Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on LiveCareer.
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. Here are 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.
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