Job Applications That Take Forever: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve ever started a job application and thought, this feels longer than a mortgage application, you’re not alone. Some companies seem to believe that the best candidates have an unlimited amount of time to jump through hoops, write essays, and answer the same question in five different ways. But are these lengthy applications actually worth it? And at what point should you cut your losses and move on?

Let’s break it down.

Why Do Some Job Applications Take So Long?

Long job applications can be frustrating, but employers often have reasons (some better than others) for their detailed processes:

• Filtering Candidates – Some companies believe a long application weeds out those who aren’t serious. (Reality check: It often just filters out busy, qualified professionals who don’t have the time.)

• Company Bureaucracy – Larger organisations have structured hiring processes that require multiple steps, approvals, and assessments.

• Testing Commitment – Some hiring managers think that if you’re willing to spend hours on an application, you must really want the job. (Or, you just have a high tolerance for nonsense.)

• Outdated Systems – Some businesses simply haven’t updated their recruitment processes and don’t realise they’re driving candidates away.

When Should You Stick With It?

Not all lengthy applications are a waste of time.

Here are some signs it might still be worth pursuing:

✔️ It’s Your Dream Job – If this is a role you’ve been eyeing for ages and everything about it aligns with your career goals, the extra effort might be justified.

✔️ The Salary & Benefits Are Exceptional – If the payoff at the end is worth the effort, it could make sense to push through.

✔️ The Company Has a Great Reputation – If employees rave about the work culture and growth opportunities, their rigorous process might be part of why they attract top talent.

✔️ You’re Early in Your Career – If you’re just starting out, going the extra mile for a good opportunity can set you up for long-term success.

When Should You Move On?

On the flip side, sometimes it’s just not worth it. Here are some red flags:

🚩 Endless Steps with No Communication – If you’ve submitted an application, completed three assessments, had a phone interview, and still have no clue what’s next, it’s a bad sign.

🚩 Repetitive or Redundant Questions – If you’ve uploaded your CV and then had to manually enter every job you’ve ever had, the company clearly hasn’t prioritised candidate experience.

🚩 Unclear Job Description – If the application is long, yet the role itself is vaguely described, that’s a sign of deeper organisational issues.

🚩 Low Salary for High Effort – If the job isn’t particularly high-paying but the process feels like you’re applying to be the CEO, it might not be worth your time.

How to Navigate Long Applications Efficiently

If you’re willing to go through the process, make sure you’re working smart:

⏳ Set a Time Limit – If an application takes more than an hour, ask yourself if it’s really worth it.

✍️ Save & Reuse Responses – Many companies ask similar questions. Keep a document with your answers to tweak and reuse.

📢 Check Reviews – Sites like Glassdoor often have insights from past applicants on what to expect.

💡 Ask the Employer – If possible, reach out to HR or a recruiter to get a sense of the process before diving in.

Final Thoughts

Your time is valuable, and no job application should feel like an unpaid internship. While some extensive applications may be worth the effort, many simply aren’t. Before committing hours to one, step back and evaluate: Is this job really worth it? If not, there are plenty of companies that respect candidates’ time—and those are the ones truly worth applying to.