How does 1 click apply work?

1-click apply, also known as one-click apply, is a job application feature that allows job seekers to apply for jobs with a single click or tap, rather than having to manually fill out lengthy application forms. It aims to simplify and streamline the job application process.

How does it work technically?

Behind the scenes, 1-click apply relies on integration between the job site or app and the applicant tracking system (ATS) used by the employer. Here’s how it works:

• The job seeker logs into their account on the job site or app.
• They find a job they want to apply for that has a “1-click apply” button.
• When they click the button, an API call is made to the employer’s ATS, sending over the job seeker’s profile information that is stored on the site/app.
• The ATS pre-populates the application with the job seeker’s details like contact info, resume etc. so they don’t have to re-enter it.
• The job seeker is typically redirected to the ATS to review their application and submit it.
• In some cases, the entire application may happen behind the scenes and they don’t have to go to the ATS at all.

This integration eliminates most of the friction from the apply process. The job seeker doesn’t have to hunt for the apply page, manually enter tons of info, or even create an account on the company’s ATS. Their existing profile does all the heavy lifting.

What are the benefits?

1-click apply offers several benefits for both job seekers and employers:

For job seekers:

• Saves time – Applying takes just a few seconds instead of the 15-20 minutes for a traditional application.
• More applications – The faster process encourages applying to more jobs.
• Convenience – All their info is pre-populated so they don’t have to hunt for resumes or repeatedly enter details.
• Works across devices – They can apply from their computer, phone, tablet, etc with the same ease.

For employers:

• More candidates – Frictionless apply attracts more applicants.
• Better candidate data – Integrations pass rich profiles from the job site directly into your ATS.
• Lower abandonment – Candidates are less likely to drop off halfway through applications.
• Mobile friendly – Allows candidates to apply from anywhere through mobile.

What are the risks or downsides?

While 1-click apply offers notable upsides, there are some potential downsides as well:

• Lower quality candidates – The ease of applying may attract candidates who are not sufficiently interested or qualified.
• Duplicate applications – Candidates can more easily apply multiple times for the same role.
• ATS integration issues – There may be technical challenges in passing data between different systems.
• Limited screening – You lack the initial screening questions often built into application forms.
• Less customization – You can’t customize application questions/fields for specific roles.

These risks can be mitigated through careful implementation: setting clear job requirements, configuring your ATS appropriately, tracking source of hire, etc. Overall the benefits appear to outweigh the risks in most cases.

What information is needed from the applicant?

Here are some common types of information collected from applicants through 1-click apply integrations:

• Contact details – Full name, email, phone number, address etc.
• Profile summary – A short background, summary of work experience, skills etc.
• Work history – Company names, job titles, employment dates, main responsibilities etc.
• Education – Schools, majors/degrees, graduation dates etc.
• Skills – Key skills, areas of expertise, technical skills, languages etc.
• Resume/CV – Uploaded resume with full work chronology.
• Cover letter – Some allow attaching a cover letter as well.
• Portfolio – Links to online portfolios or work samples.
• Social media – Links to LinkedIn, GitHub, StackOverflow profiles.
• Demographics – Age, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, disability etc.
• Legal information – Authorization to work, clearance status, willingness to relocate if required.

The depth of information varies across platforms. Some capture full profiles while others collect minimal data beyond contact info. The ATS will grab whatever is available from the integration.

What are the most popular job sites that offer 1 click apply?

Here are some of the top job boards and aggregators that offer 1-click apply integration:

Besides these sites, many individual company career pages also offer direct 1-click apply integration within job postings.

What are the pros and cons of 1 click apply for applicants?

Pros for applicants:

• Saves time – Applying takes just seconds rather than filling out long forms.
• Very easy to use – Just click a button rather than hunt for the apply page.
• Works on any device – Can apply right from your phone on the go.
• Apply to more jobs – The faster process makes it easier to apply to more roles.
• Reduced data re-entry – Your profile is pre-populated so no repetitive form filling.

Cons for applicants:

• Lack of customization – You can’t tailor your application for each role.
• No chance to make a unique case – Just relying on your existing profile.
• Potential duplication – Applying to the same role more than once is easier.
• Technical errors – If integration fails, your application may not go through.
• Data privacy concerns – You provide a lot of info upfront rather than entering it each time.

What are the pros and cons of 1 click apply for employers?

Pros for employers:

• More candidates – Lower friction attracts more applicants.
• Higher applicant quality – Passive candidates are more likely to apply.
• Faster applications – Candidates apply instantly instead of dropping off.
• Mobile friendly – Allow candidates to apply from anywhere.
• Analytics on sources – Track how many applicants come from each site.
• Process efficiencies – Automates and streamlines hiring workflow.

Cons for employers:

• Lower quality applications – Unqualified candidates apply more easily.
• Duplication issues – Same candidate can apply multiple times.
• ATS integration challenges – Pushing/pulling data between systems.
• Lack of screening – You lose the initial questions that filter candidates.
• Less customization – Can’t tailor application for each role.
• Data privacy obligations – You receive candidate data from third parties.

How does 1 click apply impact candidate experience?

1-click apply has a very positive impact on candidate experience in most cases:

• Much faster application – Reduces a 15-20 minute process to just seconds.
• Very convenient – Candidates don’t have to hunt for apply page or repeat info.
• Mobile friendly – Can easily apply on-the-go rather than waiting till at a computer.
• Encourages more applications – Lower friction means candidates apply to more roles.
• Auto-populated data – Reduces effort of manually entering a ton of info.
• Works cross-device – Same simplified experience whether on desktop or mobile.
• Saves application state – Partially completed applications aren’t lost.

The only downsides are lack of customization per role and potential duplication issues. But the vast improvement in convenience and speed outweighs those concerns in most cases.

Impact on candidate experience metrics:

• Application completion rate – Increases significantly as candidates don’t drop off.
• Time-to-apply – Decreases from 15-20 minutes on average to seconds.
• Applications per candidate – Increases since applying becomes much easier.
• Cost-per-applicant – Decreases since sourcing integrations provide applicants.
• Candidate satisfaction – Increases due to the simplification and ease of use.

What are best practices for employers implementing 1 click apply?

Some best practices for employers using 1-click apply include:

• Choose partner sites carefully based on your ideal candidate demographics and volume.
• Configure your ATS to identify 1-click applicants for tracking and analysis.
• Set clear, relevant screening questions and qualifications in job posts to filter applicants.
• Monitor source of hire metrics to identify best application sources.
• Use ATS workflows to automatically advance 1-click candidates through initial stages.
• Send immediate confirmations when 1-click applications are received.
• Follow up promptly via email/text for any outstanding steps in the process.
• Limit 1-click applications to initial screen stage to still allow custom, role-based application questions later.

Conclusion

In summary, 1-click job application integrations use API connections between job sites/apps and applicant tracking systems to enable instant applications with just one click. This streamlines and simplifies the process for candidates by pre-populating their full profile data with just a click rather than having to laboriously fill out forms manually. The ease and convenience leads to more candidates applying, and allows engaging more passive candidates already registered on job sites. Employers can implement 1-click apply carefully to attract high quality applicants at scale while optimizing their application workflow.