LinkedIn’s job tracking feature allows you to follow job postings and get notifications when there are updates. This can be useful for keeping tabs on jobs you’ve applied to or are interested in applying for. Here’s a quick rundown of how job tracking works and how to use it effectively.
What is LinkedIn job tracking?
LinkedIn’s job tracking feature lets you save job postings you’re interested in and get notifications when the status changes. For example, if you apply for a job, you can track it to get alerts when the application is viewed, when the job poster makes a hiring decision, etc.
Some key things to know about LinkedIn job tracking:
- You can track jobs you’ve applied to through LinkedIn as well as external postings.
- Tracking a job adds it to the “Jobs” section of your LinkedIn profile.
- You’ll get notifications by email and in your LinkedIn feed when the job status is updated.
- You can track up to 300 jobs at a time.
Why track jobs on LinkedIn?
Here are some of the benefits of using LinkedIn’s job tracking feature:
- Stay up-to-date on application status – Get real-time alerts when the employer views your application, gets back to you about an interview, makes a hiring decision, etc.
- Manage job search progress – Easily see all the jobs you’ve applied to in one place and their status instead of tracking down application status separately.
- Be proactive – If you notice an application has been viewed but you haven’t heard back, you can follow up proactively with the employer.
- Be prepared – When you get an interview scheduled or a request for a phone screening, you’ll know it’s coming thanks to tracking.
Overall, tracking jobs can save you time and effort while keeping you informed so you can take proactive steps in your job search.
How to track jobs on LinkedIn
Tracking jobs on LinkedIn is simple. Here are the steps:
- Go to the job posting and click the “Follow” button near the top right.
- This will prompt you to choose email and/or LinkedIn notifications. Select your preferences.
- The job will now show up under the “Jobs” section of your profile. You can stop following at any time.
A few notes:
- You can only track jobs you’ve actually applied to. Following a job posting without applying will save it but won’t activate tracking.
- On your profile’s “Jobs” section, you can manage all your tracked jobs and see status updates.
- If you applied through LinkedIn, tracking will happen automatically. For external applications, you’ll need to manually follow the job to track it.
LinkedIn job tracking email notifications
When you activate job tracking, you can choose to get email notifications whenever the status changes. Emails will come from LinkedIn with subject lines like “Job update.”
Here are some examples of job tracking email notifications you may receive:
- “[Company] has viewed your application for [Position]”
- “You have a new interview scheduled for [Position] at [Company]”
- “[Company] rejected your application for [Position]”
- “[Company] would like to move forward with your application for [Position]”
Email notifications provide a detailed snapshot of what’s new with each job application so you can stay in the loop.
Tracking application status
One of the biggest benefits of LinkedIn job tracking is getting real-time application status updates. Here are some of the key statuses you can track:
- Application viewed – The employer has opened and looked at your application.
- Screen requested – The employer wants to schedule a preliminary phone screen.
- Interview scheduled – You have an upcoming interview booked.
- Offer requested – The employer would like to move forward with an offer.
- Offer accepted/declined – You’ve accepted or declined the job offer.
- No longer under consideration – The employer has rejected your application.
Seeing real-time status changes like these can give you tremendous insights into how your application is progressing through the hiring process.
Application Viewed
Knowing when the employer opens your application is valuable. If it’s been a few days, you can follow up to reiterate interest. If they viewed it but you don’t hear back, you can try networking on LinkedIn to get introduced.
Interview Scheduled
Once an interview is scheduled, you can start prepping. Research the role, company, interviewers, and common questions. Schedule time to practice your answers. Plan what to wear and bring to the interview.
Offer Requested
When the employer wants to make an offer, be ready to negotiate if needed. Know your worth and have a number in mind ahead of time. Also start thinking about benefits, salary, start date, etc.
Best practices for tracking jobs
Here are some tips to use LinkedIn job tracking most effectively:
- Track jobs as soon as you apply to monitor status from the beginning.
- Personalize application messages so you stand out.
- Follow up within a week if an application is viewed but you hear nothing.
- When rejected, review your application materials to improve for next time.
- If the role is reposted later, consider applying again.
Tracking jobs is most useful when paired with proactive follow-up. Don’t rely solely on notifications. Set reminders to follow up at each stage of the process.
Tracking external job applications
You can also track job applications outside of LinkedIn, like ones submitted via a company’s website. Here’s how:
- Go to LinkedIn and search for the job posting.
- Click “Follow.”
- Change the status to “Applied” and add application date.
- You’ll now get notifications when the employer updates status.
The key is finding the LinkedIn job post corresponding to the external application. You may need to search based on keywords or the company name.
Pros and cons of LinkedIn job tracking
LinkedIn job tracking has several advantages but also some limitations to be aware of.
Pros
- Real-time application status updates
- Time savings from tracking everything in one place
- Email notifications so you never miss an update
- Helps focus follow-up efforts
- Provides insights into employer timelines
Cons
- Not all companies update application status
- Status limited to LinkedIn’s predefined options
- Can only track 300 jobs at once
- Employers don’t always post jobs to LinkedIn
LinkedIn vs. Other Job Sites for Tracking
How does LinkedIn compare to other job sites for application tracking? Here’s an overview:
| Site | Tracking Capabilities | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follow jobs to get status updates and notifications. | Good for tracking multiple professional roles. Direct integration with LinkedIn profiles. | Not all employers update status. Max 300 tracked jobs. | |
| Indeed | Save jobs and get email updates on saved jobs. | Wide range of job postings. Useful job search filters. | No application tracking. Simply saves jobs. |
| Glassdoor | View company’s hiring process and timeline. | Insights into employer timelines. Reviews on interview/hiring process. | No tracking individual job applications. |
| Lever | Track status through employer’s Lever page. | More detailed status updates if employer uses Lever. | Employer must use Lever in order for tracking. |
LinkedIn provides a good middle ground option – more tracking capabilities than a broad job board like Indeed but less complex than an ATS like Lever.
Conclusion
LinkedIn job tracking is an easy and effective way to monitor your job applications in one place. The key benefits are getting real-time status updates, saving time on tracking, and being able to proactively follow up with employers.
To use LinkedIn job tracking most successfully:
- Activate tracking as soon as you apply.
- Personalize your applications.
- Follow up if an employer views your application.
- Proactively update statuses on external applications.
- Review and improve your application after a rejection.
While LinkedIn tracking has some limitations, overall it’s a valuable free tool for getting insights into your job search progress and staying up-to-date on your applications.
