Why Is Applying To Jobs Online So Darn Complicated?

Applying to jobs online can feel surprisingly exhausting. You upload your resume, create another username and password you’ll never remember, answer dozens of required questions, manually re-enter information already listed on your resume, and spend 30 minutes completing an application for a job that may receive thousands of applicants.

So why do companies make the process so complicated?

Why Do Employers Make Online Applications So Long?

Most companies are not intentionally trying to frustrate candidates.

The reality is that employers receive enormous application volume, especially for remote and white-collar positions. Recruiters and hiring teams often manage dozens of open roles simultaneously, so companies rely heavily on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to organize, sort, and filter candidates.

These systems help employers:

• Store job postings
• Process applications
• Search resumes
• Screen candidates
• Prioritize applicants

From the employer’s perspective, this creates efficiency. From the candidate’s perspective, it can feel like running an obstacle course.

Why Do ATS Systems Ask So Many Questions?

A lot of the extra questions and required fields exist because ATS systems are trying to standardize information across thousands of applicants.

Some systems parse resume data well. Others… not so much.

That’s why you often upload your resume and then immediately get asked to manually type the same information back into the application fields anyway.

Many employers also use screening questions to narrow candidate pools quickly before a recruiter reviews applications manually.

How Can You Improve Your Chances When Applying To Jobs Online?

1. Make Sure Your Resume Is ATS-Friendly

Simple formatting works best.

Single-column resumes generally perform better in ATS systems than heavily designed resumes filled with graphics, tables, or text boxes.

2. Pay Attention To Keywords

Read the job description carefully and identify the technical skills, software, certifications, and terminology the company repeatedly mentions.

If those skills honestly reflect your background, incorporate them naturally into your resume and LinkedIn profile.

3. Don’t Rely Only On The Application

This is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make.

After applying online, try identifying the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone connected to the role through LinkedIn. A short, professional follow-up message can sometimes help your application stand out from the crowd.

4. Work Your Network

Referrals still matter — a lot.

A recommendation from someone inside the company often carries significantly more weight than being one of hundreds of anonymous online applicants.

5. Strengthen Your LinkedIn Presence

Many employers actively search LinkedIn for candidates instead of waiting for applications to come to them.

A strong LinkedIn profile with clear accomplishments, relevant keywords, and an active professional network can help recruiters find you directly instead of forcing you to spend all day applying online.

Applying to jobs online may never become fun, but understanding how hiring systems work can help you approach the process more strategically and with a little less frustration.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides job search strategy, resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching, and executive career services.

Looking for guidance on your resume or job search strategy? Schedule a free strategy session and resume review. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com or contact us here.