Applying for jobs on LinkedIn can be a great way to expand your professional network and land your dream role. However, it can also lead to rejection and disappointment if things don’t work out. Here are some signs that your LinkedIn job application has likely been rejected.
You Don’t Hear Back After Applying
One of the most obvious signs of rejection is if you don’t hear back at all after submitting your application. Most companies will at least send an automated confirmation email letting you know your application was received. If it’s been over a week since applying and you still haven’t heard anything, chances are your application was passed over.
According to LinkedIn’s data, the average time to hear back after applying is about 3 weeks. However, this can vary widely depending on the role and company. If it’s been more than 4 weeks with no response, it’s safe to assume your application was not successful.
The Job Posting is Removed
Another clear indicator is if the original job posting you applied to is taken down. Companies will remove postings from their LinkedIn pages once the position has been filled. If you notice the job you applied for is no longer listed as open on the company’s LinkedIn, that likely means someone else has been hired.
Of course, there can be other reasons a job ad gets removed, like the role or hiring needs changing. But more often than not, it getting pulled means the vacancy has been filled and they are no longer accepting applications.
Your Application Status Changes to “Reviewed”
LinkedIn allows you to check on the status of job applications you have submitted. This status indicator can provide useful clues into whether you are still being considered.
Typically, once you submit an application the status will be “Submitted.” If the company does eventually reject you, often the status will change to “Reviewed.” This signals your application has been looked at but ultimately passed on.
However, the status can sometimes stay as “Submitted” even if rejected. So you can’t rely on this signal alone. But if it switches to “Reviewed,” chances are high you’ve been turned down for the role.
You Receive a Rejection Email
Perhaps the most clear and definitive sign is if you receive an email from the company saying they have decided to pursue other candidates. This direct rejection leaves no doubt your application was unsuccessful.
Many companies send rejection emails to notify applicants once the position has closed. The message usually thanks you for applying and expresses regret it didn’t work out. Receiving this email is confirmation you have not moved forward.
That said, most companies do not send rejection emails. Unless you receive direct notice, you cannot assume you’ve been rejected just because you didn’t get an email update.
You Connect With the Company and They Say the Role is Filled
If you have a contact at the company you applied to, it can be worthwhile reaching out to politely check on the status of your application. If they let you know the position has already been filled, obviously your application was not successful.
Even if you don’t have an existing connection, you may be able to identify the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn based on the job posting. Connecting with them directly to inquire about your application status can provide closure if the role is no longer available.
You See the Company Post the Role Again
If you notice the same job you applied for getting reposted, it’s pretty clear your previous application was rejected. Companies will re-list positions that did not get filled from the initial round of candidates.
Again, just because a job gets reposted does not always mean they rejected you. Perhaps they were not satisfied with the talent pool and want to do a wider search. But seeing a duplicate posting is generally not a good sign for your initial application.
You Make it to the Interview Stage but are Not Contacted Again
Sometimes your application may progress to the initial phone or in-person interview stage. But then you may notice you are not contacted to proceed further. Being “ghosted” after an interview generally means you are no longer in consideration.
Make sure to send a follow up email or message after 1-2 weeks if you do not hear back from the company post-interview. If you still do not get a response, it’s fair to conclude the company is pursuing other candidates.
The Company Lets You Know the Position is on Hold
Having a role put on hold can be just as bad as outright rejection. This typically means the hiring manager has decided to stop the current recruitment process for the position.
They may let you know the role is suspended due to restructuring, a hiring freeze, or other circumstances. Either way, being told the role is on hold means your application did not result in an offer this time around.
You Hear Through Your Professional Network the Role is Filled
With the power of LinkedIn, word can get around once a company has filled an open position. Keep your ear to the ground through your professional network and connections to hear the latest happenings.
If you hear news that the role was offered to a connection of yours, or that the company made an announcement about filling the vacancy, it’s obvious your application was passed over.
The Company Lets You Know You are Not the Right Fit
In rare cases, a company may provide feedback that you are not the right match for the role. Though not always common, some recruiters are willing to let qualified applicants know directly if they will not be moving forward.
This closure can be useful in understanding why your candidacy was declined. If you are told you are not the right fit, at least you know definitively where you stand.
Ways to Improve Your Chances for Next Time
Getting rejected is discouraging. But when you do identify signs your LinkedIn application was unsuccessful, reflect on ways to improve your chances for the next opportunity.
- Ask for feedback from the company on why you were not selected so you can improve for the future.
- Revamp your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and achievements.
- Expand your connections and network within your target industry.
- Enhance your application materials like your resume and cover letters.
- Consider gaining additional certifications or training to boost your credentials.
- Apply to a wider range of roles to increase your prospects.
Conclusion
Applying for positions on LinkedIn comes with the risk of rejection. But there are clear signals to watch for that indicate your application was likely passed over or unsuccessful. Being aware of these signs allows you to follow up appropriately and focus your energy on applying to new opportunities.
With persistence and continually improving your application strategy, you can maximize your chances of landing your next great role through LinkedIn. Don’t get discouraged if you think you’ve been rejected – let it motivate you to put your best foot forward and get noticed for the right opportunities in the future.