More than half in U.S. quit job applications midway: LiveCareer survey
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — A new survey by LiveCareer reveals a critical pain point in today’s global job market: 57% of job seekers have quit a job application midway due to overly complicated or time-consuming requirements.
This trend, highlighted in LiveCareer’s 2025 Job Search Frustration Survey, underscores mounting frustration over convoluted hiring systems and lack of communication from employers.
The survey, which polled 517 U.S.-based job seekers in June 2025, found that navigating online applications remains a major obstacle.
“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,” according to LiveCareer.
Nearly one in three respondents (32%) saw resume writing as a significant source of stress, trailing only behind not hearing back from employers (35%). Other significant issues included a lack of job openings in their field, the complexity of online application forms, and the need for interview preparation.
Job seekers doubt human oversight in hiring
Despite 64% of respondents expressing confidence that their resumes are optimized to beat applicant tracking systems (ATS), few believe their applications ever make it to a recruiter’s desk.
“41% believe only 0%–25% of their applications are reviewed by a recruiter,” while 34% think the share is only marginally higher, between 26%–50%.
Just 10% are confident that nearly all of their submissions are seen by human eyes — a telling indicator of growing skepticism around whether employers truly evaluate applications personally.
Resume format matters for successful job search
When it comes to resume strategy, LiveCareer experts urge job seekers to tailor their approach. The survey highlights three major formats:
- Chronological resumes for those with 10+ years of experience and a consistent career trajectory.
- Functional resumes for recent graduates, career changers, or those facing employment gaps.
- Combination resumes for mid-level professionals or those reentering the workforce.
“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,” states the LiveCareer study.
The findings reveal a growing concern about algorithm-driven hiring practices and underscore a powerful call for simpler, more transparent application processes worldwide.
