EASY APPLY - Is it any use?

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The Google explanation of what “Easy Apply Is”.

The LinkedIn "Easy Apply" feature, introduced in 2011, is designed to streamline the job application process for users by allowing them to apply for jobs directly through LinkedIn with a few clicks.

This feature presents a simplified alternative to the traditional application process, which typically involves going to the company's website and navigating their application system. While it offers clear advantages in terms of speed and convenience, there are also notable drawbacks to consider from both the recruiter’s and the candidate’s perspectives.

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AND NOW, WHAT REALLY GINDS MY GEARS!… THE TRUTH!

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of the Easy apply!

I believe it lets people just go on an application blitz for roles that are not relevant for them. Kind of a spray and pray method. This happens with every position, and it drowns out the solid candidates. But that’s just me.

Let’s look at the bones of it! By seeing what the LinkedIn pros and cons are vs what I see happening in the real world...!

?(Gareth braces for BLOWBACK)

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THE PROS:

Speed and Ease for Candidates: It's a quick process that enables candidates to submit applications to various job postings across different companies without leaving the LinkedIn platform.

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“Great if you are not prepared to put effort into you application! Your career is not like ordering a Deliveroo, convenience is not necessarily a good thing in this space, this is your future we are talking about”.

Optimised LinkedIn Profile: For those with a well-maintained LinkedIn profile that showcases their skills and experiences effectively, the Easy Apply feature can be sufficient for applying to jobs where the profile itself can serve as a robust introduction.

?“This only applies to jobs that are relevant to you, you would be amazed at how many applications I see for roles that are completely worlds apart in experience, and talking with Hiring managers and Talent teams, they all say the same!”

Connectivity: Candidates can see connections who work at the company, potentially allowing for networking opportunities that could strengthen their application .

“Isn’t that the whole point of the LinkedIn platform?”

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THE CONS:

Volume of Applications for Recruiters: Recruiters may be overwhelmed by the quantity of applications received, making it challenging to identify truly qualified candidates among a sea of potentially irrelevant profiles .

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My current record -

?“Yep, I can safely say that the percentage of applications I see to roles is about 95% irrelevant profiles, and if you’re in that 5% that is right for the position its like finding a gold Charizard pokémon card!”

Weak First Impressions: The limited information provided through Easy Apply applications means they often make a weaker first impression compared to a tailored resume and cover letter. Recruiters spend little time on each resume and even less on Easy Apply submissions. Easy Apply doesn’t allow you to effectively communicate how you bring value to the company or why you are a better choice than other candidates, which is crucial information for recruiters.

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“A LinkedIn profile is no substitute for a solid CV that outlines your experience and background in detail. I have seen amazing CV’s for candidates and when I looked at their LinkedIn profile it was shocking and I wouldn’t have even considered them.”

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Lack of Detail: Easy Apply doesn’t allow candidates to effectively communicate how they bring value to the company or why they are a better choice than other candidates, which is crucial information for recruiters.

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“You can’t get your point across. LinkedIn can’t be tailored to every job like a CV can. Unless you have multiple LI accounts, but who has time for that. If you really want a job, and you wanna let them know how good you are and how your background is right for the role. Maybe you wanna give an example of an amazing win you had in the field. The story you wanna get across is not gonna jump out of you linkedIn profile and slap the recruiter in the face.

That’s what CV’s are for!”

Industry Relevance: Recruiters may dismiss applications from candidates in unrelated industries more readily when those applications come through Easy Apply due to the lack of detailed explanations that could bridge the industry gap.

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“If you are looking for a complete change in career, trust me EASY APPLY is not the answer! You need to put in twice as much work as everyone else, New relevant CV, Detailed cover letters saying what you can bring to the table. But as anyone knows It is hard to break the mould.

Personally, I left my banking career, I was in there for 20 years and pursue my permanent side hustle as an illustrator. I still do it freelance, but not as a career. And Im not a bad illustrator to be fair ha.”

Following Up: Easy Apply may be perceived as a less engaged method of applying, and candidates who don’t follow up may be at a disadvantage compared to those who do .

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“Let’s be honest Applying via Easy Apply is like throwing you CV into a woodchipper!!! You don’t know who it goes too, you don’t know who has looked at it, you don’t know if it has been looked at?

You may have a similar experience to me when I was last looking for a role. I applied for a job and didn’t hear anything, I got my job at LMA and was in it for 4 months, when I got the generic reply for the role, I applied for telling me that they would not be progressing with me application Ha. So, you need to follow up on your applications, and this just doesn’t let you do that!”

Never Use Easy Apply:

For Your First Job or Major Career Change: The feature is not recommended for those seeking their first job or making a significant career change because it doesn’t allow for the detailed presentation of one's skills and experiences that could compensate for a lack of direct industry experience.

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For Your Dream Job:

If you're applying for a job that you are particularly passionate about, investing the time in a customised application through the company's website is best because it will be seen.

Put in the time, Blow them away, make your application the one that the recruiter drops everything and says that’s the one!!!

Trust me It happens… I call those ones a walk in!

?Put in the time, Be the walk in! and don’t use the easy apply.

LinkedIn sells it as a way to apply for multiple jobs without leaving the platform. Now I’m no conspiracy theorist but isn’t the job of social media platforms to keep you on the platform? That’s how they make money, the more you do the more they can sell. So, do yourself a favour, Think how many jobs you have applied for and how many responses you have gotten, or how much feedback you have received?

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Obviously, people have had positive experiences on it and I’m not saying there isn’t a lot of wins out there. But from my own experience as both a job seeker and a recruiter, I think the cons outweigh the pros, on both side of the equation.

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