Job seekers are increasingly treating the hiring process like a numbers game, firing off applications as quickly as possible in hopes that one will stick.
New research from Monster calls the trend “doomjobbing”—a fast-paced approach to job hunting where candidates apply to multiple roles with little time spent reviewing job descriptions or assessing fit.
Applications Are Becoming Faster
42% of job seekers apply to four or more positions during a single search session, while some submit more than a dozen applications at a time.
The research also suggests many candidates spend little time evaluating roles before applying. Nearly one-third of respondents said they review job postings for one minute or less, and 48% acknowledged applying without reading the full job description.
Long Searches Fuel the Trend
Extended job hunts appear to be contributing to the behavior.
While 36% of respondents reported finding a role within a month, one-quarter said they had been searching for six months or longer. Among those facing prolonged searches, application volume often increases as candidates broaden their efforts to secure interviews.
Nearly half of job seekers said they try to balance application quantity with job fit, while 21% prioritize submitting as many applications as possible.
Challenges for Employers
The rise in mass applications is creating challenges for hiring teams as well. A larger volume of submissions can make it more difficult for recruiters to identify qualified candidates, potentially slowing hiring decisions and increasing administrative workloads.
The result is a hiring environment where job seekers feel overlooked while employers face growing numbers of less targeted applications.
A Sign of a Strained Hiring Market
The findings point to a job market where many candidates feel pressure to maximize application volume rather than focus on a smaller number of well-matched opportunities. As application numbers rise, both job seekers and employers may face a longer and less efficient hiring process.
