It’s honestly such a huge barrier in upwards progression that it’s obviously intentional. If I want to apply for a fast food position they want a resume, cover letter, drug test, multiple work and personal references, a pseudoscience personality test, and a series of 3+ interviews. A single application can take 30 minutes or more. And they’re still gonna offer a shit schedule at or near minimum wage with no benefits.
But applying for more senior positions with 100k+ salaries and benefits? Just email over a resume and knock out a couple interviews and you’re good to go. Ridiculous.