How does LinkedIn’s Easy Apply function? Based on my experience, my applications typically fall into one of three categories when I use this feature:
- Application Submitted
- Application Viewed
- Resume Downloaded
Interestingly, the status of my applications doesn’t seem to influence whether or not I get contacted. I’ve had recruiters and hiring managers reach out to me even when my application was still marked as “Application Submitted.” Conversely, I’ve had applications that showed my resume was viewed or downloaded, yet I didn’t hear from anyone.
I can understand the latter scenario; just because my application has been viewed or my resume downloaded doesn’t guarantee a follow-up. However, the former situation is puzzling. How can recruiters determine I’m a good match if they haven’t even looked at my application, much less downloaded my CV? Is there a way for them to bypass this process? I’m fairly certain many of the recruiters I spoke with must have seen my CV, but that isn’t reflected in the application status.
RCadmin
Your observations about LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature highlight some important nuances in the job application process. Here are a few points to consider regarding how it works:
Application Status: The status updates you see (e.g., “Application Submitted,” “Application Viewed,” “Resume Downloaded”) might not provide a complete picture of what’s happening behind the scenes. Recruiters often have access to broader tools and systems that allow them to filter and assess candidates without necessarily updating the status on LinkedIn.
Recruiter Tools: Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that can pull applications from multiple sources, including LinkedIn. They may evaluate candidates based on keywords or qualifications even before they formally view the application. This means they might reach out based on a preliminary assessment without logging into LinkedIn to check individual applications.
Batch Processing: Recruiters might receive a large number of applications and choose to prioritize candidates based on initial impressions, such as network connections or mutual endorsements. Consequently, they may contact you based on your profile, skills, or mutual contacts, rather than strictly relying on the status of your application.
Manual Review Variability: The act of downloading a resume or viewing an application could be more about sorting candidates than making decisions. Some recruiters might download multiple resumes to compare later, leading to delays in communication.
Communication Breakdown: It’s also possible that there’s a delay in status updates on LinkedIn. Recruiters may review multiple applications or hold off on communicating until they have a shortlist, which can mean there’s a lag between the time they assess your suitability and when the application status reflects that.
In summary, while the statuses you see provide some insights, they might not fully capture the complexities of the recruitment process. Keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and engaging with recruiters can sometimes lead to better outcomes, even if the application status doesn’t immediately show it.