To apply for jobs just for fun?

[MyHeartyBlueShaker]

I’ve noticed a few times where I’ve applied for jobs out of curiosity or just to see what’s out there, not because I’m seriously looking for a change. I know people say you should only apply if you’re genuinely interested but sometimes it’s fun to see what opportunities are out there, even if you’re not actively looking.

Is this a bit weird or do others do it too?

I find it odd. Seriously applying for a job is time consuming and quite stressful if you are doing it properly - researching the company, the role, writing an application.

Why waste that amount of time if you've no actual interest in taking the job? It doesn't sound much fun for a hobby!

you do realise that your ‘fun’ costs hiring companies money to process your application? Even more if you progress to interview. By all means apply for a job you’re not sure about - the whole selection process will help you to decide whether it’s the right job for you. But purely ‘for fun’ is out of order.

Weird thing to do. Do you go to interviews if you get them?

I think you should only apply if you’d go to the interview and consider taking the job. What if you take an interview slot from someone who actually wants the job?

Do you mean you wouldn’t go through with an interview or accept an offer, it’s literally just doing an application for fun? That seems so odd I feel like that can’t be what you mean.

Or do you mean more like you’re not actively looking to leave, but will send your CV out if something catches your eye, and would accept it if offered?

Recruitment takes time. Stop wasting people's time ffs

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

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.

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

That’s fair and I get that applying properly can be time-consuming. I don’t go all-in for every role, especially if I’m just browsing or curious. But sometimes if a job catches my eye, I enjoy going through the process - it helps me keep my CV fresh, see what’s out there, or even gauge my chances.

I guess for me it’s not about hobby-level fun but more like keeping a foot in the door even if I’m not actively trying to walk through it just yet.

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?

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.

I do see what you mean and I’m definitely not out here applying just to waste people’s time or resources.

When I say “for fun,” I really mean more out of curiosity or to stay sharp - I don’t apply to dozens of roles with no intention of following through. If something genuinely interests me, I’ll go through the process properly and decide from there.

I think there’s a difference between throwing in random applications for sport and exploring your options with some level of openness. That’s the spirit I meant it in.

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.

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.

Yes, if I go as far as interviewing, it’s because I’m open to the opportunity. I wouldn’t just go through that stage just to waste anyone’s time.

I guess when I said “for fun” I meant it more as exploring what’s out there, not playing games with people’s time. It can be helpful to see how I match up in the market or to test the waters when I’m not actively job-hunting but open to the right thing.

I’d never accept an interview if I had zero intention of considering the role, that would feel disrespectful to both the company and other candidates.

Yes - it’s definitely more the second one! I’m not actively looking but if something catches my eye or feels like a potential fit, I’ll apply. I might not expect to move but I’d consider it seriously if the offer and timing were right.

So not applying just for the sake of it - more like testing the waters now and then without being in full job-hunting mode. It helps me keep my CV sharp and stay in touch with what’s out there.

It’s not about boredom or wasting anyone’s time, I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding.

I meant that I sometimes apply out of curiosity or to see what else is out there, especially if a role looks interesting or aligns with my skills. If I apply, it means I’m open to exploring the opportunity, not just doing it for the sake of it.

I don’t apply to jobs I have zero intention of considering and I certainly wouldn’t go through an interview process unless I was genuinely willing to take it seriously.

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

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?

No, I wouldn’t apply for a job I’d definitely turn down. If I send in an application, it means I’m open to the idea and willing to seriously consider it if the offer is right.

I might not actively be trying to leave my current role but I also don’t apply unless I can see a potential path forward. If something genuinely isn’t a fit after interviews, I’d turn it down respectfully but not without real consideration.

It’s more about keeping an eye on the landscape than treating the process lightly. And I’d never want to burn bridges, that’s something I’m very mindful of.

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!

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.

Yes, I’ve had offers before and yes, I’m currently working.

I’m not applying randomly or for roles I wouldn’t consider. If I go to an interview, it means I’m open to the opportunity. I just don’t believe you have to be 100% desperate to leave your job to explore options or stay market-aware.

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.

I completely understand where you’re coming from but I think there’s a misunderstanding of my intent.

I’m not applying for jobs I wouldn’t seriously consider if offered. I’m not doing it “just for fun” in the sense of treating it like a game - I meant that I sometimes apply to explore opportunities or keep my skills sharp, even if I’m not actively desperate to move.

If I make it to interview stage, it means I’ve thought about the role and see it as a potential fit. And like any other candidate, the decision to shortlist me rests with the employer, it’s their responsibility to select who they believe is right to interview.

I absolutely respect the process and the people involved. I just don’t think curiosity about your market worth or being open to change should be seen as disrespectful.