed, but when everyone uses them, it only creates more competition and noise.
AI-driven “swipe to apply” platforms, designed to mimic Tinder-like convenience, worsen the issue. “It doesn’t work because everyone else is doing it, too,” McGoff explained.
A Lottery for Employers and Applicants
The result, says Kiki Leutner, cofounder of SeeTalent.ai, is a “lottery-like scenario.” Employers don’t fully understand who’s applying, while candidates don’t know if they’re truly a fit.
Her company is developing AI-run job simulations to help employers evaluate real skills rather than résumés — potentially a more effective way to match talent to opportunities.
Networking Still Matters
Despite the rise of automation, traditional networking remains one of the most effective strategies. After months of applying, Goyenka finally landed a web developer job in Phoenix through Handshake, which connects students with employers.
Looking back, he said he would invest even more time into networking — though he admitted he’d still keep applying broadly “just to feel like I was making progress.”
His takeaway reflects the paradox of the modern job search: if you don’t apply, you have no chance — but applying too much may drown you in a sea of competition.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
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Quality beats quantity: Tailor applications to specific roles rather than mass-applying.
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Beat the ATS: Optimize your résumé with relevant keywords pulled directly from job descriptions.
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Network aggressively: Referrals remain one of the most effective ways to bypass résumé black holes.
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Explore new tools: Look for platforms that use skills-based assessments rather than keyword filters.
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Stay resilient: Ghosting is the norm, not a reflection of your worth.
