LinkedIn Easy Apply: What Is It And How To Use It

Applying for jobs through company websites can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Typically, you need to create an account, input your work history, and go through multiple forms.

In contrast, LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature offers a streamlined alternative – a single button that allows you to apply for job listings quickly.

However, it’s crucial to recognize the potential drawbacks and what you might be sacrificing for this convenience. In this article, we’ll explore what employers see when you use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply option, its advantages and disadvantages, and the scenarios where it’s most appropriate to use.

Key Takeaways:

• Using Easy Apply prompts a pop-up requesting your email, phone number, and an attached resume before submission.

• Utilize this option when you don’t have time to navigate a company’s website to apply, or when the role isn’t your top priority.

• While Easy Apply is convenient, it limits the hiring manager’s ability to get to know you and may not address their specific questions.

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Each job posting on LinkedIn provides two application options:

1. Apply. The “Apply” button directs you to the company’s website, enabling you to apply for the job through their standard process.

2. Easy Apply. The “Easy Apply” button opens a simple pop-up requesting your email, phone number, and attached resume before you submit.

   Occasionally, you may also need to provide additional information, such as your work authorizations or employment visa status.

While Easy Apply simplifies the process, it provides employers only a basic overview of your qualifications.

Your Easy Apply submission will display:

• Name and connection count

• Profile headline

• Location and industry

• Previous job titles

• Education

• Email and phone number

• Relevant keywords

And that’s the extent of what employers see.

From there, recruiters can choose to click through to your full profile or review your resume.

When to Use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply Feature

Although LinkedIn’s Easy Apply button has its downsides, there are circumstances where it can be effectively utilized.

Consider using Easy Apply when:

1. Your LinkedIn Profile is Well-Optimized. A polished LinkedIn profile can enhance the effectiveness of the Easy Apply option.

   Avoid using it if your profile fails to meet these essential criteria:

   • Detailed work experience descriptions. Your work experience descriptions should not only highlight your skills but also illustrate the value you added to previous employers.

     Use an action-oriented tone and quantifiable achievements to emphasize your contributions. For instance, instead of stating, “I developed a digital marketing campaign,” you could say, “I developed a digital marketing campaign that boosted audience reach by 15% and increased conversion rates by 44%.”

   • Compelling headline. The headline is one of the most visible elements of your LinkedIn profile, prominently displayed at the top of the page.

     It’s essential that it makes a strong impression and clearly conveys your value proposition. Ensure it is concise, includes relevant keywords, and distinguishes you within your industry.

   • Strong resume. Your LinkedIn profile cannot substitute for a well-crafted resume.

     A resume allows for tailoring your experience and qualifications to a specific job listing, which is impractical to achieve with your entire LinkedIn profile.

     Most application tracking systems are designed to parse uploaded resumes, meaning strategically incorporated keywords can elevate your application’s visibility.

   • Relevant industry alignment. A standard application allows you to articulate how your skills from different industries can be applied to the target role.

     With Easy Apply, recruiters may quickly categorize candidates from unrelated fields as unsuitable.

   • Professional photo. The right photo conveys positive soft skills such as approachability and professionalism.

     Choose a friendly and suitably professional image. Check out profiles in your industry or target company for inspiration on how to present yourself.

   • Quality recommendations. Social proof plays a crucial role in the job search process.

     Personalized recommendations from credible sources can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers.

   • Interesting side projects. Candidates with unique side projects demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to their field.

   • Critical match. The “View critical match” feature provides hiring managers with a breakdown of how well your profile aligns with the job description.

     This metric is pivotal when recruiters filter Easy Apply applicants by “Match Score.” Ensure your profile is tailored to meet these criteria, or your application may get lost among others.

   • At least 50 connections. While many employers may not prioritize a candidate’s connection count, a very low number can raise red flags.

     While you shouldn’t connect with random individuals, having 50-100 connections signifies a certain level of establishment in your industry.

When Not to Use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply Feature

Even if you meet the criteria for using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature, you should avoid it if you’re:

• Searching for your first job. With many experienced candidates competing for entry-level positions, using Easy Apply without prior work experience could diminish your chances.

  The traditional application process offers an opportunity to showcase your academic achievements, motivation, and other personal traits that Easy Apply lacks.

• Transitioning to a new career. Successfully moving to a different industry requires you to articulate how your experience compensates for a lack of relevant work history.

  Easy Apply may lead employers to dismiss your application without further consideration.

• Applying for your dream job. The primary advantage of Easy Apply is the time it saves. If you encounter a job that truly excites you, invest the effort in crafting a detailed resume and tailored cover letter.

Advantages and Disadvantages of LinkedIn Easy Apply

Here are some pros and cons of using LinkedIn Easy Apply to help you make your decision:

Advantages:

• Quick application process. This feature allows you to submit multiple job applications across various companies in no time.

• No need for multiple resumes. It minimizes the redundancy of entering the same information for every application, as details populate automatically from your profile.

• Seamless application across platforms. You can apply to different job postings without leaving the LinkedIn platform.

• Connection visibility. You can see which of your connections work at the company, potentially facilitating networking opportunities.

Disadvantages

Despite its ease of use, there are notable drawbacks to LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature:

• High application volume. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for competitive roles.

  Unless your profile stands out significantly, it can be challenging to differentiate yourself from the competition.

• Poor first impression. Research shows that recruiters typically spend only a few seconds scanning each resume.

  Given the limited information provided by Easy Apply, they may spend even less time considering your application.

• Doesn’t address the recruiter’s key questions. Hiring managers want to understand how a candidate can add value and why they are the best choice. The information provided through Easy Apply is often insufficient to convincingly answer these questions.

  The standard application process offers a more comprehensive picture of your unique qualifications and contributions.

• Lack of references. Many company websites allow you to include references who can vouch for your suitability. Since over 70% of job seekers find positions via connections, not being able to include references puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Quality vs. Quantity

To thrive in a competitive job market, standing out among numerous applicants is essential.

Recruiters are interested in what makes a candidate uniquely qualified for the role. If your application doesn’t effectively convey this, it won’t matter how many hiring managers review it.

While LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature offers convenience, consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Regardless of your choice, enhancing your resume and cover letter remains excellent career advice. Leverage the extensive resources available at Zippia to support your job search, and best of luck!

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Matt Warzel, CPRW, CIR

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.