LinkedIn premium offers various features to help job seekers stand out in the competitive job market. One such feature is the ability to see if you are a “top applicant” for jobs you have applied to. But how accurate is this top applicant designation?
What Does Being a Top Applicant Mean?
When you apply for jobs on LinkedIn, the platform uses data and machine learning to analyze your profile and application materials. If you rank among the top candidates that have applied, LinkedIn designates you as a “top applicant.”
Some of the factors LinkedIn considers include:
- How well your skills and experience match the job description
- Having an updated, complete profile
- Shared connections with people at the company
- Being endorsed for relevant skills by your network
Essentially, being labeled a top applicant suggests your application is competitive and stands out from other candidates. But it does not guarantee you will get an interview or job offer.
How Accurate Is the Top Applicant Assessment?
The accuracy of LinkedIn’s top applicant analysis depends on several factors:
Quality of data
LinkedIn’s algorithm relies heavily on the completeness and accuracy of your profile details, included skills, and endorsements. If your profile is sparse or outdated, the assessment may be less accurate.
Application materials
Any additional materials you submit with your application, such as a resume or cover letter, provide more data for analysis. Thorough, customized application materials can improve the accuracy.
Competition
If there are many qualified candidates applying, you may not rank as highly compared to jobs with fewer applicants. The level of competition affects the relative assessment.
Role relevance
How closely the role aligns with your background is also important. The algorithm will assess how suitable you seem for the specific job.
Here is an example to illustrate how these factors impact accuracy:
Candidate | Profile completeness | Custom application | Competition | Role relevance | Accuracy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sarah | Sparse profile | Generic application | High competition | Weak match for role | Low accuracy |
Michael | Robust, updated profile | Targeted resume and cover letter | Low competition | Strong match for role | High accuracy |
As shown, Michael is more likely to be accurately designated a top applicant due to the quality of his application and suitability for the role.
Does Top Applicant Status Guarantee an Interview or Job Offer?
Unfortunately, no. Being labeled a top applicant does not definitively predict your chances of getting an interview or job offer. Some reasons why include:
- Hiring managers may weigh factors differently than LinkedIn’s algorithm
- Other top candidates may still be more qualified
- The company gets flooded with applications
- Budget or headcount for the role changes
Additionally, once you apply, the hiring process is out of LinkedIn’s hands. LinkedIn does not actually make hiring decisions on behalf of employers.
Does the Employer Even See the Top Applicant Badge?
This depends. If the employer has a LinkedIn Recruiter seat, they can see top applicants marked for their job postings. But not all companies use Recruiter. So in many cases, the “top applicant” label is simply communicating your status back to you.
Pros of Top Applicant Status
While not a sure indicator of success, being designated a top applicant can still have benefits:
- Validation – It’s an extra vote of confidence and suggests you have a strong application.
- Visibility – Top applicants may be more likely to show up in recruiters’ searches.
- Motivation – It can encourage you to continue pursuing similar opportunities where you are a top candidate.
Cons of Top Applicant Status
On the other hand, there are some downsides to consider:
- False hope – You may feel misled if you are designated top applicant but then hear nothing back from the employer.
- Lack of transparency – LinkedIn does not share exactly how they calculate the top applicant status.
- Cost – You must pay for a premium account to view the designation. The value may not outweigh the cost.
Tips to Leverage Your Top Applicant Status
If you do get the top applicant badge, here are some tips to try and increase your chances of landing the job:
- Connect with recruiters or employees at the company if possible to expand your network.
- Check if the employer viewed your profile and try engaging with them.
- Find contact info to follow up directly with your application.
- See if you’re a top applicant for other roles at the company and apply.
- Use the designation to write targeted cover letters.
- Feature the status proudly on your profile.
How to Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Top Applicant
If you want to increase your likelihood of getting the top applicant badge, here are some tips:
- Spend time beefing up your LinkedIn profile – add a professional photo, fill out all sections, include key skills.
- Proactively improve your application materials for each role.
- Gain more endorsements and recommendations from colleagues.
- Follow companies you are interested in to stay aware of opportunities.
- Apply for openings as soon as they are posted before competition piles up.
- Make connections with people at your target companies.
- Join relevant LinkedIn groups and be an active participant.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn top applicant designation certainly carries some merit in showcasing your candidacy favorably. However, it should not be the only factor in evaluating your job search prospects. Focus on putting your best foot forward with a stellar application and networking strategically. Consider the designation an added bonus, but not a guarantee of success.
With a mix of perseverance, patience, and leveraging all available tools like LinkedIn premium, you can eventually land the right role for you even without top applicant status. Stay motivated and keep networking, learning, and applying to new opportunities.