Easy Apply on LinkedIn allows job seekers to quickly submit their profile for consideration for jobs posted on LinkedIn without needing to manually fill out a job application or submit a resume and cover letter. While Easy Apply makes applying for jobs more efficient, there is debate around whether using this one-click apply feature is an effective job search strategy or could even hurt your chances of getting interviews and landing job offers. Let’s explore some of the key pros and cons of using Easy Apply on LinkedIn.
The Pros of Easy Apply
It’s Quick and Convenient
The biggest benefit of LinkedIn Easy Apply is the convenience it provides job seekers. With just a single click, you can submit your profile to apply for any job that has the Easy Apply button. This allows you to apply for many more positions in much less time compared to manually filling out lengthy job applications for each opening. Applying for jobs through Easy Apply can save you hours of time.
Increases Your Chances of Getting Noticed
Easy Apply also helps you cast a wider net with your job search and get your application in front of more hiring managers. Since it’s so quick and easy to apply for roles, you can use Easy Apply to submit your profile for many relevant openings that you might not have bothered applying for otherwise. The more jobs you apply to, the more chances you have of getting an interview. Easy Apply makes it possible to get your foot in the door for opportunities you may have missed.
Leverages the Power of Your LinkedIn Profile
With Easy Apply, your LinkedIn profile essentially serves as your resume and application. This allows hiring managers to quickly view your full work history, skills, endorsements and recommendations, education, projects, and other details on your profile without you needing to rehash all that information into a traditional resume document. Your LinkedIn presence can give recruiters a powerful overview of your qualifications and experience.
The Cons of Easy Apply
Not Tailored to Each Job
The biggest drawback of Easy Apply on LinkedIn is that your application won’t be tailored for each specific job like a traditional resume and cover letter would be. With Easy Apply, hiring managers simply see your profile in its existing form without any customization. This means you miss out on opportunities to highlight your most relevant qualifications and explain why you’re a great fit for that particular role.
Easy to Overuse
Due to the one-click convenience of Easy Apply, many job seekers fall into the trap of applying for way more roles than they would normally. While it seems like applying for tons of jobs improves your odds, recruiters can see if you’re clearly just spamming your profile. This “spray and pray” approach signals desperation and that you’re not applying because you’re truly interested in and qualified for each role. Easy Apply makes it tempting to apply to jobs that aren’t an ideal fit.
Fewer Personal Touches
Unlike a traditional application where you can write a cover letter, Easy Apply only allows minimal space for a quick note explaining your interest in the job. Hiring managers lose out on those personal touches that provide context on why you want that job and how you’d excel in that specific role. Impersonal applications are less memorable.
Could Damage Your LinkedIn Brand
If you overdo it with Easy Apply for jobs you’re not qualified for, your profile may start getting passed over for other opportunities. Recruiters communicating with each other could label you as someone who spams applications. Mindlessly applying for tons of jobs could undermine your personal brand on LinkedIn.
Tips for Using Easy Apply Effectively
If you use Easy Apply appropriately as part of an overall job search strategy, it can be a beneficial tool. Here are some tips:
Only Apply for Jobs You’re Qualified For
Review job postings closely and only use Easy Apply for openings that are a strong match for your skills, experience, and interests. Don’t waste recruiters’ time applying for roles you have no business pursuing. Applying selectively shows you’re deliberate.
Customize the Note Field
Take the extra minute to briefly share why you’re excited about that particular job and how your strengths directly relate to the role in the note field. Personalize each application.
Follow Up After Applying
Don’t count on Easy Apply alone. After applying, follow up by reaching out directly to the hiring manager if possible to highlight your interest and qualifications. Proactively networking builds connections.
Continue Other Job Search Efforts
Easy Apply shouldn’t be your only job search method. Participate in industry networking events, follow up on personal referrals, connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, and leverage other strategies. Use Easy Apply to supplement other efforts.
Review Your LinkedIn Profile
Since your LinkedIn profile is your application for Easy Apply jobs, carefully optimize it to highlight your best credentials. Include keywords from each job posting in your profile to pass applicant tracking system (ATS) screens.
The Verdict on Easy Apply
Proceed With Caution
Overall, proceed with some caution when using Easy Apply to avoid overusing it or applying for unsuitable roles. But leveraged strategically as part of a broader search plan, Easy Apply can be a helpful efficiency tool to get your foot in the door and expose your strong LinkedIn profile to more hiring managers.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity of Applications
Easy Apply allows you to quickly submit your profile for many openings, but avoid applying for dozens of jobs a day unless they are excellent matches for your background. Carefully targeted, personalized applications to roles you are well-qualified for demonstrate your genuine interest.
Best Used in Moderation as Part of a Bigger Strategy
Rather than relying on Easy Apply alone, incorporate it as one piece of an effective overall job search strategy. Combine Easy Apply with networking, seeking referrals, attending industry events, directly engaging hiring managers, optimizing your profiles, and more targeted outreach. Used in moderation and in tandem with other tactics, Easy Apply can be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to Easy Apply to a lot of jobs?
Applying to an excessive number of roles you are not qualified for can diminish your brand. But strategically using Easy Apply to submit your profile for openings that are a great fit can help get you noticed. The key is being selective in which jobs you choose to Easy Apply for.
Does Easy Apply really work?
Yes, Easy Apply can be an effective tool that makes the application process quicker and gives hiring managers easy access to your LinkedIn profile. But just like any other application method, you need to ensure you are tailoring each submission and only applying for suitable roles. Easy Apply alone won’t get you a job.
Is Easy Apply good for entry level jobs?
Easy Apply can be very useful when applying for entry level roles since it allows you to quickly submit your LinkedIn profile showcasing your education, skills, volunteer work, and other qualifications. Entry level applicants have less traditional work experience to draw upon, so profiles are especially important.
Can you get fired for using Easy Apply at work?
Most companies allow employees to browse jobs and apply during personal time. But excessive use of Easy Apply during work hours could be considered a violation of company policy on personal internet usage. Apply for jobs on your own time.
Are most jobs on LinkedIn Easy Apply?
It varies greatly, but a sizeable number of jobs on LinkedIn do offer the Easy Apply one-click option. Employers enable Easy Apply to get more applicants through an efficient process. But many roles still require submitting materials directly through company application systems.
Conclusion
Easy Apply makes submitting job applications quick and simple, allowing you to apply for more roles in less time. However, there are also downsides like less personalized applications. When used selectively for jobs you are qualified and excited about, Easy Apply can enhance your job search productivity. But rely on it as just one piece of a comprehensive strategy, not the only tactic. With the right approach, Easy Apply can benefit your job hunt.
