My MBA Career: How Using Resume Spammers Led to Chaos Applying for Jobs

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

In the competitive job market of fall 2020, one economics reporter found themselves facing a daunting challenge as a job seeker. Despite meticulous research and tailored CVs, the author faced rejection and silence from employers, reflecting the struggles of many in the job market. With thousands of applications flooding in for even unremarkable positions, the competition has become fierce.

In this era of artificial intelligence, job application bots like LazyApply and Massive have made their mark in the market. Curious about their effectiveness, the author decided to test out these bots in their job search. Trying multiple bots including Sonara, WonsultingAI, Massive, and LazyApply, the author found that while bots can be a helpful tool, they also come with risks.

LazyApply, for example, caused errors in applications by using outdated resumes and mistakenly reporting false information. This highlights the importance of attention to detail and accuracy when using these bots. Additionally, bots can have a mixed success rate, with employers sometimes unaware that applications are bot-generated. The influx of applications that HR departments struggle to sort through may also mean that they are unable to distinguish between human and bot applications.

In the end, the author emphasizes the importance of networking in landing a job, citing their own experience of securing a job at Business Insider through networking. While bots can be a valuable resource, job seekers are advised to focus on building connections and networking to stand out in a crowded job market. Ultimately, caution should be exercised when using bots for job applications, ensuring that details are accurate and that human connection remains a priority in the job search process.