Starting to see a trend...

I had seen AI or scripting driven job application tools and services coming in vogue recently. They charge few cents an application and blast off hundreds of applications on your behalf based on criteria you have chosen.

I also heard horror stories from small and medium sized businesses about getting hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of applications in matter of days for a particular role. They complained majority of those applications were not even remotely related to the job description or their requirement.

Large companies throw ATS and other sophisticated tools at this problem, and IMHO ends up hurting the job applicant.

That said, in last two weeks alone I came across few job application processes (both medium sized business and both non-technical).

1. This company had the applicant enter their phone number even before the application process was started. A one-time passcode was then sent to the mobile, which had to entered in less than 2 minutes to start the application process.
2. Another company had the candidate record a statement about why they were a good fit for that role. Anyone who didn't record the audio, couldn't apply for the role.
3. In last example applicant saw a notice that said, something like - due to the high volume of applications we use AI to determine your fit for this role. If you do not want AI scanning your resume, please uncheck the box....and the delay your decision will cause etc.

I wrote this post so as to help anyone using automated services.

All the Best!