LinkedIn Easy Apply allows job seekers to quickly apply to jobs with just a few clicks, eliminating the need to manually fill out lengthy online job applications. But is this time-saving feature really worth using? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of LinkedIn Easy Apply to help you decide if it’s right for your job search.
What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?
LinkedIn Easy Apply is a tool that allows LinkedIn members to quickly apply to jobs with a single click. When you find a job you want to apply for, simply click the “Easy Apply” button and a pop-up will appear where you can submit your LinkedIn profile as your resume. Usually, you just need to make minor edits like adding a cover letter or answering a couple brief screening questions from the employer. Then you hit submit, and you’ve officially applied.
This contrasts with a traditional application where you have to manually enter all your information, work history, and qualifications into long online forms that often take 20-60+ minutes per application. Easy Apply skips straight past all of that by leveraging the profile and resume information you’ve already put on LinkedIn.
The Pros of Using Easy Apply
There are several potential advantages to using LinkedIn Easy Apply:
It’s Fast
This is the biggest benefit. With Easy Apply, you can submit applications in just a few clicks and minutes compared to the traditional process which takes much longer. This allows you to get your application in quickly and move on to the next job, increasing the number of jobs you can apply to in less time.
Works Directly With Your LinkedIn Profile
Since Easy Apply leverages your existing LinkedIn profile, you avoid having to repeatedly enter your personal info, work history, education, skills, etc. for every application. Your LinkedIn profile pulls that data in automatically. All you have to do is make small tweaks like adding a customized cover letter for each application.
Allows You to Apply on Mobile
The LinkedIn app has Easy Apply built right in, so you can apply to jobs directly from your mobile device anytime, anywhere. This makes the application process much more convenient compared to traditional applications that can be tougher to complete on mobile.
May Improve Your Chances of Getting Noticed
By enabling you to submit applications more quickly, Easy Apply helps get your application in earlier before too many others have applied. Applying sooner improves your chances of being one of the first applicants the company sees, rather than getting lost in a flood of applications down the road.
Can Save You Time Over Traditional Applications
Filling out traditional job application forms can be extremely tedious and time consuming. With Easy Apply, you can skip right over the lengthy profiles and questionnaires, streamlining the process significantly.
Potential Cons of LinkedIn Easy Apply
Despite its perks, there are also some downsides to be aware of with Easy Apply:
Not All Jobs Support It
The biggest limitation is that still only a subset of jobs on LinkedIn support the Easy Apply feature. Many positions, especially with smaller companies, still require traditional applications. So Easy Apply is not a magic bullet that can apply to every job in fewer clicks.
Can Feel Impersonal
Since you are relying solely on your LinkedIn profile and resume, the application process may feel more impersonal than custom tailoring materials for each application. Employers may prefer seeing that you made the effort to create unique application materials tailored specifically to their role.
Fewer Chances to Stand Out
With the minimal application materials required, you have fewer opportunities to showcase your skills and make your application stand out from other candidates. All you can really customize is a brief cover letter.
Employers May Prefer Traditional Applications
While Easy Apply is more convenient for applicants, many employers still prefer the traditional application process where they have job seekers fill out their own application forms. This allows them to ask screening questions and collect other helpful data right up front before reviewing resumes.
Can Lead to More Rejection
The efficiency of submitting more applications faster can be counterproductive if it leads to more rejections. Taking extra time on each application to craft strong materials specifically for that role may get you better results overall.
Anonymity Can Lead to Mass Applying
Since Easy Apply makes it so simple to apply, some job seekers may be tempted to spray out huge batches of applications that are not customized or even relevant to their background. This can lead to poor quality applications.
Tips to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply Effectively
If you do decide to utilize LinkedIn Easy Apply in your job search, here are some tips to use it most effectively:
Carefully Review Job Listings Before Applying
Don’t waste Easy Apply’s efficiency by applying to jobs that are clearly a poor fit for your background. Only apply to openings that closely match your experience and qualifications.
Customize Your Cover Letter
Even if most of the application pulls from your profile, be sure to write a unique cover letter for each job that highlights why you are a good fit.
Double Check Your LinkedIn Profile
Your profile will serve as your resume for Easy Apply, so carefully review it to ensure it is error-free and showcases your best qualities before applying.
Follow Up After Submitting
Don’t just depend on Easy Apply. Make an effort to follow up with the company by email or phone to show extra initiative beyond just clicking submit.
Don’t Go Overboard Applying
Be selective and focus your Easy Apply efforts on jobs you are highly qualified for, rather than blasting out hundreds of applications. Targeted quality is better than unfocused quantity.
Easy Apply vs. Traditional Job Applications: Key Differences
| Factor | LinkedIn Easy Apply | Traditional Online Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | 1-2 minutes | 20-60+ minutes |
| Fields to Fill Out | Minimal, leverages LinkedIn profile | Extensive forms and fields |
| Customization | Limited, mainly just cover letter | Highly customizable materials |
| Mobile Friendly | Yes | Not always |
| Employer Preferences | Mixed preferences | Traditional often still preferred |
Conclusion
LinkedIn Easy Apply can be a major time-saving convenience that allows you to submit your applications much faster. However, it does have some drawbacks to consider as well. The best approach may be a balanced one where you utilize Easy Apply for some roles, while taking the extra time to submit traditional customized materials for jobs that are an especially close match to your qualifications. Consider the pros and cons and what strategic approach makes the most sense for applying to each role.
With Easy Apply, the key is being selective and deliberate in the jobs you choose, rather than blindly spraying out easy applications. Focus on quality over quantity, and continue to follow up after submitting Easy Apply applications. If used strategically, Easy Apply can be a helpful efficiency boost for your job search process.
