LinkedIn has become an essential platform for networking, finding jobs, recruiting candidates, and building your professional brand. With over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn dominates the professional social media landscape.
Many job seekers wonder whether LinkedIn itself has an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage job applications submitted through the site. Understanding how LinkedIn’s backend works can help you optimize your LinkedIn profile and job search strategy.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- What is an applicant tracking system?
- Does LinkedIn have its own ATS?
- How to leverage LinkedIn for your job search
Keep reading to learn what LinkedIn’s capabilities are when it comes to tracking and managing job applicants.
What is an Applicant Tracking System?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that organizations use to manage the entire recruitment process. This includes:
- Posting job openings
- Receiving and organizing resumes/applications
- Tracking applicant status
- Scheduling interviews
- Communicating with candidates
- Making hiring decisions
ATS software provides features like:
- Searchable databases of candidates
- Customized online application forms
- Resume parsing
- Automated screening and scoring of applicants
- Interview scheduling and calendar integration
- Offer letter templates
- Analytics and tracking throughout the hiring funnel
The core purpose of an ATS is to organize applicant information and streamline the hiring workflow. This improves efficiency, standardizes the screening process, and provides valuable data and metrics.
According to research, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system to manage their recruiting. Common ATS platforms include Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Jobvite, SmartRecruiters, and more.
Many companies invest in powerful ATS software to help them find, track, and hire top talent. So does LinkedIn itself utilize an ATS for its own recruiting?
Does LinkedIn Have Its Own ATS?
LinkedIn does not have its own native applicant tracking system or ATS software. While it provides robust tools for companies to post jobs, search for candidates, and connect with potential hires, LinkedIn does not have a backend system for managing the actual application and hiring process.
Here are some key facts on how LinkedIn approaches job applications and recruiting:
- Companies can post job listings on LinkedIn, which appear on the Jobs homepage. LinkedIn provides templates and forms to create these listings.
- Job seekers can click “Apply” on a job posting to submit their existing LinkedIn profile as their application. This sends their profile and contact info directly to the hiring manager.
- Alternatively, companies can redirect applicants to their own career site to submit a resume or complete a separate application form.
- It is up to the employer to have its own ATS or process for tracking applicants who apply via LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn does not parse resumes or applications, evaluate applicants, communicate with candidates, or make hiring decisions. The company itself relies on traditional ATS software.
Essentially, LinkedIn gives companies exposure to new candidates and a way to receive applications. But it does not replace the core functions of an ATS. Employers need to have their own systems to independently manage applicants, interviews, offers, and more.
LinkedIn’s Recruiter Tool
While LinkedIn does not have an ATS, it does offer premium software called Recruiter to enhance the hiring process.
Key features of LinkedIn Recruiter include:
- Advanced search filters and candidate matching
- Tools to manage prospect lists and talent pipelines
- InMail for customized outreach
- Note-taking and candidate profile bookmarking
- Interview scheduling assistance
- Analytics on hiring metrics and efforts
However, this is not a full-fledged ATS replacement. Recruiter integrates with major ATS platforms to augment their capabilities. But companies still need standalone software to track applicants end-to-end.
So in summary, while LinkedIn provides ancillary tools to source, engage, and communicate with candidates, it does not have its own ATS. Employers need to leverage separate software to manage job postings, applications, assessments, interviews, offers, and hiring.
How to Leverage LinkedIn’s Capabilities for Your Job Search
Since LinkedIn does not have its own tracking system, how can job seekers use the platform most effectively as part of their search?
Here are tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence and strategy:
Build a Complete, Professional Profile
Your LinkedIn profile takes the place of a resume or application on the platform. Treat it as your main professional asset. Highlight your background, skills, accomplishments, certifications, and more.
Make sure to include key details like your summary, experience, education, licenses, volunteer work, publications, awards, and recommendations. Recruiters and hiring managers will evaluate your candidacy based on this profile.
Apply for Jobs Through LinkedIn Listings
Applying directly through the LinkedIn job listing sends your full profile to the employer instantly. This allows them to evaluate you as a candidate right away, rather than waiting for a separate resume submission.
Apply to jobs labeled “Easy Apply” whenever possible. This allows you to submit your profile in just one click.
Follow Target Companies and Build Connections
Follow companies you’re interested in to stay updated on new job postings and insider news. Also connect with their employees such as recruiters, hiring managers, and team members.
This expands your network at the target company, gets your profile noticed, and helps you learn about unposted opportunities.
Join Industry and Alumni Groups
Join LinkedIn Groups related to your industry, interests, university, or other affiliations. Engage regularly by commenting, liking, and posting.
Being an active group member boosts your visibility and credibility. It also connects you with professionals in your niche including potential hiring decision-makers.
Research the Company Beyond the Job Posting
While a basic LinkedIn job posting will outline top responsibilities and requirements, research the company further through its profile, website, and your network connections.
Understand the company culture, vision, competitive landscape, and strategic priorities. This will allow you to craft a more compelling application and ace the interview process.
Follow Up after Applying
Since LinkedIn itself will not track or communicate the status of your application, follow up with the hiring manager directly a week or so after applying. This shows continued interest and initiative to move your candidacy forward.
Mention that you applied on LinkedIn and inquire if they need any additional information to supplement your profile. Offer to provide a full resume, cover letter, or reference list if needed.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn has become the preeminent platform for professional networking and job searching, it does not have its own native applicant tracking system. LinkedIn provides tools for companies to post jobs and receive applications, but does not replace the core functionality of an ATS.
Employers need to have their own software systems to track applicants, manage screening and interviews, extend job offers, and make final hiring decisions. As a candidate, you should still leverage LinkedIn to build an outstanding profile, expand your connections, find relevant openings, and directly apply. But understand that the hiring process will rely on the company’s own resources beyond the initial application submission.
By optimizing your LinkedIn presence and application strategy, while following up diligently, you can maximize your chances of moving forward as a candidate and securing the job. Just remember that unlike dedicated ATS solutions, LinkedIn itself does not screen, evaluate, communicate with, or track applicants after they click “Apply.” The rest is up to you!
