A growing number of job seekers believe their applications are being lost in the digital hiring process, leading some to take desperate measures to secure employment, according to a new survey.
Nearly six in 10 job seekers (59 per cent) believe fewer than a quarter of their applications ever reach a human recruiter, according to MyPerfectResume’s latest Job Search Behavior report. Applicant tracking systems (ATS), quick-apply tools, and an increasingly competitive market have left many candidates feeling invisible.
“The job search process has become highly automated, and many job seekers feel like they are sending applications into a black hole,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume.
The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. job seekers, highlights the growing frustration among candidates. With limited opportunities, many are changing their approach, sometimes resorting to risky tactics. More than one in four respondents (27 per cent) admitted to lying on applications to improve their chances, while 71 per cent have applied to jobs outside their industry due to a lack of relevant openings. Another 42 per cent said they accepted jobs they were overqualified for to avoid prolonged unemployment.
ATS barriers and risky job search strategies
Designed to streamline hiring, ATS software is often a source of frustration for job seekers. The survey found that 31 per cent of respondents believe recruiters review fewer than 10 per cent of their applications. Another 28 per cent think only 11 to 25 per cent are seen. Less than one in five (19 per cent) believe most of their applications reach a human.
With the perception that their resumes are being filtered out before they are even reviewed, some job seekers are taking drastic steps to stand out. Escalera cautioned against tactics such as exaggerating experience or qualifications, as these can have long-term career consequences. Instead, she recommended optimizing resumes with industry-specific keywords and tailoring applications to each role.
Quick-apply tools fall short
Many job seekers turn to quick-apply features on job boards and platforms like LinkedIn to streamline their applications, but the survey suggests these tools may not be effective. More than four in 10 respondents (41 per cent) reported never landing an interview through quick-apply tools, while only 10 per cent said they had repeated success using them. Nearly one in five (19 per cent) said they avoid quick-apply tools altogether, believing they are ineffective.
While these features can save time, Escalera said job seekers may need to focus on quality over quantity. “Personalized applications that align closely with a company’s specific needs tend to have better outcomes than mass-applying,” she said.
Career shifts and overqualification
With opportunities in their fields becoming more limited, many job seekers are applying for roles outside their industry or taking positions below their skill level. The survey found that 71 per cent of respondents had applied to jobs in different industries, but only 24 per cent successfully made the switch. Additionally, 42 per cent said they accepted positions they were overqualified for just to remain employed.
Changing industries remains a challenge, even for experienced professionals. Escalera advised job seekers considering a career pivot to research transferable skills and highlight them effectively in resumes and cover letters. Networking can also play a crucial role in accessing new opportunities, she said.
Improving job search success
With ATS software filtering out applications before they reach recruiters, Escalera recommended job seekers refine their resumes to be more ATS-friendly by using relevant keywords and tailoring applications to specific job descriptions. She also suggested that applicants prioritize networking—connecting with industry professionals, attending job fairs, and reaching out to recruiters directly can help candidates bypass digital barriers and improve their chances of landing interviews.
The survey was conducted on Feb. 5, 2025, and included responses from 1,000 job seekers in the United States. Participants answered multiple-choice and scale-based questions about their job search experiences, hiring challenges, and views on the modern recruitment process.
