Yes, you can absolutely apply for jobs using LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 722 million members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. It is an incredibly popular and effective platform for job seekers to find new career opportunities and for recruiters to source qualified candidates.
One of the main benefits of using LinkedIn to apply for jobs is that it allows you to tap into your professional network and leverage your connections. When you apply for a job through LinkedIn, you can see which of your connections work at that company and can potentially put you in touch with the right people. This gives you an advantage over other applicants who are applying cold without any internal referrals.
In addition, LinkedIn allows you to follow companies that you are interested in and get notified when they post new jobs. This ensures that you don’t miss out on relevant opportunities as soon as they become available. LinkedIn also recommends jobs to you based on your profile, skills, experience and interests, so you can discover new openings that are a great fit.
Ways to Apply for Jobs on LinkedIn
There are several ways you can apply for jobs directly through LinkedIn:
Easy Apply
Many job postings on LinkedIn have an “Easy Apply” button which allows you to apply with just the click of a button, without having to navigate away from LinkedIn. When you click Easy Apply, you can immediately upload your existing LinkedIn profile as your resume/CV. You also have the option to make any updates to your profile before applying. This makes applying for jobs incredibly quick and easy.
Company Pages
You can visit company pages on LinkedIn and look under their Jobs tab to find open positions. Once you find a job you’re interested in, you can apply on the company’s website by clicking the blue Apply button. This redirects you to the company’s career site where you can submit your application.
Saved Jobs
You can save jobs that you like on LinkedIn to revisit later. The jobs you save are visible under the Jobs tab on your LinkedIn profile. When you’re ready to apply, simply go to your Saved jobs and click Apply.
Job Search
Using the main Jobs search bar at the top of LinkedIn, you can search for open roles using keywords, titles, companies etc. The job listings will indicate where and how you can apply. Many will have an Easy Apply option, while others will direct you to the company site.
Recruiter Outreach
If a recruiter contacts you about an open role through LinkedIn, you can respond to them directly and they may provide you with a link or instructions on how to formally apply online. Connecting with recruiters is a great way to get your foot in the door at companies you’re interested in.
LinkedIn’s Application Process
When you apply for a job through LinkedIn, whether it’s via Easy Apply, a company site or another method, here is what you can typically expect the application process to look like:
1. Submit Your Resume/CV
After finding the job you want to apply for, you will be prompted to upload or build your resume/CV on LinkedIn so the hiring team can review your background and experience. For Easy Apply roles, your existing LinkedIn profile becomes your CV.
2. Any Additional Questions
Some application forms on LinkedIn will have extra questions beyond just requesting your resume. This may include questions about your experience, skills, availability, salary expectations and more. Take time to fill these out accurately.
3. Assessments
Some companies may include skill or aptitude assessments as part of the LinkedIn application process to evaluate your abilities. These are typically conducted online through third-party platforms.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed all sections of the application, including uploading your resume and answering any additional questions, you can officially submit your application for the job on LinkedIn.
5. Application Confirmation
After submitting, you should receive an email and on-screen confirmation that your job application was successfully received by the company. You will likely get notified if they wish to move forward with your candidacy.
LinkedIn Application Tips
Here are some top tips for applying for jobs through LinkedIn:
- Complete your Profile – Fill out your LinkedIn profile 100% including work history, education, skills, accomplishments etc. This gives recruiters the best sense of your background.
- Customize Your Resume – Before applying, tweak your LinkedIn profile to match each job description so you stand out.
- Follow Company Pages – Follow relevant companies to get notified when they post jobs and see insider content.
- Watch Application Tutorials – LinkedIn provides video tutorials that walk you through the application flows step-by-step.
- Proofread Before Submitting – Double check for typos and errors before submitting your application materials.
- Follow Up Politely – If you haven’t heard back within 1-2 weeks, it’s okay to politely follow up by email or LinkedIn message.
- Activate Open Candidacy – Turn on the Open Candidacy setting so recruiters know you’re actively job searching.
- Utilize Saved Jobs – Use Saved Jobs to keep track of roles that interest you and apply with one click.
LinkedIn Application Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some key dos and don’ts when applying for positions on LinkedIn:
Do:
- Read the job description thoroughly and highlight matching skills
- Remember to attach your resume/CV and any requested documents
- Double check that you meet the minimum qualifications
- Use specific examples when answering screening questions
- Express genuine interest and enthusiasm for the company
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors before submitting
Don’t:
- Lie or exaggerate on your application
- Submit generic resumes or cover letters that aren’t tailored
- Have typos, misspellings or bad grammar
- Apply for jobs you’re completely unqualified for
- Focus only on your responsibilities and not achievements
- Wait longer than 1-2 weeks to follow up without hearing back
Key Pros and Cons of Applying via LinkedIn
Pros:
- Instant access to your professional connections at the company
- See real-time job listings before they’re posted elsewhere
- Easy Apply makes submitting your application simple and fast
- Can enhance your visibility and discoverability to recruiters
- Transparent process with application status updates
- Recommendations tailored to your profile and interests
Cons:
- Not all companies list jobs or accept applications on LinkedIn
- Still need to fill out separate application forms for most roles
- Profiles are shorter than full resumes
- Assessments may be required as part of application
- Harder to customize application materials
- Some find the platform confusing or overwhelming to navigate
How Using LinkedIn Compares to Other Job Sites
LinkedIn differs from some other major job boards and websites in a few key ways:
Site | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Indeed |
|
|
Monster |
|
|
ZipRecruiter |
|
|
As you can see, LinkedIn provides some unique advantages that make it a top choice for many job seekers leveraging their professional network and companies looking to source great candidates. But it depends on your priorities and preferences. Using a combination of sites is common to maximize your reach.
Statistics on Applying for Jobs via LinkedIn
Here are some interesting statistics that showcase how LinkedIn is being utilized for the job application process today:
- 70% of professionals are open to new job opportunities
- 57% of LinkedIn members use the site to look for jobs
- 50% of hired candidates come through referrals on LinkedIn
- 40% of people find their new jobs through networking
- 30% of LinkedIn jobs are filled within the first 30 days
- Candidates who are referred through LinkedIn are 4x more likely to land the job
- Easy Apply roles get 40% more applications on average
- About 50% of LinkedIn job views come from mobile devices
The data indicates that LinkedIn has become a go-to platform for discovering new career opportunities, leveraging connections to get your foot in the door, and swiftly applying for relevant openings in just a few clicks.
Tips for a Standout LinkedIn Application
Here are some tips for making your LinkedIn job application stand out from the competition:
- Craft an eye-catching customized headline
- Highlight relevant keywords and achievements in your profile
- Include measurable wins and data points in your experience section
- Get recommendations from managers, colleagues, clients etc.
- Showcase samples of your work via links or multimedia
- Express your unique value proposition clearly
- Research the company values, mission and culture
- Ask someone to review your profile/application before submitting
- Follow up after applying with a note reiterating your fit and interest
- Send a thank you message if you get the interview
Putting this extra time and care into your LinkedIn application can really pay off by making you much more discoverable, memorable and impressive to recruiters and hiring teams.
Should You Connect with the Hiring Manager?
It’s a common question – should you try connecting with the hiring manager on LinkedIn when applying for a job? There are pros and cons to consider:
Potential Pros:
- Increases your visibility and gets on their radar
- Shows you took initiative and are truly interested
- Allows you to message them directly with questions
- Opens the door for future conversations
- Lets you reference shared connections in your message
Potential Cons:
- May come off as overly aggressive or desperate
- Hiring manager may ignore or reject your request
- Adds an extra step that could slow down applying
- Requires thoughtful messaging and timing
- Some prefer candidates go through formal channels
Overall, it can be worth connecting if you do it in a respectful way and reference shared groups, interests or connections. But also be prepared for the request to be ignored or declined. Use your best judgment!
Common LinkedIn Application Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these mistakes that could ruin your chances:
- Not fully completing your LinkedIn profile
- Using cliché, generic or vague language
- Misspelling the company name or people’s names
- Failing to customize your application materials
- Submitting the same exact resume or cover letter as a template
- Applying for jobs that are a poor fit for your background
- Including unnecessary personal details
- Waiting weeks or months to follow up after applying
- Stalking or excessively messaging hiring managers and recruiters
- Getting discouraged by rejection and giving up too soon
Avoiding these missteps and putting thought into your LinkedIn job applications will serve you well in your search!
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn has become an incredibly effective platform for finding and applying to jobs. The ability to tap into your professional network, follow companies, get notified of the latest openings and apply with just the click of a button makes it a top choice for many job seekers.
While LinkedIn may not replace more traditional job sites, its unique features provide advantages that active job seekers can benefit from immensely. Just make sure to complete your profile, customize your application materials, follow best practices and avoid common mistakes. With the right strategy, applying for jobs through LinkedIn can significantly expand your career opportunities and chances of landing your next great role.