“Rage Applying” Isn’t New, But Can it Really Help You Land a Job?

By Moon Harper

Jan 18, 2024 04:50 AM EST

Furious Employee — (Photo : Pixabay/Robin Higgins )

First was the Great Resignation of 2021, where many employees quit their jobs. Then came "quiet quitting" in 2022, sticking strictly to job duties and saying no to additional tasks. And now, as we enter the new year, TikTok is filled with posts promoting "rage applying" as a guaranteed method to get a new position out of frustration and dissatisfaction.

What is "Rage Applying?"

Rage applying is when you've had enough of your current job, and it makes you so angry that you send job applications, using the "Easy Apply" button on everything related to your field, attaching a generic cover letter, all while replaying frustrating conversations with your boss in your head.

The term "rage applying" surfaced on TikTok in December when user @redweez claimed to have received a job offer with a $25,000 pay increase after applying for jobs out of frustration at work. The video went viral and encouraged others to "keep rage applying to jobs," where hundreds of other Tiktokers have posted the same experiences.

While TikTok calls it "rage applying," some career coaches see it as a familiar job-searching method that applicants have always used. According to Muse career coach Cassie Spencer, host of the podcast Happenstance, "This has always been an approach to job searching," the only difference now is the platforms for job applications have just made it more accessible, perhaps too easy.

Does Rage Applying Actually Work?

If you engage in a late-night rage-applying spree, don't anticipate the same success as the TikToker who received a significant salary increase. According to Spencer, this indiscriminate approach seldom yields positive results despite applying to many positions.

Rage applying carries the risk of moving from one frustrating job to another. Time spent may also be wasted because you might not try to build a compelling case that sets you apart, hardly catching all your typos.

Muse career coach Andrea Gerson, founder of Resume Scripter, suggests that while rage applying might not be the ideal strategy for getting your dream job, certain aspects of it can benefit job seekers. Specifically:

Rage applying helps keep "multiple pots on the fire," which means having various opportunities open simultaneously.
Rage applying prevents you from questioning your suitability for a possible position.

As Gerson says. "Don't even think about whether you're fully qualified- just throw your hat in the ring and apply, not overly second-guessing yourself and your abilities, that's one thing that is positive." The lack of inhibition could help you land a significant pay raise or snag a fancy new title.

Pros of Rage Applying

Multiple Opportunities: It keeps various job opportunities open simultaneously.
Broadens Horizons: Applying widely may expose you to unexpected or diverse job opportunities.
Quick Action: It allows for swift action in response to frustration or dissatisfaction.
Better Offer Potential: Some individuals claim to have received better job offers.

Cons of Rage Applying:

Ineffectiveness: Casting a wide net may not be an effective strategy for securing a desirable position.
Quality vs. Quantity: Rapid, indiscriminate applications may lack the quality and effort needed to stand out.
Risk of Similar Issues: Moving from one frustrating job to another without addressing underlying issues.
Overlooking Details: Applying in frustration might lead to oversight of important details, including typos.

Spencer advises against using rage applying to ease panic and anger, as it can amplify negativity and worsen burnout. Instead, she suggests taking a more measured and introspective approach, slowing down rather than rapidly submitting applications in moments of frustration.