To apply for jobs just for fun?

Its tricky
I do recruiting in the NHS so it may be different
We would definitely get wind of someone who had turned down multiple job offers and it would be viewed as you being flaky and unreliable. Even somewhere else would notice your CV popping up again if they had previously offered you a role

For example we know most of the people my fairly wide department has interviewed recently, much longer memory for job offers. I also recognise things like job histories popping up repeatedly. Before we interview we normally put feelers out about someone so other departments would be alerted to.
You wouldnt get away with doing it repeatedly in the same hospital, it wouldn't take long before the locality would be aware and then eventually the trust as we share hr

We often have to close certain roles early due to numbers of applicants, we have to only a select a short number for interview (which takes an age!). You genuinely could be knocking people out who would seriously consider it and it's all a massive time sink which will irritate the people involved

Your job may be secure now but if you later do have to go to the other firms because of redundancy, or a genuine exciting offer they may already have you earmarked as a time waster. I would

My only exception would be for jobs where the job details aren't clear or stated as open to negotiation so where you might be unclear on the wage, working patterns etc. Mostly because job adverts without wages are a sin in my opinion!

I think I understand what you mean. Wouldn’t say I do it for fun though.

I kind of do the same. I always have an eye on current vacancies within my profession. Doesn’t mean I’m unhappy with the job I have but I like to know what’s out there. It also allows me to see where is constantly hiring and where doesn’t. It means if I am actively looking for new work then I know where not to apply if there is a high turnover for staff.

I will apply though or get more information if something catches my eye. Again not that I would actively be looking to change jobs but if it was the right position I would.

I have never been actively looking for jobs since I graduated but have changed jobs over the years. All of the positions were just like this. It caught my eye and I applied. There have been times where I’ve gone so far as interview or job offer to turn it down though. was I actively looking to change jobs no, it was good practice but also none of them were right or worth me changing.

I wouldn’t apply though if it was only for fun

I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy less than applying for jobs for the sake of it. There are a million better ways I could spend my time.

I’m not one of those LinkedIn types though. I have little interest in my career beyond doing a job I like and being paid adequately for it.

I can think of 50 more interesting hobbies than this.

Oh good god, they're all out today.

I get what you mean, OP. I've occasionally applied for a job even though I am perfectly happy where I am, mainly just out of interest to see if I'd get to interview etc. To be fair the job I am in now was just that. I was bored one day, browsing LinkedIn, thought it looked interesting and BAM 5 years later here I am.

I’ve just applied for 5 jobs and my god the effort involved, it’s not fun! I understand browsing what’s out there (like scrolling rightmove) but applying for fun?! No.

Job applications are such a pain in the bum that I wouldn’t want to do it for fun. However I do see no harm in window shopping for a job, and you just never know what you may find.

I used to do this when I was young and keen. Now I'm in my mid 40s and frankly too well paid and lazy to even think about looking at other jobs, even for fun!

As someone who actively recruits, how do you feel that you may be picked for interview over someone else’s who really, really wants the job?

Once the candidates for interview have been selected all others are told they haven’t been successful. So someone who really wanted a job, and might have been successful at interview will be denied a chance because you think it’s fun?

Have you ever been offered a job after the interview stage? Are you currently working?

I think it's a good idea to apply for jobs and go for interviews. Keeps you engaged with the job market and on your toes in terms of applications and interview practice.

I really wouldn't break your heart about any money wasted by companies. Candidates are often treated without any regard at all.

As a manager who has to recruit my heart sinks at this as it is such a time waste. It’s disheartening and disrespectful.
As a person who also applies for jobs, it’s disheartening and frustrating.
As a person who also has a CV to look after I do get it.
My first two perspectives win out in my mind and I find it pretty obnoxious on balance. But you do you.

For all the naysayers: It's excellent practice for when you're jobhunting for real. And you might find something you like the look of and jump.
As a person who does hiring, finding someone doing this wouldn't bother me at all - and I'd be pretty chuffed if I could persuade them to come on board, I'd know they were doing it because they thought it'd be a good time.
I wouldn't mention it to HR though, they'd probably eyeroll. That's their job.

So what happens if you are offered the job? Do you turn it down?

If so then aren’t you risking pissing off people you might genuinely want a job with one day?

I've always done this OP. It's helpful to keep your hand in with application and interview technique.

I absolutely hate applying for jobs I do want and all the hassle that goes with it! Cant imagine doing it for jobs I dont want. Seems like a massive waste of time.

Why would you waste other people's time deliberately is it boredom?