When you see the message “no longer accepting applications” on a LinkedIn job posting, it means that the employer is no longer accepting new applications for that particular job opening. There can be several reasons why a company stops accepting applications on LinkedIn before the application deadline.
The position has been filled
The most common reason a job posting is no longer accepting applications is that the role has already been filled. Typically, once the hiring manager finds a qualified candidate to hire, they will close the job posting on LinkedIn and other sites to avoid getting more applicants for a role that is no longer available.
Companies want to avoid wasting potential applicants’ time by having them apply for a job that has already been taken. Posting “no longer accepting applications” is a way for employers to communicate that they are no longer looking for candidates for that specific opening.
They have enough applicants
Another possibility is that the employer has received enough applications for the time being. Even if they have not made a hiring decision yet, they may decide to stop accepting new applicants either because:
- They already have ample candidates to evaluate and do not want to be overwhelmed with too many applicants.
- They want to devote time to screening the applicants they already have before reviewing any additional ones.
Pausing applications can help keep the hiring process manageable for the company. The job may still be open in the future if they do not find the right fit from their current slate of candidates.
The job posting has expired
LinkedIn job postings are typically active for 30 days, after which they expire. Once a posting expires:
- It is automatically switched to “Not accepting applications.”
- It no longer shows up in LinkedIn Jobs search results.
- Other users cannot apply to the listing anymore.
The company needs to renew the job posting for it to accept applications again. Sometimes positions expire because the company has forgotten to renew them or no longer needs the role filled.
The opening or application process has changed
Less commonly, a company may mark a job posting as no longer accepting applications because the job opening or application process has changed in some way, such as:
- The job responsibilities or required qualifications have been modified.
- The company wants candidates to apply on their website instead of LinkedIn.
- They are switching from active job posting to passive sourcing and recruitment.
In these cases, the existing LinkedIn job posting no longer aligns with the company’s current hiring needs or process. Leaving it open to applications could create confusion.
The company is undergoing internal changes
Sometimes internal issues at the company result in halting job applications temporarily. For example:
- Hiring freeze: To reduce costs, the company stops all non-essential hiring for a period.
- Reorganization: If departments are merging or splitting, hiring plans may be paused until the dust settles.
- Change in leadership: A new manager may want to review open roles before continuing recruitment.
When the internal changes have passed, the company may start accepting job applications again for the affected positions.
The job listing was a mistake
Very rarely, a job posting that is not accepting applications was an unintentional mistake, such as:
- An expired listing was accidentally re-posted when it should not have been.
- A draft job description was published before it was finalized.
- There was an internal miscommunication about hiring needs.
In these cases, the company has to quickly shut down applications to correct the error. After the mix-up is fixed, they may re-open applications for a valid job opening.
What should you do if a job says it is no longer accepting applications?
If you find a promising job listing that then says it is closed for applications, here are some recommended steps:
Check whether the job is posted elsewhere
Search for the same job title or requisition ID on the company’s own career site. Sometimes LinkedIn listings close but applications on the company website remain open.
Look for other open jobs at the company
Browse their website or LinkedIn for similar roles or openings in the same department that you could apply for instead.
Follow the company for future openings
By following the company’s LinkedIn page, you can get notified when they post new jobs. You can also set job alerts on LinkedIn to be notified about new matching openings.
Connect with the recruiter
If listed, reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn to express your interest in future roles. Ask to set up a time to discuss potential fit.
Check back later
Positons may reopen once the hiring team has evaluated existing applicants or after internal hiring freezes or changes have passed.
Move on
If the job seems to be definitively closed or not a good match, continue exploring other opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
Conclusion
Seeing that a LinkedIn job is no longer taking applications can be disappointing when you find a position that looks appealing. However, in most cases, it simply indicates that the employer has filled or paused hiring for that specific role.
The best approach is to explore other job openings at the company, follow relevant recruiters and firms for future listings, and keep an open mind to discover new opportunities that fit your career goals and qualifications.
With persistence and a positive attitude, you can find the right position even if a particular posting is not currently accepting applicants. Pay attention to LinkedIn jobs that have been newly listed or updated to focus your efforts where active hiring is underway.
| Reason | What it Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Position filled | Role no longer available | Find similar openings |
| Enough applicants | Hiring paused temporarily | Check website for updates |
| Expired listing | Posting inactive | Search renewed jobs |
| Process changed | Old listing outdated | Apply through new process |
| Internal changes | Hiring frozen or on hold | Follow company for updates |
| Job posting mistake | Invalid listing | Find other openings |
Can you still get a job that is no longer accepting applications on LinkedIn?
It is unlikely you would be able to get a particular job if the posting is marked as not accepting applications. In most cases, that means the position has already been filled or applications are paused. However, you may still have a chance at other openings with the same employer in the future.
Should you apply to a job that is no longer accepting applications?
There is no need to apply to a job posting that states applications are closed, as the employer will not review new ones for that listing. However, you can still reach out to the hiring manager or recruiter to express interest in the company for potential future openings.
Can you ask a company to reopen a LinkedIn job application?
You can try sending the hiring manager or recruiter a message asking them to reconsider the application status for a position you are highly interested in. However, they may not reopen applications once hiring is on hold or the role is filled. The best approach is to inquire about other similar openings that may still be accepting candidates.
How long do companies usually keep LinkedIn job postings open?
LinkedIn job postings typically remain active for 30 days before expiring, unless the employer renews them. Companies tend to close applications on current listings once they have found someone to hire. Some roles fill quicker than others based on applicant volume and company hiring speed.
How often should you check LinkedIn for new job postings?
It’s a good idea to check LinkedIn frequently for relevant new job listings in your field or location. Depending on how urgent your job search is, you may want to look daily or a few times per week. Utilizing job alerts and saved searches can help surface promising openings efficiently.
