Stop Doomjobbing: A Smarter Way to Find Work

Doomjobbing: Why Applying to More Jobs May Not Help

Have you ever opened LinkedIn or a job board intending to apply for one position, only to find yourself scrolling through dozens of jobs an hour later? You apply to one. Then another. Then another. Eventually, you have submitted 50 or 100 applications and still haven't heard anything.

This behaviour now has a name: doomjobbing.

The term describes the habit of endlessly scrolling through job opportunities and repeatedly applying, often without a clear strategy. While the word may sound humorous, the behaviour behind it can be frustrating and emotionally exhausting.

More importantly, more applications do not automatically mean better chances of getting hired.

When Job Searching Becomes a Numbers Game

When people aren't getting responses, the natural reaction is often to increase the number of applications. "If I applied to 20 jobs and didn't get an interview, maybe I need to apply to 50."

Then 100. Then 200. It feels productive because you're doing something. But job searching isn't quite like buying lottery tickets. A job application is not an equal chance of winning. Employers evaluate candidates based on experience, skills, qualifications, communication and how closely their background matches the role. Sending another application does not necessarily improve your chances if the application itself isn't competitive. In some cases, it simply creates more work without improving the outcome.

The Problem With Applying Without Reading

One of the biggest problems with mass applications is that candidates can start applying before they properly understand the opportunity. A job posting isn't simply an invitation to submit a resume.

It is information.

It tells you what the employer needs, what problems they are trying to solve and what qualifications or behaviours they value. If you don't read the posting carefully, you may miss important details that could help you decide: Is this actually a good opportunity for me?

And if it is, you can use that information to create a much stronger application.

If you're looking for a more structured approach to your job search, you can also explore Find Your Dream Job, covering resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, job searching and personal branding.

AI Can Help but It Can Also Make the Problem Bigger

Artificial intelligence has created some fantastic tools for job seekers. AI can help you understand job descriptions, identify relevant skills, improve your resume and prepare for interviews. But there is another side to the technology. AI can also make it incredibly easy to create applications at scale. Instead of spending an hour preparing one thoughtful application, someone can potentially generate dozens in a short period. That sounds efficient. But efficiency isn't always effectiveness.

If thousands of candidates are using similar AI-generated language, employers may receive applications that look polished but feel remarkably similar. This creates a cycle:

• Candidates use AI to apply faster.
• Employers receive more applications.
• Employers rely more heavily on screening technology.
• Candidates respond by applying to even more jobs.

And the cycle continues.

The goal shouldn't be to win this technology race. The goal should be to stand out from it.

Try a Different Approach: Fewer, Better Applications

Imagine you could apply to only 10 companies this month. What would you do differently? 

• You would probably research each organization.
• You would learn about its culture and business.
• You might look for people working there.
• You would spend more time understanding the position.
• You would customize your resume.
• You might write a thoughtful message to someone in your network.
• You would probably follow up.

That mindset can be much more productive than treating every job posting as another number on a spreadsheet. I'm not suggesting that you literally limit yourself to 10 applications. The idea is to bring focus and intention back into your job search.

Build Your Target Employer List

Instead of searching for "any job," start building a list of companies you'd genuinely like to work for. For example, identify 15–30 organizations that fit your:

• Skills
• Industry interests
• Career goals
• Values
• Location preferences
• Experience level

Then research them. Follow their updates. Watch for new opportunities. Identify recruiters and hiring managers where appropriate. Look for professional events where employees from those organizations may participate. This changes your job search from:

"Who is hiring?"

to:

"Where could I make a meaningful contribution?"

That's a much stronger question.

And sometimes the answer isn't simply finding another job. I also explored how changing priorities can lead mid-career professionals to reconsider the direction and pace of their careers in Why Mid-Career Professionals Choose to Step Back From Work.

Customize Your Application

You don't need to rewrite your entire resume from scratch every time. But you should make sure your application speaks directly to the position.Read the job description carefully.Identify the most important requirements. Then ask:

Where have I demonstrated this before?

Maybe the employer needs someone who can manage stakeholders. Don't simply write "strong stakeholder management skills." Give evidence.

Maybe you coordinated multiple departments on a project and delivered it successfully. That story is much more powerful than a keyword. Don't just tell employers what you can do. Show them where you've already done it.

Don't Forget the Hidden Job Market

Not every opportunity begins with a public job posting. Professional relationships, referrals, networking events, mentorship, industry communities and direct conversations can all create opportunities. This is particularly important for people who are struggling with online applications.

If you continuously apply online without results, consider changing the method, not simply increasing the volume. 

• Talk to people in your industry.
• Attend professional events.
• Reach out to former colleagues.
• Ask informed questions.
• Build genuine relationships.

Sometimes the most valuable job lead isn't sitting on a job board, it's sitting inside someone's professional network.

Your Job Search Should Have a Strategy

A strong job search might include several activities:

• Targeted applications for roles where you're genuinely qualified.
• Networking with people in your industry.
• LinkedIn activity that demonstrates your knowledge and interests.
• Skill development where you have identifiable gaps.
• Direct outreach to relevant professionals and organizations.
• Interview preparation so you are ready when an opportunity appears.

Applications are only one part of the process.

What If You've Already Applied to Hundreds of Jobs?

Don't beat yourself up. If you've been unemployed or searching for months, it is completely understandable that you may have fallen into a high-volume application routine.

The important thing is recognizing when something isn't working. If you've submitted dozens or even hundreds of applications without meaningful results, pause and review the strategy.

Look at:

• The types of jobs you're applying for
• Your resume
• Your LinkedIn profile
• Your qualifications
• Your networking activity
• Your interview performance
• Whether your target roles actually match your experience

Sometimes the answer isn't "apply harder." Sometimes it's "change the approach."

Final Thoughts

Doomjobbing is understandable. When you need a job, clicking "Apply" creates the feeling that you're moving forward. But a busy job search isn't necessarily an effective job search. The objective isn't to become the person who submits the most applications. It's to become the candidate employers remember. 

Use AI where it genuinely helps you. Use job boards as a source of opportunities, but don't let either replace judgment, research, relationships and genuine human connection.

Your career deserves more than a numbers game.

Have you ever found yourself applying to job after job without getting results? What changed your approach? Share your experience in the comments, it might help another job seeker.

AI can be useful in your job search, but it shouldn't turn your search into an automated numbers game. In my earlier article, Beyond Job Boards: Let AI Find the Opportunities You Can't See, I explore how newcomers and other job seekers can use AI more strategically.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on general career-development observations and professional experience. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized career or employment advice.

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Copyright / Source Note

This article is originally written for TheNaveedShah and does not reproduce the wording of the source provided.

It was informed by the ideas discussed in “Doomjobbing: This can't be good!” by Christian Saint Cyr, National Director of the Canadian Job Development Network, particularly the concepts of doomjobbing, mass applications, AI-assisted job searching, targeted applications and networking.

I have intentionally avoided reproducing the source's distinctive examples, extended quotations, statistics and detailed wording.

Sensitivity concern: Because “doomjobbing” is a relatively new term and the source attributes its origin to a specific individual, I would avoid presenting the origin story as established fact unless you independently verify it before publication.