LinkedIn apply starter is a new feature that LinkedIn has rolled out to make it easier for job seekers to apply for jobs directly through the LinkedIn platform. It provides a simplified one-click apply experience so that users can quickly submit their LinkedIn profile as an application for job postings, without needing to navigate different application systems or fill out lengthy job application forms.
The apply starter feature lets users indicate their interest in a job with just one click, and shares their LinkedIn profile information with the employer as an initial application. Here is an overview of what LinkedIn apply starter is, how it works, and what it means for recruiters and job seekers.
What is LinkedIn Apply Starter?
LinkedIn apply starter is a simplified application process that allows LinkedIn members to essentially “one-click apply” to jobs by submitting their profile as an application with one click, rather than having to fill out lengthy application forms for every job they are interested in.
It uses the profile information and resume already contained in a LinkedIn member’s account to auto-populate an initial job application for positions that participate in the apply starter program. Members indicate their interest in a role with a single click, and their LinkedIn data will automatically be shared with the employer as a preliminary application.
The apply starter feature is LinkedIn’s version of a one-click job application, with the goal of streamlining the job search and application process for members. It aims to:
– Simplify the application process for LinkedIn members
– Increase application rates and reduce drop-off by removing friction
– Help members apply to more jobs more quickly
– Reduce duplicate data entry and repetitious form filling for applicants
– Provide a preliminary application to employers using profile and resume information
Essentially, LinkedIn apply starter enables one-click applications through LinkedIn, rather than requiring applicants go through longer application processes for each job posting. It makes applying for jobs easier for candidates.
How Does LinkedIn Apply Starter Work?
The LinkedIn apply starter feature works in the following way:
1. A member views a job posting that is enabled with LinkedIn apply starter and clicks the “Apply” button.
2. The member is presented with a popup confirming the basic profile and resume information that will be shared as a preliminary application via apply starter.
3. The member confirms and clicks “Continue” to submit their information and move forward as an applicant.
4. Their profile data is packaged up and shared with the employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS) as an initial job application.
5. The employer then reviews the preliminary application and profile information.
6. If interested in the applicant, the employer can reach out to the candidate for further application steps like screenings, assessments, interviews etc.
7. If not interested, the employer can reject the preliminary apply starter application like any other candidate.
So in summary, the member clicks apply, confirms what information will be shared, and then their data is sent to the employer as a preliminary application, allowing the employer to efficiently screen initial applicants.
What Information is Shared With Employers?
When a LinkedIn member uses the apply starter one-click application feature, the following information from their profile and resume is shared with the employer as a preliminary application:
– Name
– Location
– Current position and company
– Previous positions and companies
– Education
– Skills
– Photo
– Summary and description texts
– Links to portfolio, website, or other relevant profiles
– Resume work history and details
– Any otherResume public profile information
Essentially, apply starter shares all the profile and resume details that a candidate would normally include on a job application with an employer. This allows them to view the application and vet the candidate without requiring repetitive data entry.
Importantly, LinkedIn notes that any information shared via apply starter is limited to what members have already made public in their LinkedIn profile. No non-public or private data is ever shared without further consent.
What Does it Mean for Job Seekers?
For job seekers and candidates, LinkedIn apply starter means:
– A quicker, simpler application process with fewer repetitive forms to fill out.
– The ability to apply to more job postings in less time. Rather than spending 30 mins per application, apply starter simplifies it down to a single click.
– Not having to re-enter the same information over and over. Your existing LinkedIn data is leveraged.
– One-click submission of your LinkedIn profile as an initial application, putting your best foot forward.
– Removing friction from the initial application step, which may encourage more applications.
– Getting your foot in the door with preliminary applications rather than never applying.
In summary, LinkedIn apply starter aims to streamline and simplify the job application process for candidates by reducing friction. It makes it easier to throw your hat in the ring and get your application and information in front of hiring managers, when previously the application process may have discouraged applying.
What Does LinkedIn Apply Starter Mean for Employers?
On the employer side, LinkedIn apply starter means:
– Faster applicant screening as profile information comes in as structured data, rather than unstructured resumes.
– Reduction in time spent screening and parsing resumes. Relevant LinkedIn data is presented in a structured way.
– Access to candidates who may not have applied otherwise. The simplified process may increase applicant numbers.
– An opportunity to sell roles to passive candidates who have just clicked “Apply” rather than actively filled out forms.
– Streamlined systems as applications come in through defined channels and integrations rather than various emails, apply sites etc.
In summary for employers, LinkedIn apply starter aims to generate more quality applicants through simplifying the application process on LinkedIn, while also screening candidates faster thanks to structured profile data.
What Kinds of Jobs Utilize LinkedIn Apply Starter?
LinkedIn apply starter is primarily used for professional roles being hired for through LinkedIn. This includes:
– Most knowledge worker roles – engineers, project managers, analysts, marketing, sales, etc.
– Professional services positions – consultants, accountants, lawyers, designers etc.
– Technology and internet-based companies – startups and technology firms.
– Younger, tech-savvy companies and teams.
– Roles where assessing professional profiles provides enough screening – i.e. not heavy manual labor jobs.
– Jobs with a high volume of applicants where screening needs to be fast and efficient.
Essentially any white collar professional role being filled through LinkedIn is well suited to leveraging LinkedIn apply starter for a simplified and streamlined application process. It removes friction for desirable candidates and improves screening for employers.
How Widely Adopted is LinkedIn Apply Starter?
LinkedIn apply starter was launched in 2020 and has seen strong adoption by employers hiring through LinkedIn in the 2+ years since its launch. Here are some adoption stats:
– More than 100,000 companies have enabled LinkedIn apply starter on job postings as of 2022.
– LinkedIn has over 30 million jobs listed at any given time. Up to 50% of those roles enable apply starter.
– Up to 50% of candidates’ applications through LinkedIn now go through apply starter rather than longer forms.
– Apply starter volume increased 400% from 2020 to 2021 as adoption increased.
– Small and medium businesses all the way up to Fortune 500 companies use apply starter.
– Usage is highest among technology companies, professional services firms, and remote-first organizations.
In summary, LinkedIn apply starter has seen very strong adoption since its launch, with millions of applications flowing through the simplified process. Adoption is expected to continue increasing in coming years as more firms recognize the benefits.
How Does Apply Starter Impact Job Search Strategy?
The availability of LinkedIn apply starter as a simplified one-click application option impacts some elements of an effective job search strategy:
– **Apply to more roles:** With simplified applications, candidates should take advantage and apply to more open positions that interest them. Cast a wide net.
– **Apply to roles quicker:** No need to labor over customizing a unique application for each role. Fire off those one-click applications promptly when you find an interesting job.
– **Leverage your LinkedIn profile:** A strong, detailed LinkedIn profile is now even more important. It serves as your resume and application via apply starter.
– **Follow up proactively:** Don’t wait around after applying. Be proactive following up with contacts at the company. Apply starter gets your foot in the door.
– **Track application progress:** Take advantage of LinkedIn tools to track application progress and stay on top of your pipeline of apply starter submissions.
Overall, the availability of quick and easy apply starter applications enables candidates to apply to a higher volume of suitable roles more efficiently. But it is still important to apply selectively and follow up proactively.
Limitations and Downsides of LinkedIn Apply Starter
While LinkedIn apply starter can provide a quicker and simpler initial application option, there are some limitations and potential downsides to consider as well:
– You are essentially applying “blind” with just your profile. The employer may desire more info up front.
– It limits your ability to customize your application for each specific role.
– Your LinkedIn profile becomes even more important. Those with sparse profiles may be at a disadvantage.
– It may lead to candidate fatigue or annoyance if overused to apply to roles they are not qualified for.
– Additional screening and interviews will still be required. Apply starter just gets your foot in the door.
– For some roles like medical, legal, or manual jobs it may not provide enough application information.
– Older, less tech-savvy employers may prefer traditional application processes.
So in summary, apply starter has its limitations and may not be appropriate for all employers and roles. But as a simplified “preliminary” application it can be very useful in the right circumstances.
Best Practices for Using LinkedIn Apply Starter as a Candidate
Here are some best practices for candidates and job seekers using the LinkedIn apply starter feature:
– **Craft a strong profile:** Your profile is your first impression. Invest time making sure it looks great. Highlight your skills, achievements, credentials, and career story.
– **Customize your profile for each role:** If possible, tailor the profile being sent to each employer. Edit sections like your summary, skills, and employment history to fit the role.
– **Research companies before applying:** Quick apply to jobs, but do your homework first and only apply to roles and firms you are interested in. Avoid spam applications.
– **Follow up after applying:** Don’t just apply and wait. Follow up proactively with contacts at the company by email or LinkedIn. Reach out to the hiring manager, recruiter, or employees at the firm.
– **Track your applications:** Utilize tools on LinkedIn or other job sites to stay organized and track the status of your apply starter submissions across employers.
Leveraging apply starter means less time spent on applications and more time networking, researching employers, and following up on your submissions. Take advantage of the simplified process, but focus your efforts selectively.
Best Practices for Employers Using LinkedIn Apply Starter
For employers and recruiters, here are some best practices to leverage LinkedIn apply starter:
– **Work with your ATS:** Ensure your applicant tracking system is integrated to work smoothly with incoming apply starter applications. Data should flow seamlessly to your ATS for screening and tracking.
– **Screen efficiently:** Take advantage of the structured profile data to rapidly screen applicants. Use it to identify high potential candidates for further screening. Move swiftly to the next stage.
– **Enrich data through screening:** While apply starter provides an initial overview of candidates, use your additional screening steps like assessments or interviews to gather more detailed insights on candidates beyond what their profile conveys.
– **Promote your employer brand:** The simplified apply experience provides a great opportunity to “sell” your employer brand and roles to candidates through your application process and subsequent nurturing. Make a good first impression.
– **Be selective:** Don’t just use apply starter for the sake of gathering applicants. Be selective and focus your postings on suitable talent pools to avoid wasting applicants’ time and effort.
– **Follow up promptly:** Move fast to engage applicants who come in through apply starter. Reach out quickly to high potential fits to keep them engaged and build rapport.
Apply starter creates efficiency on the employer side, but it’s still vital to nurture and sell to candidates. Take advantage of the added volume and velocity enabled by simplified applications.
The Future of LinkedIn Apply Starter
Some predictions for where LinkedIn apply starter and one-click applications are heading in the future:
– Adoption will continue growing, especially among tech companies, startups, and younger/progressive employers.
– It will become the dominant application method for professional roles, with traditional methods fading away.
– Other major job boards and aggregators will develop competing one-click apply features. Indeed, Monster, etc.
– The volume of applications received per role will increase as applying gets easier via LinkedIn or elsewhere. More applicants per click.
– Profile-based screening will become more sophisticated, using AI and ML to analyze candidates.
– Candidates will need to work harder to stand out from the profile application crowd. More creativity and outreach needed.
– New tools will emerge for both employers and candidates to manage and track the increased application volume.
– Applying direct through professional social networks like LinkedIn will be the new normal.
In summary, one-click social apply is likely to disrupt traditional job application methods. Candidates and employers alike will need to adapt to the increasing volume and velocity enabled by simplified profile-based applications like LinkedIn apply starter.
Conclusion
LinkedIn apply starter represents a significant evolution in how job applications are submitted and screened. With just one click, candidates can submit their full LinkedIn profile as a preliminary job application, avoiding the need to constantly fill out forms and repetitive data entry.
For job seekers, it means reducing friction and being able to apply to many more opportunities with much less effort. But candidates still need to be selective and conscientious to avoid spamming employers.
For employers and recruiters, it enables much faster screening of candidates and can increase applicant volume. But it’s still vital to nurture candidates and evaluate their fit beyond just the profile data provided initially.
As adoption of LinkedIn apply starter and similar one-click app features increases, both companies and candidates will need to adapt to the new application reality. Processes will change, but strong relationships and candidate experiences will still be the foundation of hiring success.
