In today's fast-paced and competitive job market, a new phenomenon has emerged, one that many job seekers can relate to: 'doomjobbing.' This term, a clever portmanteau of 'doomscrolling' and 'job searching,' encapsulates the addictive and often anxiety-inducing behavior of constantly refreshing job sites and frantically applying to new roles. It's a behavior that, as we'll explore, can have detrimental effects on both your job search and your personal well-being.
The Rise of 'Doomjobbing'
'Doomjobbing' is a relatively new term, but the behavior it describes is becoming increasingly common. As career coach Eliana Goldstein puts it, "The job market feels harder than it's ever been, and people are feeling so much pressure." This pressure, combined with the overwhelming number of applications for each job opening, leads to a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out.
The statistics are eye-opening: the average job opening in mid-2025 received a staggering 242 applications, three times the average in 2017. With such fierce competition, it's no wonder that job seekers feel the need to apply to as many roles as possible, as quickly as possible.
The Psychology Behind 'Doomjobbing'
Career and leadership coach Phoebe Gavin offers an insightful perspective on why 'doomjobbing' occurs. She suggests that it stems from a desire for stability and a need to feel in control. When so many aspects of the job search are beyond our control, we seek out activities that give us a sense of agency, even if they're not particularly effective.
"Because so many aspects of the job search are outside of our control, we look for things that can help us feel like we are claiming some control—even if it's not particularly effective," Gavin explains. This behavior can provide a temporary emotional boost, but as we'll see, it often leads to more negative outcomes.
The Impact of 'Doomjobbing'
While 'doomjobbing' may make job seekers feel productive, it's not a practical or effective strategy. Applying to a larger volume of jobs doesn't necessarily increase your chances of success, and indiscriminate applications can lead to more rejections and fewer responses. As Goldstein points out, "It's going to make you feel anxious. It's going to make you doubt yourself."
Furthermore, 'doomjobbing' can have a detrimental impact on your personal life. Jonathan Clanton, a talent acquisition professional who found himself 'doomjobbing' after being laid off, realized that his habit was preventing him from being present with his children. "There were times where I'm sitting there talking to them and we're having fun, and all of a sudden, Daddy opens up his phone and is zoned out," he recalls.
Strategies to Avoid 'Doomjobbing'
So, how can job seekers avoid falling into the 'doomjobbing' trap?
1. Narrow Your Search
Goldstein's top tip is to keep your search focused. "Before you ever approach any job board, you need to get extremely clear on what it is that you want to do, what is the role that is best for you," she advises. By applying only to roles that are a good fit, you save time and increase your chances of success.
2. Restrict Your Application Time
Clanton found that time blocking helped him develop a healthier approach to his job search. He dedicated specific time blocks each day to applying to jobs, networking, and boosting his visibility on platforms like LinkedIn. Outside of these blocks, he focused on decompressing and spending time with his family and friends.
3. Leverage Your Network
Gavin emphasizes the importance of prioritizing connections over applications. "Candidates who are coming in the side door, through their relationships, are actually having much faster job searches" than those who exclusively apply on job sites, she says. Building and strengthening interpersonal relationships can open doors and provide opportunities that endless scrolling simply cannot.
Conclusion
'Doomjobbing' is a real and present danger in today's job market. It's a behavior that can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and even impact your personal relationships. By understanding the psychology behind 'doomjobbing' and implementing strategies to avoid it, job seekers can approach their search in a more focused, effective, and healthy manner. Remember, building a strong network and taking a thoughtful, deliberate approach to your job search can make all the difference.
