The brutal truth of job searching is this:
If you want to find a job fast, you need to apply for a high number of jobs.
Companies post job openings and then change their mind. Or they change the requirements. Or they decide to “hold off” for a month, which turns into three months or forever.
The bottom line is: There are a million things that can go wrong, with no relation to your skill or how much you prepare to ace the interview. So you need to apply to a lot of employers if you want to get hired quickly.
But how can we send out a high volume of applications quickly and easily? That’s where LinkedIn Easy Apply comes in.
Using this specific feature when applying for jobs on LinkedIn is one of the best ways to get a high number of applications out quickly.
Here’s how…
What is LinkedIn Easy Apply
LinkedIn Easy Apply is a one-click application feature on a select number of job postings featured on LinkedIn.com. We estimate that between 35-45% of jobs feature the “Easy Apply” option on LinkedIn, depending on industry and position. When an employer decides to allow Easy Apply, you can submit your LinkedIn profile in response to a job ad.
This can save you tremendous time in your job search, because unlike most job search websites, you won’t need to fill in ANY personal details. You just attach your resume, click submit, and move on.
Should You Send a Cover Letter with LinkedIn Easy Apply?
It is not necessary to submit a cover letter when using LinkedIn Easy Apply. Unless you know the hiring manager’s name or know something specific about the position that you’d like to address, our advice is to skip the cover letter so you can apply for more jobs. While some employers appreciate a cover letter, it usually won’t be a deal-breaker for employers who allow LinkedIn Easy Apply.
They’re going to be looking at your profile when they see your submission, not checking for a cover letter.
Now that you know what LinkedIn Easy Apply is, let’s talk about why it’s so effective and how you can start using it. Here’s why we recommend using LinkedIn Easy Apply…
LinkedIn Easy Apply is the Best Way to Send Out a Lot of Applications to High-Quality Companies
Job searching isn’t all about volume. You should be networking, doing thorough research to find companies to apply to, etc.
But volume does help in your job hunt, for reasons mentioned in the intro of this article.
And LinkedIn Easy Apply is the best way to add that volume to your job hunt… without having to write a cover letter, fill in pages and pages of online info, etc.
The companies that post jobs on LinkedIn tend to be high-quality and reputable, too, and since LinkedIn is such a large job search site, you can do almost all of your “volume” applying through LinkedIn if you want. (Note: you should still be networking and doing more targeted methods like emailing companies directly, too. I’m just suggesting that LinkedIn can be the only job board you use).
How to Use LinkedIn “Easy Apply” to Find Jobs…
Now let’s look at how to actually use LinkedIn Easy Apply to get your info in front of companies.
1. Log into LinkedIn
This is pretty self-explanatory, but you need to have a LinkedIn account to do this, and you need to put detailed info on it, since that’s what employers see when you apply.
If you need help with setting up and optimizing your LinkedIn, here’s what to put on your profile.
2. Enter a job title or job keywords into the search bar
Next, enter basic search terms into LinkedIn’s search box at the top of the screen.
You could search for a job title like, “Software Engineer” or “Sales Manager”. That’s how I recommend starting.
3. Use LinkedIn’s job search filters to narrow your search
After you type in your basic search, you’ll want to use LinkedIn’s filters to narrow your search further – by location, industry, etc.
Then you’ll start seeing relevant job postings in your city or state. After that, start opening jobs that look interesting. This is where we’re going to look for the LinkedIn Easy Apply button…
4. Look for the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn job postings
Here’s what the “Easy Apply” button will look like when available:
As mentioned earlier, you’ll see this on around 35-45% of LinkedIn job postings. So it won’t be there every time, but you should see that button pretty often in most industries.
5. Start applying
Now you’re ready to start applying. Click the “Easy Apply” button, attach your resume (after quickly tailoring it for the job description), and submit your info! It’s that easy.
Note: If you see relevant job postings that don’t feature the Easy Apply option, it still may be worth applying. Clicking the button when it doesn’t say “Easy Apply” usually takes you to the company website. If their application process looks straight forward and easy, then it’s still worth applying directly.
6. Build a habit of applying for jobs on LinkedIn each day
Try to spend one hour in total the first few days. Before discovering this method I probably spent half that much time on a single application online… for a company that didn’t even get back to me!
So you’ll be able to get a lot more applications out if you begin your search on LinkedIn and use the Easy Apply button as often as possible.
Common Questions about LinkedIn Easy Apply
What about finding a job through my network? I’ve been told that’s the most effective way.
You’re right. Networking is the fastest way to get a job potentially.
So if you have a connection to a company through a colleague, it’s always better to use that.
DO NOT send out a generic LinkedIn Easy Apply application if you have a more personalized method to get in touch with a company.
However, for all those times you don’t know the hiring manager or have anyone in your network who does, applying for the job on LinkedIn is a great approach. That’s what this article is about.
Do I need to tailor my resume?
I’m a big believer in tailoring your resume. It works for sure. Even though this method is all about volume and speed, I’d say you should still tailor your resume for the job description, or at least for the general type of job you’re applying for.
So, let’s say you want a software sales job… At minimum, you should tailor your resume work history and other info for that general type of job. Optimize everything to show how you’ll be an asset to them in a software sales position.
Then, if you also want to apply for jobs in software project management, that’s another resume tailored to that type of role. That’s the minimum of what you should be doing.
I wrote this step-by-step guide on how to tailor your resume for any job. You might want to check it out if you need help with this step.
Isn’t this spam?
Not if you’re qualified for the job! Why does a company care if you applied to many positions within an hour of your time? In fact it’s none of their business. Each company is receiving one single application from you. I don’t see how that can be seen as spam on their end.
What about quality? This seems all about quantity.
You can choose how selective to be and how much time to spend researching each company. My goal is to show you how to find a job fast, and without the stress and frustration. There’s no rule saying you need to apply for each job in 4 minutes or less though. Take your time and do more research for each company if you’d like!
Now you know how to save time and send out more applications by applying for jobs on LinkedIn and using Easy Apply.
If you have a question about any of this, leave a comment below.
Does it help to have a LI premium account when hiring managers are looking at your resume? I get a pop-up message implying it might help.
I’ve never paid for LinkedIn premium to be honest, and as a recruiter, I never cared if a job seeker has it. The only time I had a premium account was Sales Navigator, and that was to help me work as a recruiter, not to find a job. And in this case, my employer was paying for it. I don’t think you need it, to be honest.
Cover letters are great if you need to explain a specific situation… being unemployed 15 months… trying to completely change careers… etc.
I’m getting an error message when I try to use Easy Apply… states “try again”. No other info, FAQ etc. Have you seen this? If so, any suggestions on how fix this?
Probably just a temporary technical glitch. I’d try again in 1-2 days. I’m not sure beyond that. I might try logging out and back in, or trying on a different device, too. But those are just my best guesses.
Hey – is there an updated version ?
Unfortunately, no. We haven’t created a new tutorial for the newer version of LinkedIn yet.
I like this method. But I just did a search for job postings and hit the Apply button. I was then re-directed to either the company’s career page to apply or to a third-party vendor such as Workday just like the other job boards (Glassdoor, Indeed). Is it still better to submit your resume through LinkedIn rather than one of the other job boards?
Do you feel this still works with applicant tracking systems? I would think if you don’t tailor your resume to the keywords you are just going to sit in the system because it got graded too low
Hi John,
I’d do a bit of tailoring with this method now. Great point. Spend a few minutes making sure you’re mentioning keywords from the job description, etc.
Excellent tutorial! This is what I’ve been telling my friends and family to do all along… They always wonder how I find decent jobs so quickly, and your method is exactly what I’ve been doing for several years. It’s just nice to see someone besides myself finally advocate for this method. People want to look for super specialized jobs, when in many cases, they just need a job to get them through until they find that specialized position. Thanks again!
Biron, does it matter whether your resume is a .pdf or a .doc?
Hey Paul,
Great question.
As a recruiter, I always preferred getting it in Word format (.doc). Our recruitment agency would “stamp” our logo in the top corner, and then send it off to clients. And we could make an edit if needed (after speaking with you).
Advantages to a PDF, though:
Formatting will look the same on all devices, always. Cannot be edited. Revision history cannot be viewed.
The choice is yours. I’d probably use .doc but if any of the advantages of a PDF appeal to you, then you can certainly use that.
no way; quality over quantity. find 20 jobs you want and do 3 *well tailored* applications every day for a week. do the same thing every week til you get a job. it’s more labor intensive, but I’d rather put in a few extra hours up top to have a better job for years after
I like the tutorial, I am going to try it out today. I will keep you posted on how it works out!
You need to note that your method isn’t surefire and can heavily depend on the job. When there are only 10 “quick” apply posts that appear for a nationwide search for the term, maybe the field is a little specialized. Likewise, it looks like, in some fields, recruiters do not want to use that option and strongly prefer the long, slow, tedious application method for all applicants.
I’m over 50 and have been looking for a full time job for more than 2 years. Do you think this method help me?
It’s definitely worth trying. It takes very little time commitment, mental effort, etc. That’s why I love this method.
Great tutorial. I used it tonight to send out some job applications.
Do you have any idea how long it takes most companies to see your application on linkedin and reply to you? I’m hoping they respond fast because I have already been job searching a month with other methods.
Hi Susan,
It should go to their email right away, or very fast. Definitely the same day you send it.
But there’s no way to know how quickly a company will look or respond. I think most companies respond within a few days but you might not even hear back from others, so it varies a lot.
How damaging or helpful is it to have a cover letter when applying to jobs on LinkedIn or Indeed? Because I am a recent graduate, will I need a tailored cover letter to make my application more appealing? I find this step slows down the process a lot.
Thanks!
Hi Lucy,
You’re right, it slows down the process a ton.
Cover letters are great if you need to explain a specific situation… being unemployed 15 months… trying to completely change careers… etc.
Otherwise, I don’t think it’s needed at all on websites like LinkedIn. It won’t be harmful. That’s why I love this method with LinkedIn because it’s not expected at all by the employer.
I haven’t used Indeed in a while so I am not sure for that. Is it the same setup as LinkedIn these days?
If there’s a space to write a cover letter in the actual online form, I’d do it. You don’t want to leave it blank if they offer an opportunity to explain why you’re applying.
But you can keep it brief. Tell them what you noticed about the job, why you thought to apply, and what skills would help you perform well in the job. If you do just that, you’ll have a better cover letter than most people because it’s tailored to THEM.
Hope this helps!
In my opinion the cover letter is everything. It’s about building a relationship and getting the attention of the hiring manager with a story that shows you are a good fit, take initiative and have the drive to craft a messages that shows you care.