How does LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature work?
From my experience, my applications typically fall into three categories when using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply:
- Application Submitted
- Application Viewed
- Resume Downloaded
However, the status of my applications seems to have little influence on whether I get contacted. I’ve had recruiters and hiring managers reach out while my application was still marked as “Application Submitted.” Conversely, there have been applications that were marked as viewed or had my resume downloaded, but I still haven’t heard back from anyone.
While I can understand that just because an application is viewed or my resume is downloaded doesn’t guarantee I’ll be contacted, I find the other scenario puzzling. How can recruiters determine that I’m a good fit without even looking at my application or downloading my resume? Is there a way for them to circumvent this process? Many of the recruiters I’ve spoken to seem to have seen my CV, but this isn’t reflected in the application status.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’ve been navigating the LinkedIn Easy Apply process with some mixed results, which is pretty common. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:
Application Submitted: When you submit your application through Easy Apply, it’s officially in the system. This means that your application is now part of the candidate pool, but it doesn’t guarantee that someone has reviewed it yet.
Application Viewed: This status indicates that a recruiter or hiring manager has actually opened your application. However, it doesn’t mean they’ve fully assessed your qualifications or fit for the position. Sometimes reviewers scan through applications quickly and may not note every candidate they view.
Resume Downloaded: This status suggests a deeper level of interest, as it indicates that a recruiter has downloaded your resume for further consideration. Again, this doesn’t always translate to outreach, as they may still be comparing candidates or have other priorities.
As for your confusion about being contacted without your application status changing, there could be several reasons for this:
Recruiter Reach: Recruiters often have access to multiple tools and databases, allowing them to learn about candidates without relying solely on application statuses. They might see your profile through other means or not even go through the Easy Apply platform.
Internal Processes: Companies might have different internal procedures for reviewing applications, and some recruiters may prioritize direct outreach based on broader assessments or recommendations, rather than relying strictly on application activity.
Communication Gaps: There can also be delays in the system updating statuses, or the recruiters could be multitasking or prioritizing different candidates at different stages.
It’s great to keep applying and reaching out to recruiters directly as you seem to be doing! Building connections on LinkedIn and engaging with recruiters can often lead to better visibility regardless of what the application statuses indicate. Keep in mind that the application process can be nuanced and varies greatly among different companies and roles. Good luck!