It Should Be Harder to Apply for a Job. No, Really
wired ·
The article argues that applying for jobs has become too easy, thanks to one-click applications, AI-generated resumes, and automated submission tools, creating a flood of applicants that overwhelms recruiters. Hiring professionals like Andrew Stockwell now receive hundreds or even thousands of applications per posting, many of them fake, AI-enhanced, or clearly unqualified. This deluge makes it hard for good candidates to stand out while forcing recruiters to spend hours filtering through applicant tracking systems. The problem worsened as job openings declined from their 2022 peak, yet application volume continued to rise, with LinkedIn reporting a 46% increase in submissions per applicant since early 2020. In response, companies are deliberately adding friction to the process, such as AI interviews, knockout questions, and skills tests, to weed out unserious applicants. Some recruiters are increasingly relying on referrals and internal hires, which can limit workforce diversity. Job seekers like Stockwell, now on the hunt himself, find online applications rarely lead to interviews and instead must network in person to get noticed.
wired