Let’s be honest—job hunting these days feels like applying to a black hole. You click “Apply,” wait weeks, and never hear back. So when tools like Jobright or Referso promise to “apply to hundreds of jobs automatically,” it’s tempting. Who wouldn’t want to offload the most repetitive, soul-draining part of the process?

I get it. Years ago, during a dry spell between contracts, I would have loved a bot to do the grunt work. But now that I’ve been on both sides—as a candidate and someone who’s hired dozens of developers—I can tell you: these AI bots are a double-edged sword.

The Promise: Automation That Actually Saves You Time

Platforms like Jobright and Referso use AI to scan thousands of job boards, tailor your resume, and even fill out those endless forms. It’s almost magical—especially when you’ve applied to your fifteenth “Full Stack Developer” posting and the fields start to blur together.

For entry-level candidates or those just trying to get a foot in the door, this can be a lifesaver. You increase your exposure, beat the clock, and let the system work while you sleep.

In theory, everyone wins.

The Reality: Floods of Irrelevant Applications

But here’s what actually happens. Recruiters (the ones I talk to daily) are getting thousands of AI-generated applications—many from people who have no idea they even applied.

One recruiter friend showed me her inbox: the same resume, slightly tweaked, applied to twenty roles in the same company. All from Referso. No personalization. No real intent. Just spam—at scale.

It’s not helping candidates; it’s hurting them. Companies are starting to flag and even blacklist these auto-submissions. Once your name shows up under “generic AI applicant,” good luck getting a real interview later.

A Real Example

A software engineer posted on Reddit about using Referso. The AI applied him to 88 jobs in a week. You’d think he’d be flooded with offers, right? He got zero callbacks. None.

When he looked closer, half the roles were for different stacks, some even outside his country. The AI wasn’t helping—it was burning bridges faster than he could build them.

The Recruiter’s Perspective

Imagine being on the other side of that pile. You’re trying to fill a role, and instead of 50 genuine applications, you get 1,000 AI-spam entries—each slightly off, all equally soulless. That’s why so many job posts now include lines like “no AI applications” or “video intro required.” Recruiters are desperate for authenticity again.

How to Use AI Tools Without Ruining Your Chances

If you’re going to use tools like Jobright or Referso, here’s how to do it right:

  1. Let AI find jobs, not apply for them. Use it as a search assistant, not a stand-in. Let it surface opportunities, then you decide which to pursue.

  2. Keep control of your voice. Don’t let the AI write your entire application. Let it suggest phrasing, but always reword it to sound like you.

  3. Focus on quality over quantity. Ten thoughtful applications will outperform a hundred random ones every time.

  4. Use video to stand out. This is the new differentiator. Recruiters are starting to prefer seeing a short intro video because it’s hard to fake. (And if your platform allows it—do it.)

My Takeaway

AI job bots are like cruise control—you still need to steer. They can take the monotony out of job hunting, but they can’t replace sincerity, intent, or genuine fit.

If you’re a serious candidate—or especially if you’re senior—treat these tools as your assistants, not your agents. The shortcut that saves you time might also be the one that quietly ruins your credibility.

Because in a world drowning in fake resumes and AI noise, the most disruptive thing you can do… is actually be real.