{
  "id": 3238294,
  "title": "It Should Be Harder to Apply for a Job. No, Really",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/it-should-be-harder-to-apply-for-a-job-no-really-3238294",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-25T09:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Wired Business",
    "slug": "wired-business",
    "url": "https://www.wired.com/story/applying-for-a-job-is-too-damn-easy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the world of job hunting, the process of applying for a position has become increasingly complicated and overwhelming. Head of people at Vendr, David Stockwell, once reviewed up to 100 applications for a single listing, but in recent times, he has faced a deluge of hundreds, and in some cases, even a thousand applications. Many of these applications are deemed \"bogus,\" having been generated using artificial intelligence, which makes it challenging to identify genuine candidates. The sheer volume of applications has led to recruiters spending excessive amounts of time reviewing them, leading to frustration and inefficiency. The desire to simplify the application process, driven by the need to attract a larger pool of candidates, has resulted in the use of AI tools that generate tailored resumes and cover letters, while browser extensions automate the application process. This has led to an exponential increase in the number of job applications, with LinkedIn reporting a 46% increase in submissions per applicant from February 2020. As a result, recruiters are facing the daunting task of sifting through thousands of applications daily, making it difficult to distinguish between good and bad candidates. Some recruiters are now advocating for \"friction\" in the application process, as they believe it helps to weed out low-quality applicants. However, the current situation is seen as unsustainable, with both employers and job seekers expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo.",
  "summary": "Thanks to a dwindling supply of open roles, “one-click” applications, and the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s easier than ever to apply for a job. We’re all paying the price.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Wired",
        "title": "It Should Be Harder to Apply for a Job. No, Really",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/it-should-be-harder-to-apply-for-a-job-no-really",
        "published": "2026-08-25T09:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}