Applying for jobs can be a clumsy process where you could easily spend hours manually entering your work history into an online application, uploading your resume, and tracking the hiring manager’s name for a customized cover letter. But LinkedIn has a feature called ‘Easy Apply,’ which helps you apply for a job with one click. While these shortcuts allow you to apply to a large volume of jobs in less time, they also pose some downsides. In this article, we will discuss what is ‘Easy Apply’, when to use it and when not.
What is ‘Easy Apply’ on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn Easy Apply is a one-click application feature you can find on a select number of job postings on LinkedIn. It is estimated that 35-40% of jobs feature the ‘Easy Apply’ option on LinkedIn. When an employer allows the ‘Easy Apply’ option, you can send your LinkedIn profile in response to the job posted. This can help you save tremendous time in your job search because, unlike other job search websites, you don’t have to fill in any personal & professional details. You just attach your resume and click submit. Once you have uploaded your resume, you can reuse it for any number of applications.
What do recruiters see when you use ‘Easy Apply’?
The best way to analyze the efficacy of using the ‘Easy Apply’ button in your job search is to view things from a recruiter’s perspective. ‘Easy Apply’ allows many applicants to view the same job, making it more competitive. When ‘Easy Apply’ applications are received, the recruiter sees a condensed version of the applicant’s LinkedIn profile.
At first glance, recruiters see your profile photo, headline, job title, company for your last four positions, education, and any skills you have listed. Unless a recruiter clicks on your profile, they won’t read any detailed descriptions you wrote for your current and previous roles.
When is it a good time to use ‘Easy Apply’?
You have a great LinkedIn profile
If you already follow LinkedIn best practices where your ‘About’ summary is engaging and highlighted your contributions, your work history is up to date, to name a few. In such cases, your chances of landing interviews are much higher.
You have already spent enough time on your job search
When you have already crafted personalized applications for your dream job at several companies and are ready to try a wider net. ‘Easy Apply’ allows you to browse more jobs that you wouldn’t usually do and might consider vague to your skillset.
You are looking for a low-interest job
Sometimes you need a new job, and you need it early. ‘Easy Apply’ is a good option when applying for jobs that do not require specialized skills. Examples could be semi-skilled work or low-skilled work.
When is it a bad idea to use ‘Easy Apply’?
You have a significant employment gap
Any personal or professional circumstances should be addressed in a personalized cover letter. With ‘Easy Apply’ you won’t get a chance to tell the recruiter why your skillsets can be the best for the given role. For example, in some cases, you have soft skills that lend themselves perfectly to a specific role. You need to connect the dots for the recruiter to consider you as a candidate, which ‘Easy Apply’ cannot do.
You are searching for your dream job
Your dream job requires a proper application, a tailored resume specifically to the role, and a personalized cover letter explaining why your unique combination of skills is imperative. Applying to a job with ‘Easy Apply’ means taking a chance, and don’t risk it when it comes to your dream job. Even if your dream job allows ‘Easy Apply,’ you should fill out the job application on the company’s website.
When there is a job instruction already given
Sometimes, employers post with the ‘Easy Apply’ feature enabled on LinkedIn, but the job description contains instructions to apply on the company website or email your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager. Chances are employers will pay more attention to those applications that follow instructions. There might be a chance that the employer has enabled ‘Easy Apply’ in case they receive too few applicants.
Should you send a cover letter with LinkedIn Easy Apply?
No, sending a cover letter when using LinkedIn Easy Apply is unnecessary unless you know the hiring manager’s name or anything specific about the position that you would like to address. It is better to skip the cover letter so that you can apply for more jobs. While some employers appreciate a cover letter, it’s not a deal-breaker for employers who allow ‘Easy Apply’ on LinkedIn. They will only check your LinkedIn profile when they see your application.
What happens when you apply for a job on LinkedIn?
Once you apply for a job on LinkedIn, the job poster gets the option to review your application. You will receive application updates informing you when the job poster viewed your application or downloaded your resume.
It is important to note that a notification for application view means that the job poster opened and viewed your application. A notification for the resume downloads means that the job poster downloaded your resume attached to your job application. This happens when the job poster wants to view the details attached to the resume or forward the attachment to someone else in the company. Both these notifications don’t guarantee that you will receive a message, interview, or job offer from the job poster.
Key Takeaways
‘Easy Apply’ can be an extremely useful tool in your job search, but you need to know when to use it. If it’s a less desirable opportunity and you, don’t have time to apply, spending a few seconds on ‘Easy Apply’ still helps you put yourself on the employer’s radar. On the other hand, if you really want a job and have time to apply with a customized application, it’s better to apply as per the traditional process to give yourself the best possible chance of getting the job.
