How the "Easy Apply" Button is Harming the Job Market – And What You Can Do Instead

Joseph Roszhart October 30, 2024

The Illusion of Convenience As a career coach at Roszhart Coaching, I work with talented professionals every day who are navigating an increasingly complex job market. Many of them, like you, are lured by the convenience of job boards like Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder. With the "Easy Apply" feature, it’s tempting to send off multiple applications in just a few clicks, crossing your fingers for a response. But what if I told you this ease of application is actually making it harder to get noticed?

Convenience can be a double-edged sword, especially in job searching. Here’s how Easy Apply is unintentionally derailing the job market—and what you can do to stand out and find a role that truly fits.

The Issue with Easy Apply: Too Much of a Good Thing

"Easy Apply" was built for simplicity, but it has shifted job applications from quality to quantity, with negative consequences for everyone involved:

1. Overloaded Recruiters: With the flood of applications that Easy Apply creates, recruiters are often overwhelmed, making it difficult for them to sift through and find the right candidates. Rather than carefully reviewing each resume, many hiring managers now rely on quick filters and keywords to weed out applicants, often missing excellent candidates.
2. Quick Click, Low Commitment: Many job seekers are applying to roles indiscriminately, with little understanding of the company or position. This lack of alignment results in poor-fit hires and higher turnover, which costs both the company and the candidate in the long run. A hasty click may get your resume in the stack, but it often leaves employers questioning your interest and commitment to the role.
3. Missed Opportunities for Real Connection: The job market used to be more intentional—applying for a role meant taking time to research, tailor, and show genuine interest. Easy Apply has taken away that “personal touch,” making it harder to connect with potential employers meaningfully.

The Impact on Job Seekers: Why Easy Apply is Not Always Easy

As a career coach, I’ve seen many motivated clients grow frustrated by the “no response” cycle created by Easy Apply. Here are some common issues they face:

• Burnout from Over-Applying: It’s easy to think, “If I apply to 50 jobs, one of them has to work out.” Unfortunately, this shotgun approach often leads to disappointment and burnout, as candidates quickly become discouraged by lack of feedback.
• Getting Lost in the Shuffle: When you’re one of hundreds of quick clicks, it’s hard to stand out, even if you’re highly qualified. A personalized, targeted application can go much further than a dozen generic ones.
• Lost Confidence: Receiving little to no response can chip away at your confidence. Many of my clients come to me wondering if something is “wrong” with their resume when the real problem lies with the sheer volume of applications received.

How to Shift Your Approach and Stand Out

If you want to set yourself apart in a sea of Easy Apply candidates, a few thoughtful steps can make all the difference. At Roszhart Coaching, I encourage clients to be intentional in their search, and here’s how you can start:

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity: Focus on applying to roles that truly resonate with you, even if it means submitting fewer applications. Consider this: if you could only apply to five jobs, which ones would they be? This mindset encourages you to be selective and put real effort into tailoring each application.
2. Personalize Every Application: Even if you’re using Easy Apply, find ways to add a personal touch. Take a few moments to tweak your resume and cover letter to highlight how your skills and values align with the specific job and company. Hiring managers can sense genuine interest, and it often pays off.
3. Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile: Many recruiters look at LinkedIn before they review a resume, so make sure your profile reflects the value you bring. Consider investing in SEO-optimized LinkedIn services to improve your visibility with the right hiring managers. At Roszhart Coaching, we provide SEO-driven LinkedIn profile optimization to help clients get noticed by the people who matter.
4. Engage with Companies Directly: After applying, follow up! A simple email to the hiring manager, or a comment on the company’s LinkedIn post, can show that you’re genuinely interested. This extra effort can make a memorable impression, even if the initial application was through Easy Apply.
5. Network Beyond Applications: Relying solely on job boards may not be enough in today’s market. Connect with people in your desired industry, attend relevant events, and consider reaching out to a career coach for guidance. In my experience, candidates who network tend to find opportunities faster than those who don’t.

For Employers: Fostering a Better Applicant Experience

If you’re hiring, consider adding thoughtful barriers that invite serious applicants. Here are some effective approaches that companies I work with have used successfully:

• Screening Questions or Work Samples: Adding a quick quiz, question, or request for a sample work item can help you gauge interest and filter out casual applicants.
• Focus on the Candidate Experience: Take time to make the application process clear and supportive. Many qualified candidates shy away from companies that feel impersonal or disorganized, so it’s in everyone’s interest to make sure candidates feel valued.

Moving Forward: A Better Job Search Experience for Everyone

Easy Apply isn’t inherently bad; it has its uses, especially for certain types of roles or early-career professionals. But for those looking to find meaningful work or build long-term careers, a strategic and thoughtful approach yields the best results.

At Roszhart Coaching, we emphasize quality and intentionality in every step of the career alignment process. If you’re tired of job applications going nowhere, let’s work together to refine your approach and create a resume that resonates with employers. For my clients, even small changes—like targeted applications or an optimized LinkedIn profile—can lead to incredible improvements in response rates and interviews.



By shifting from convenience to intentionality, you can take control of your job search, stand out from the crowd, and land a role that truly fits your career vision.