Job seekers warned against ‘doomjobbing’ trend in Australia

Australian job seekers are being warned against a growing trend known as ‘doomjobbing,’ which involves mass-applying to numerous positions with minimal customization or strategic focus. This behavior is often described as a coping mechanism for anxious applicants seeking a sense of control in a difficult job market.

Lauren Haxby, a senior practice director at Robert Half, noted that while one-click application technologies allow for high volumes of submissions, quantity does not necessarily lead to better employment outcomes. Recruiters can often identify generic applications that lack tailoring, which can make a candidate's motivations appear unclear and harm their chances of securing a role. Employers currently prioritize understanding why a specific candidate is relevant to a particular position rather than simply finding someone capable of performing the tasks.