Is applying through LinkedIn effective?

If you're looking for a new gig and want to save yourself the hassle of filling out multiple applications online, there are two ways that you could go about doing so: You can hire an agency to do your resume writing, or you can use one of many websites that offer services like ResumeBuilder (which will take care of all the hard stuff) and Easy Apply (LinkedIn's own version).

Easy Apply is something that LinkedIn offers as part of their Premium package -- which costs $25 per month if you don't already have access to the platform. It's basically just a button that lets you upload your CV in seconds, rather than having to fill out lengthy forms.

It sounds great, but does it actually help you get hired? Let's break down exactly why easy apply isn't going to be enough and see whether you should bother trying it at all.

What happens when you apply for a job via LinkedIn?

When you click the easy apply button, you'll be taken straight into LinkedIn's own app where you can view your profile and add information regarding your experience and education. The same thing applies here too though -- instead of uploading your CV from scratch, you simply paste over whatever content you've previously filled out elsewhere.

Once you submit your details, they'll disappear off the screen and LinkedIn will send them to the employer who then gets to review them before deciding whether to accept you onto their team. From there, you'll receive confirmation that you've been accepted. If you haven't heard back within 24 hours however, you might want to look into other options.

This whole process takes less than 10 minutes and is much easier than sending an email to every single person you know, making it ideal for those who aren't comfortable approaching companies directly. However, it also means that the chances of getting rejected by the recruiter are high -- only around 40% of people who used the service were successful in landing a role after submitting their info.

You may think that this makes no difference, especially since most agencies charge hundreds of dollars for each application submission anyway, but it really doesn't matter because even if you did get the job, you'd still have to deal with annoying interview processes and tedious paperwork.

Doesn't sound very appealing now, does it?

Should you use LinkedIn easy apply?

Of course, we all know that everyone wants to land a job fast these days, so it seems pretty obvious that you would turn to easy apply whenever possible. But is it really worth risking rejection by employers just to cut down on time spent hunting for a position?

After all, you only have a few weeks left until deadline day comes along, and you probably won't have time to sit around reading through loads of CVs and cover letters. So while you might feel tempted to skip the traditional route and try applying through LinkedIn's easy apply feature, you should consider the consequences first.

One major downside to using the easy apply option is that you're putting all of your eggs in one basket. Employers typically conduct interviews over several rounds, meaning that even if you got past the initial screening stage thanks to the ease of applying through LinkedIn, you wouldn't automatically receive an invite to attend a second round unless you made it far further up the ladder.

Another issue is that although employers often claim that they will respond to emails promptly, sometimes they forget or lose track of correspondence completely, resulting in applicants being ignored for months on end. This obviously leads to frustration, particularly if you've invested plenty of time chasing down a dream opportunity.

And lastly, some companies have decided to banish the easy apply button altogether, leaving you with no choice but to spend hours trawling through resumes and cover letters. While it might seem like a good idea to cut out the middleman and eliminate red tape, ultimately you're better off sticking to the tried-and-tested method of cold calling potential recruiters.

How effective is LinkedIn for finding a job?

While it's true that easy apply does save you lots of time, it's important to keep in mind that it's not always guaranteed to result in success either. Just because you successfully applied for a particular role doesn't mean that you'll necessarily get the job, and although employers might appreciate the convenience of hiring someone without asking questions, they're unlikely to be impressed by an applicant who doesn't follow instructions.

As well as taking longer to complete, applying through LinkedIn might also prove more difficult if you didn't originally put together a professional headshot, for example. In fact, according to research conducted by CareerBliss, 63% of respondents said they wouldn't recommend using LinkedIn to apply for a job due to concerns surrounding the quality of images uploaded to profiles.

In addition to this, there are certain roles that require specific skillsets for which LinkedIn simply couldn't provide suitable candidates, such as tech support positions or customer support roles. Overall, it's clear that using LinkedIn to apply for a job isn't recommended for anyone who needs to impress with their credentials.

Is LinkedIn worth it to find a job?

Ultimately, the answer lies somewhere between yes and no. On the one hand, it definitely saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks during the final stages of your search. But on the other hand, applying through LinkedIn isn't likely to produce results that are anywhere near as impressive as you might expect.

Considering the pitfalls mentioned above, it certainly isn't worth investing too much money into a service that could potentially cost you thousands of pounds in wasted opportunities. For best results, you should stick to the usual methods of sourcing vacancies, including networking, posting adverts online, searching social media channels and attending career fairs.

Not only does this ensure that you avoid wasting precious time and energy, but it also gives you the chance to build relationships with relevant professionals who might be able to point you towards future employment opportunities. Plus, it allows you to show prospective employers that you've done your homework and prepared ahead of time, giving you greater credibility.

Finally, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of maintaining consistency across your digital presence. By keeping up an active blog, adding informative videos to YouTube and regularly updating your LinkedIn profile, you'll boost your visibility considerably and make it easier for employers to spot you amongst the competition.

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network and one of the best ways to find your next career move. However, even though many companies use LinkedIn as part of their recruitment process, there are some pitfalls that can make things tricky if you're not careful.

For example, the “easy apply” button which allows people to quickly fill out an online form without having to register with anything first, making it quick and convenient. It also makes sense from a recruiter perspective - they don't have to spend time sifting through applications, especially when you consider that most candidates will be able to provide basic information such as name, email address, previous roles, etc., within seconds. 

But does easy apply on LinkedIn actually work? Is it worth sacrificing a few minutes of searching around for different websites in order to get started? Or would you rather just fill in the relevant fields yourself, saving both time and effort? We've got all the answers here...

How effective is LinkedIn for recruiting?

According to Forbes' latest survey into hiring trends, over half (53 percent) of employers now prefer applicants who submit their CV directly to them instead of sending it by post or e-mail. This means that more than two thirds of recruiters no longer read CVs before deciding whether or not to interview someone so they may simply want to see something like a cover letter, social media presence, portfolio, or other details right away.

This could mean that the days of reading through hundreds of applications to find the perfect candidate are long gone, meaning companies are relying heavily on automated systems to help them sort through the masses of potential hires. And while these tools aren't foolproof - we'll come back to those later - it certainly points towards a trend where things are moving fast.

That said, according to Indeed's own research, only 9% of employers currently use LinkedIn as part of their recruitment strategy, compared to 23% in 2016. But that number is expected to rise significantly to 40% by 2020. So at least LinkedIn isn't dead yet!

Still, despite the fact that LinkedIn still hasn't become a standard feature across every single business app, it remains the go-to place for professionals looking to change jobs. That's why LinkedIn remains popular among businesses too - recruiters love being able to search for specific skills, so knowing which keywords to target is key.

So, assuming you do manage to land one of these sought after positions, getting hired through LinkedIn might well prove to be easier than ever.

Is it better to look for jobs on LinkedIn or indeed?

If you're going to try and apply through LinkedIn anyway, you might as well take advantage of the platform itself. If you're lucky enough to already have an account set up then you can start filling out forms straight away. For everyone else however, you'll probably need to create an account in order to gain access to the various features available. You can sign up for free here.

Once logged in, you'll notice that the left hand side offers links to several sections including Jobs, People, Groups, Ads & Sponsored Content, Profile, Company Page and Insights. The latter section shows statistics related to your activity on LinkedIn, allowing you to track how much attention your profile is receiving. To keep tabs on everything, click on Settings and select View My Activity.

From there you can view your followers, connections, views, recommendations, groups joined, events attended, endorsements, etc. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but if you're new to the site, it gives you a great idea of how active you really are on LinkedIn. From here you can also view your personal and contact info, settings and privacy controls, plus update your photo.

It's important to remember that LinkedIn profiles are public, so anyone who looks at yours will be able to see your current employment history and education level. They won't necessarily know exactly what you did previously, but it doesn't hurt to put together a compelling resume.

Should I Apply with LinkedIn or manually?

Of course, there's always the option of completing the whole application yourself. While it takes a little bit more time, you avoid wasting countless hours trawling through endless pages of generic CVs. Plus, if you're confident in your abilities, it's often quicker to write down the basics of your experience and qualifications, rather than trying to describe them verbally.

However, writing your own CV is risky because you never quite know what kind of impression you give off. After all, you might forget to mention certain achievements or projects you worked on during interviews. On top of that, if you're applying for a role requiring specialist knowledge, it's unlikely to show up in your CV unless it was mentioned specifically during conversations. In short, it's usually safer to let HR handle the hard stuff.

In terms of finding a job through LinkedIn, applying manually is definitely preferable...but only if you're 100% sure LinkedIn is the route you want to take. Remember, it's possible to miss out on opportunities due to poor visibility.

Here are our tips for choosing the best places to apply to jobs on LinkedIn:

Apply to vacancies posted publicly on LinkedIn

You stand the greatest chance of success if you apply to open positions that have been shared widely throughout the company community. These tend to include posts made by senior executives, team leads and managers.

Search for jobs posted internally on LinkedIn

Internal postings appear in the Recruiting tab under Job Opportunities. As the title suggests, these tend to be posted by human resources staff and are generally focused on internal employees seeking to upgrade their skill sets.

Search for jobs posted externally on LinkedIn

External listings tend to focus on external users, although it's worth checking out whether the company is actively advertising positions outside of LinkedIn.

Find out whether the position requires membership to LinkedIn

Some companies require you to join LinkedIn in order to apply for certain roles. If you receive an invitation to connect, check the wording carefully. Make sure you understand what the requirements are before accepting the request.

Check out the company's page on LinkedIn

Companies typically list their openings on LinkedIn alongside their official careers portal. Check out each individual listing to ensure that your interests align with the content offered. Companies often hire based on referrals, so ask friends or colleagues to recommend you if required.

Doesn't matter if you apply with LinkedIn or manual, remember to complete the rest of the application. Your chances of landing the job increase dramatically if you add additional information, such as references, proof of educational attainment, awards/recognition received, and examples of your strong communication skills.

Also, once you've completed your application, don't forget to share it with others. Posting a link to your LinkedIn profile ensures that your updates reach your contacts automatically, increasing your exposure further. Just make sure you remove your LinkedIn status once the job has been filled.

Is it better to apply via LinkedIn?

As explained above, the easiest thing to do is apply via LinkedIn. However, it comes with a couple of downsides. Not only will you need to enter your full name, date of birth, gender, and location, but you also risk missing out on future job ads if you fail to confirm your subscription.

If you're concerned about privacy issues, you shouldn't worry too much. All of your LinkedIn data is stored securely behind password protected login screens, meaning only authorized individuals will be allowed to view your profile. When you log in, you'll likely be asked to verify your identity via Facebook or Google.

To prevent spam emails appearing in your inbox, you must activate your notifications setting. Simply head to the Account menu and choose Settings. Then scroll down until you find Email notifications. Enable this box and hit Save Changes.

Finally, don't expect instant results. Depending on how busy the office is at any given time, you might not hear back from a company for weeks or months. Don't despair - patience is crucial if you plan on staying in touch with multiple companies. Even if you do happen to land your dream job, don't count on the employer offering you immediate benefits. Instead, expect to wait anywhere between 4-12 weeks for your salary to kick in.

Keep an eye on your LinkedIn profile regularly to stay updated. Once you've landed your ideal job, check in again occasionally to ensure you haven't missed any recent changes.

There are plenty of reasons why people might want to use the “Apply now!” button that appears at the top right-hand corner of every employer profile (on both LinkedIn and Google+). It makes getting in touch with employers much easier than having to hunt them down individually.

But there are drawbacks too – namely that if you don't have a high enough score from your current employer then they won't see your CV/resume when you do apply. And as far as I'm aware, you can only apply for one role per day via the ‘apply now' function.

So if you're thinking about taking advantage of the 'easy apply' feature on LinkedIn, here's everything you need to be aware of before doing so…

Should you apply directly through LinkedIn?

Yes, you absolutely should apply straight away. The 'apply now!' button will send your resume to all companies which match your search criteria. You'll also receive an automatic email confirmation once you've applied successfully. This means that even if you forget to check your inbox after submitting your details, you won't miss out on anything. 

In fact, it could mean that you get more applications from those specific roles than if you'd done nothing. If you're desperate for a new job, this is definitely worth trying. However, bear in mind that if you haven't got a great rating, you may find yourself competing against other candidates who actually did apply through the standard method.

Is it better to apply manually or through LinkedIn?

LinkedIn does offer another option for applicants: you can upload your CV manually onto their platform by visiting the careers section. But while this allows you to target multiple positions at once, it doesn't provide access to the ‘easy apply' functionality. So if you want to take full advantage of this tool, you'll need to go through the process described above.

If you prefer to avoid uploading your CV altogether, however, you still have options. For example, you can browse through the open vacancies listed on the site and click the Apply button next to each one. Or you can simply sign up for Job Alerts and be notified whenever a suitable position pops up.

Can you apply for jobs directly on LinkedIn?

You cannot apply for jobs directly on LinkedIn without first creating an account, although you can make sure you appear in searches for relevant roles by adding keywords to your profile page. Once you have created an account, you can log into the service and fill out your CV/resume in order to submit it to potential employers.

Once you've submitted your information, you'll automatically be sent emails confirming that your application was received. As long as you keep checking your inbox regularly, you shouldn't miss out on any opportunities because of slow responses from recruiters.

However, while you can add extra skills and experience to your profile, you can't change your basic info such as name, gender and location until you create an account. That said, it isn't difficult to swap these details later if necessary. Just visit your Profile Settings page and edit your profile photo, bio text and contact info.

Is it better to apply through LinkedIn or indeed?

As mentioned earlier, some employers allow you to apply directly through the company's own career portal. Other companies don't, though, so you may come across profiles where the ‘apply now!' button isn't available. In these cases, you're probably best off going through the normal route and sending your CV to the recruiter directly.

After all, you'll likely stand a greater chance of being considered over someone else who applies via LinkedIn. Plus, the recruiter will already have your credentials on file and you won't risk missing out on additional chances just because you didn't use the ‘easy apply' button.

For instance, my previous employer wasn't part of the LinkedIn network at the time I applied for several different jobs. Even though I had been able to complete the entire procedure, I wouldn't have stood a chance of winning those roles if I hadn't used the conventional methods.

Also note that some companies may require you to attach links to your social media accounts as well as providing a copy of your ID card. By using the ‘apply now!' button, you're saving the company the hassle of trawling through hundreds of CVs. They'll just scan through yours instead.

It's important to remember that companies aren't obliged to consider anyone who uses the ‘easy apply' button, regardless of whether they've previously worked for the business themselves or not. There are many factors involved in determining suitability for employment, including references checks, interviews and background screening, which can vary depending on the role.

Of course, if you manage to land the perfect job through LinkedIn, the perks alone are enough reason to try again. After all, this is essentially free recruitment advertising. Employers like seeing that people have applied via their platform, so they tend to give preference to those who do.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get hired, but it certainly increases your odds. Bear in mind, however, that there are always exceptions to the rule. A few years ago, for instance, Google reportedly rejected thousands of applicants purely because they were female.

What do I have to offer employers when I use the easy application process on LinkedIn?

It works like this: You get sent an email from your prospective employer inviting you to fill out their online form. In return, they’ll send you a link where you can upload your resume or CV.

But there are some drawbacks to using the “apply now” feature. Here’s how it could affect you if you choose to take advantage of it…

You don’t control who sees your information – Employers can make your details available to anyone who clicks on the link.

The format may not be ideal for all applications – If you intend to go ahead with your application, you should check whether the site allows uploading documents as attachments.

Your employment history will show up immediately once you start working – If you’re looking for work, potential employers will see everything you’ve ever done before submitting your application.

A poor impression can last forever – Once someone has seen your CV/resume, they won’t forget it easily. Even if you change careers later on, you’ll still carry those bad first impressions around with you.

You lose control over privacy settings – Your personal data will remain public until you edit your privacy settings after you submit your application.

No one knows if you applied or not – When you click ‘apply now’, no other users see anything except your name and contact details.

Potential employers aren’t forced to respond – They don’t have to reply to your message unless they feel inclined to do so.

You haven’t got time to browse profiles – All that clicking takes time away from finding new opportunities.

As you can imagine, these drawbacks mean that employers may think twice about hiring candidates who use the “apply now” function. If you decide to give it