Jun 9, 2026
If you’re searching for your next job by applying to anything that remotely matches your skillset and not getting anywhere, you may be “doomjobbing” and not even realize it.
Doomjobbing is the career equivalent of “doomscrolling” on your phone, and involves endlessly refreshing job boards and mass-applying to positions for the short-term satisfaction that you’re making progress in your search. In reality, this leads to a lot more rejection and lower confidence.
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“It’s like you’re mindlessly looking at things and not necessarily doing anything productively with them,” Dr. Jamie Shapiro, an organizational psychologist, told USA Today.
In today’s job market, it’s easy to fall into this trap. The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs in May, far more than analysts predicted, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unemployment remained at 4.3%.
But a deeper look into the numbers shows that Americans on average are waiting six months to find a job. That’s a long time, especially if you’re one of the 53% of Americans that cannot cover a $1,000 emergency expense, according to a February Bankrate survey. Many people turn to high-interest debt like credit cards to get by, as a result.
AI makes doomjobbing easier
Many people are turning to AI to make applying to jobs easier and faster. Job seekers can use AI to scan for job listings, rewrite resumes, and even prepare for interviews.
But many employers are now using applicant tracking systems that leverage AI to parse through hundreds, if not thousands, of interested job seekers. According to a Resume Builder survey cited by The Atlantic, four in five companies are using AI to scan resumes.
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword in that sense. But let’s play out the scenario. An applicant applies to jobs broadly, then automated systems filter them out, and their inbox is swarmed with rejections. Suddenly, confidence drops and they may feel defeated, even as they continue on in the process.
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Easy applications do more harm than good
Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn also let you apply to multiple jobs in just a few clicks by uploading your resume. This is a low-effort task that can give jobseekers a sense of accomplishment. However, according to LinkedIn data released last year, nearly 40% of job seekers are applying to more jobs, but are also hearing back less.
“While it may be tempting to hit ‘Easy Apply’ on everything that catches your eye on websites like LinkedIn, it’s not the best way to go about job hunting,” Peter Duris, CEO and co-founder of Kickresume, told MarketWatch.
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Some companies will explicitly require cover letters on LinkedIn or Indeed to weed out applicants just looking to add another line to their job search spreadsheet. Others add screening questions for the same purpose or will redirect you to their website to apply after successfully getting your attention on the job board.
How to stop doomjobbing
The best way to avoid doomjobbing is to have a targeted approach. Narrow your job search to your desired salary range, location and title. It’s also good to tailor your application, including the cover letter, to the job posting.
Above all, avoid applying to any job you’re not qualified for on the off-chance you get an interview.
“It’s best to be intentional with your job search,” Duris said. “Take your time applying to relevant roles and check multiple job boards.”
With so many jobs posted online, it’s easy to develop FOMO if you don’t apply to every job you see in your field of study. But being strategic can improve your chances of landing an interview.
Don’t be afraid to limit the amount of time you spend applying either. You’ll still get rejections at various points along the job searching process, so it’s important to decompress. This method, however, can potentially keep your spirits high, as your inbox is less likely to be flooded with dozens of rejection emails from jobs you applied to on a whim.
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Danni Santana is a journalist based out of New York City with a decade of experience reporting and editing business stories about retail, restaurants, sports, and personal finance.
