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Job Applications Are So Frustrating, 57% of Workers Quit Before Finishing

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by Jasmine Escalera   Career Expert 
Published On : August 14, 2025

It’s a tough market for job seekers, with many having to submit a high volume of applications before landing a new role.

LiveCareer’s 2025 Job Search Frustration Survey looked into the top pain points facing today’s job applicants and found that 57% have abandoned an application mid-process due to overly complicated or time-consuming requirements. The survey also revealed that 41% of job seekers believe fewer than a quarter of their applications are ever seen by a real person, highlighting a growing lack of trust in how hiring systems work. This trend, often referred to as job application abandonment, indicates a significant issue in the hiring process.

Top Job Search Frustrations

  • Not hearing back from employers (35%)
  • Writing a CV or resume (32%)
  • Navigating online job applications (15%)
  • Lack of job openings in my field (11%)
  • Preparing for interviews (8%)

Dropping Out Halfway

Overly complicated or time-consuming application requirements led 57% of survey respondents to drop out halfway through the process.

On the flip side, 64% of respondents said they feel confident their resumes are optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). But that optimism fades when it comes to human eyes:

  • 41% believe only 0%–25% of their applications are reviewed by a recruiter.
  • 34% believe 26%–50% are reviewed.
  • Only 10% believe nearly all are seen.
What this means: The biggest job search frustrations stem from a lack of communication and confusing application processes, leading many candidates to give up on the job search. While most feel confident their resumes can get past ATS bots, there is growing doubt that a real person ever sees them—especially with the rise of ghost jobs.

Writing a Resume the Right Way

Resume writing was identified as the second most common pain point for job seekers, just behind the frustration of not hearing back from employers, according to LiveCareer’s 2025 Job Search Frustration Survey. One major source of stress is selecting the right resume format for a candidate’s background and goals.

Choosing the appropriate format can significantly impact how a resume performs, particularly with an ATS. LiveCareer outlines three widely used resume formats, each suited to different types of job seekers:

  • Chronological Resume
    Best suited for professionals with over 10 years of experience in the same field, a consistent employment history, or those applying to senior-level roles. The chronological resume format highlights work experience and career progression.
  • Functional Resume
    Ideal for recent graduates, individuals changing careers, or those with employment gaps. The functional resume format emphasizes skills, certifications, and education over work history, helping job seekers shift focus to their strengths.
  • Combination Resume
    A hybrid approach that works well for candidates with five to eight years of experience. The combination resume format showcases both relevant skills and professional growth, making it a strong choice for those pursuing mid-level roles or re-entering the workforce.

LiveCareer experts recommend that job seekers tailor their resume format to reflect how their background aligns with the job description and the experience required for the role. While the chronological format remains the most commonly used, functional or combination resumes may be more effective for those in transition.

What this means: Choosing the right resume format isn’t just a stylistic decision; it can make or break a candidate’s chances of getting noticed. By aligning resume structure with experience level and career goals, job seekers can better navigate hiring systems and stand out to employers.

For press inquiries, contact Elizabeth Buccianti, senior manager public relations, at elizabeth.buccianti@bold.com.

Methodology

This study was conducted by LiveCareer in June 2025 and surveyed 517 U.S.-based job seekers across a diverse range of industries and experience levels. Respondents were asked to reflect on their most recent job search experience, including the challenges they faced and their perceptions of the online application process. The survey included a mix of single- and multiple-select questions designed to assess key pain points, such as resume writing, employer communication, and ATS.  

About LiveCareer

LiveCareer's online Resume Builder is designed to empower its users to get better jobs and improve their job search. A one-stop shop among AI resume builder tools, LiveCareer features cutting-edge resume templates, a powerful cover letter builder, and extensive free career resources to support job candidates in reaching their professional goals. Trusted by over 10 million users around the world, LiveCareer has been publishing expert advice from Certified Professional Resume Writers since 2005. LiveCareer’s career tips have been featured in renowned media outlets, including Bloomberg, Forbes, and Newsweek. Stay connected with LiveCareer's latest updates to improve your job search on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

About the Author

Career Expert

Jasmine Escalera Career Expert

Jasmine is a career expert with a background in nonprofit management and significant experience as a hiring manager and leader. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Jasmine holds a B.S. in biochemistry and PhD in neuropharmacology and offers six years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation. She has had her work featured on LiveCareer’s resume builder and in these online publications: Fast Company, CNBC, Fortune, and more.

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