Why Job Searching in Tech Is Broken
And How Applica Fixes It
The Harsh Reality of Tech Job Hunting
The tech job market has changed dramatically. After years of growth, the era of mass layoffs is here and the job market has grown increasingly competitive.
The Pain of the Job Hunt: through dozens of conversations with tech job seekers, we heard the same stories over and over again:
1. Fatigue Starts on Day 1
Before even applying, seekers spend 40–60 hours just preparing resumes and portfolios. The prep work alone is so draining that motivation to apply to jobs drops fast.
2. Tailoring Resumes Hurts More Than It Helps 💔
At least that’s how it feels. When candidates invest hours tailoring their resume to match a job description, they can get emotionally attached to the role. So when rejection comes in the form of a canned message, it stings.
3. Terrible Job Application UX
Workday application tracking system. Long forms. Broken resume uploads. Frustrating multi-factor auth. Stupid qualifying questions. It’s no wonder so many seekers give up mid-application.
The person who designed the Workday applicant experience should be fired. From humanity.
4. Self-Disqualification
Job postings are full of inflated requirements—10+ years of experience, leadership roles, MBA preferred. Many great candidates count themselves out before they even apply. Women, in particular, are more likely to self-disqualify.
5. The ChatGPT Trap
ChatGPT et al has become a helpful tool for resume clean-up. But overuse leads to generic resumes which appear fake, or obviously AI-generated. Meanwhile, recruiters are using AI to review resumes. It’s a peculiar scenario where sadly, there is no longer any '“H” in HR.
6. Speed Is Everything
Being first matters. Major job boards show how many people have already applied, and HR teams are overwhelmed with applicants—sometimes shutting down postings early. BTW, does anyone believe these stats from LinkedIn?
7. Not Applying Enough
This is shocking… despite spending 3+ hours per day sourcing and prepping, job seekers apply to fewer than 2 jobs per day on average. That’s simply not enough volume in today’s hyper-competitive market.
8. Interviews Are a Marathon
Once interviews start, the process becomes all-consuming. Prep time skyrockets, applying to other jobs stops altogether, and the long grind of multiple interview rounds wears people down. When did companies find the time for such a grueling interview process?
The Bigger Picture
Tech job hunting today is inefficient, exhausting, and demoralizing. The tools aren’t built for seekers. The process is stacked against candidates. And too many talented people are stuck in limbo.
That’s where Applica comes in.
We’re building a platform designed around you—making it easier to:
Create polished online profiles and portfolios.
Track every job application and interview stage.
Apply faster, smarter, and at higher volumes.
Even let our recruiter team apply on your behalf.
Because your career deserves better than broken job boards and endless rejections.