It’s no secret that finding a job is hard. Some people have an easier time than others depending on scope of work, connections, etc., however many people end up applying to jobs online. When using online application systems, the technique you use to apply can make a big difference. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool to use during your job search, however it might not be the best way to apply to jobs. Why? The answer is simple. If you’re using LinkedIn Easy Apply to submit all of your applications, it’s likely that you’re looking for the quickest, easiest way to apply to jobs, which means that you may not be customizing your application as much as you should be. If you’re not customizing your job application for each job you apply to, this application technique might be hurting your chances of landing the job. Like any easy way out, there are drawbacks to this simple application method.
Ability to customize your application
The first reason why this application technique might be hurting your chances of landing the job is because if you use your LinkedIn profile to pre-fill in your application when apply to a job, there’s a high chance that you’re not catering it and adjusting it to each position.
You can technically do this, (LinkedIn Easy Apply allows members to apply for a job using the default resume saved to their LinkedIn profile, and members can save any number of resumes and swap out their default) but if you’re applying to multiple jobs on LinkedIn, adjusting your profile to reflect keywords from every job can prove to be challenging. LinkedIn provides an amazing way to network and can help a potential employer see what you bring to the table, but using LinkedIn to apply for every job you’re interested in might not be the most effective route to take.
There are also people who don’t have job descriptions listed on their LinkedIn profile and only have the job titles listed. Depending on how much you have catered your resume to the job you’re applying to, or whether you decide to use the information from your LinkedIn profile to apply for the job, this may be a deal breaker. If you are one of those people without job description listed and you are using your profile to pre-fill in your application when you apply to jobs, think about this for a moment: When you apply for a job without providing the potential employer with job descriptions, you are asking someone to pick you solely based on your job title and no other information. Job titles alone give nearly no indication of work ethic, capabilities, or accomplishments.
Large applicant pool
It’s as simple as this: If a job is readily available and easy to apply to, people will apply to it. It’s not the best tactic, but many people “spray and pray”, meaning that they apply to any jobs that might remotely be a good fit and pray that something works out. LinkedIn has made it extremely easy to apply to jobs online, but what this means is that it has made it harder to be part of a small applicant pool.
If you’re willing to take the time to customize your resume for the position, apply at the right time of the day, go onto the company website, and complete the (sometimes painstaking) application, you may be more likely to get your resume in front of the right person at the right time.
Profile settings may hinder what people can and cannot see on your profile
Depending on your profile settings what you allow to be seen, critical parts of your LinkedIn profile may not be visible to others. This is important whether you’re applying to a job via LinkedIn or if a recruiter or potential hiring manager is trying to learn more about you through your profile.
When you go through and optimize your LinkedIn profile, be sure to view and update the “public profile” settings. These settings determine what other people see when they look up your profile or search for you on the platform. Be sure that your professional profile photo, your job descriptions, your skills, and your recommendations are all visible on your public profile. If they aren’t, you may be losing out on big opportunities. If someone cannot see key skills or achievements on your profile, they may pass you up and reach out to someone who has that information readily available and visible on their profile.
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Ultimately, LinkedIn is a very effective tool to use in your job search, but this application technique may be hurting your chances of landing the job. Instead of only using LinkedIn to apply to jobs, use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters or hiring managers, or to reach out to current connections that already work at your dream company.