How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews

The harsh reality of job hunting is as follows:

If you want to find a job quickly, you must apply for a large number of positions. Companies post job openings and then withdraw them. Or they alter the specifications. Or they decide to “wait” a month, which turns into three months, and then forever.

The bottom line is that a million things can go wrong, none of which are related to your ability or how well you prepare for the interview. So, if you want to get hired quickly, you should apply to a lot of employers.

But how can we quickly and easily send out a large number of applications? This is where LinkedIn Easy Apply comes into play.

When applying for jobs on LinkedIn, using this feature is one of the best ways to get a large number of applications out quickly.

Here’s how…

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply

LinkedIn Easy Apply is a one-click application feature available on a limited number of job postings on LinkedIn.com. Depending on the industry and position, we estimate that 35-45 percent of jobs on LinkedIn have the “Easy Apply” option. When an employer decides to allow Easy Apply, you can respond to a job ad by submitting your LinkedIn profile.

This can save you a significant amount of time in your job search because, unlike most job search websites, you will not be required to fill out ANY personal information. You simply attach your resume, click submit, and proceed.

Should You Send a Cover Letter with LinkedIn Easy Apply?

When using LinkedIn Easy Apply, you do not need to submit a cover letter. Unless you know the hiring manager’s name or have a specific question about the position that you’d like to address, we recommend skipping the cover letter to apply for more jobs. While some employers value a cover letter, it is rarely a deal breaker for employers who accept LinkedIn Easy Apply.

When they see your submission, they’ll be looking at your profile, not your cover letter.

Now that you understand what LinkedIn Easy Apply is, let’s discuss why it’s so effective and how you can start using it. Here’s why we think LinkedIn Easy Apply is a good idea…

LinkedIn Easy Apply is the most efficient way to send out a large number of applications to high-quality companies.

Volume isn’t everything when it comes to job hunting. You should be networking, conducting extensive research to find companies to apply to, and so on.

However, for the reasons stated in the introduction to this article, volume can be beneficial in your job search.

And LinkedIn Easy Apply is the best

Companies that post jobs on LinkedIn are typically high-quality and reputable, and because LinkedIn is such a large job search site, you can do almost all of your “volume” applying through LinkedIn if you prefer. (Note: You should still network and use more targeted methods, such as emailing companies directly.) I’m simply suggesting that LinkedIn be your sole source of job opportunities).

How to Use LinkedIn “Easy Apply” to Find Jobs…

Let’s take a look at how to use LinkedIn Easy Apply to get your information in front of companies.

1. Log in to LinkedIn

This is self-explanatory, but you must have a LinkedIn account and fill out detailed information on it because that is what employers see when you apply.

Here’s what to put on your LinkedIn profile if you need help setting it up and optimizing it. Also, here’s an article on the best LinkedIn headlines for job hunting.

2. Enter a job title or job keywords into the search bar

Next, type basic search terms into the search box at the top of the screen on LinkedIn.

You could look for job titles such as “Software Engineer” or “Sales Manager.” That is how I would begin.

3. Use LinkedIn’s job search filters to narrow your search

Following your basic search, you’ll want to use LinkedIn’s filters to narrow your search even further – by location, industry, and so on.

Then you’ll start seeing job postings in your city or state that are relevant to you. After that, begin applying for jobs that look interesting. This is where we’ll look for the LinkedIn Easy Apply button…

4. Look for the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn job postings

When it becomes available, the “Easy Apply” button will look like this:

As previously stated, this appears on approximately 35-45 percent of LinkedIn job postings. So it won’t be there every time, but it should be present in most industries.

5. Start applying

You are now ready to begin applying. Click the “Easy Apply” button, attach your resume (which you should quickly tailor for the job description), and submit your information! It’s that simple.

It’s worth applying even if you see relevant job postings that don’t have the Easy Apply option. When the button does not say “Easy Apply,” clicking it usually takes you to the company website. If their application process appears straightforward, it is still worthwhile to apply directly.

6. Build a habit of applying for jobs on LinkedIn each day

Attempt to spend one hour per day for the first few days. Before discovering this method, I probably spent half that much time on a single online application… for a company that never responded!

So, if you start your search on LinkedIn and use the Easy Apply button as often as possible, you’ll be able to send out a lot more applications.

Common LinkedIn Easy Apply Questions

What about using my network to find a job? That is said to be the most effective method.

You are correct. Networking is the quickest way to potentially land a job.

So, if you have a connection to a company through a colleague, you should always use that.

If you have a more personalized way to contact a company, DO NOT send a generic LinkedIn Easy Apply application.

However, if you don’t know the hiring manager or have anyone in your network who does, applying for the job on LinkedIn is an excellent option. That is the topic of this article.

Is it necessary to tailor my resume?

I strongly believe in tailoring your resume. It works. Even though this method is all about volume and speed, I would still recommend tailoring your resume to the job description, or at the very least the general type of job you’re applying for.

So, let’s say you want to work in software sales… At the very least, you should tailor your resume’s work history and other information to that specific type of job. Optimize everything to demonstrate how you will benefit them in a software sales position.

Then, if you want to apply for jobs in software project management, you’ll need to create another resume tailored to that role. That is the absolute minimum you should be doing.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to tailor your resume for any job. If you need assistance with this step, you should look into it.

Is this not spam?

Not if you are qualified for the position! Why should a company care if you applied to multiple positions in an hour? It is none of their concern. You have only submitted one application to each company. I don’t see how that could be considered spam on their end.

What about the standard? This appears to be all about quantity.

You can choose how picky you want to be and how much time you want to spend researching each company. My goal is to show you how to find a job quickly and easily, without stress or frustration. No rule says you have to apply for each job in four minutes or less. Take your time and do additional research on each company if you wish!

By applying for jobs on LinkedIn and using Easy Apply, you can save time and send out more applications.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section.