Removing a candidate from your LinkedIn Recruiter pipeline is an important part of managing your recruiting workflow. There are a few reasons you may need to remove a candidate from your pipeline:
The candidate is no longer interested in the role
If a candidate tells you they are no longer interested in the position or withdraws their application, you’ll want to remove them from your active pipeline. This keeps your list focused on interested and engaged candidates.
The candidate is no longer a fit for the role
After screening a candidate, you may determine they are not actually a good fit for the open position. Removing them from your pipeline helps keep your list focused on qualified applicants.
The role has been filled
Once you have filled the open position, any remaining candidates in your pipeline will need to be removed. This keeps your pipeline up-to-date and ready for the next opening.
The candidate has been hired
If you end up hiring a candidate from your pipeline, you’ll want to remove them from the list since they are no longer an applicant but are now an employee.
The candidate has become inactive
If a candidate stops responding or has not engaged with your outreach, you may want to remove them from active consideration in your pipeline. This keeps your list focused on engaged applicants.
Removing candidates keeps your pipeline accurate and up-to-date. Here are the steps to remove a candidate from your LinkedIn Recruiter pipeline:
From the LinkedIn Recruiter homepage
1. Navigate to the main Recruiter homepage and find the pipeline tracking the candidate you want to remove.
2. Click on the pipeline to open it.
3. Find the candidate you want to remove and click the “X” icon next to their name.
4. In the pop-up window, click “Remove” to confirm removing the candidate from your pipeline.
From a candidate’s profile
1. Find the candidate in Recruiter and open their full profile.
2. Click the “Add to pipeline” dropdown menu.
3. Select “Remove from all pipelines” to fully remove the candidate from your pipeline(s).
That’s it! The candidate will be removed from your active pipeline and their status will be changed to “Removed” on their profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo removing a candidate from my pipeline?
Yes, if you accidentally remove a candidate you still want to consider, you can undo it. Simply go back to their profile and re-add them to your pipeline from the “Add to pipeline” dropdown. Their previous pipeline history will still be visible.
What happens if I remove a candidate from my pipeline?
The candidate’s status will be changed to “Removed” on their profile. They will no longer appear in your active pipeline or any pipeline dashboards and searches. However, your previous messages and activity history with the candidate will still be accessible.
Will a candidate know if I remove them from my pipeline?
No, removing a candidate simply changes their status in Recruiter. They will not receive any notification when you remove them from your pipeline.
Can I bulk remove candidates from my pipeline?
Yes, you can bulk remove candidates from your pipeline in a couple ways:
- From an open pipeline, use the “Select all” checkbox at the top to select all candidates then choose “Remove” to remove them all at once.
- Use the bulk edit feature to select multiple candidates, click “Edit status” and choose “Removed” to remove them in bulk.
What’s the difference between removing and rejecting a candidate?
Removing simply takes a candidate out of your active pipeline. Rejecting formally closes them as not moving forward and sends them a rejection notification letting them know they are no longer in consideration.
Best Practices for Removing Candidates
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when removing candidates from your pipeline:
- Act promptly when you identify candidates to remove so your pipeline stays up-to-date.
- Consider sending a quick note letting the candidate know you are removing them from consideration.
- Remove candidates directly from your pipeline dashboard for quick one-click removal.
- Leverage Recruiter’s reporting to routinely audit and prune your pipeline as needed.
- Develop a consistent removal cadence, like reviewing and removing candidates every two weeks.
Conclusion
Keeping your LinkedIn Recruiter pipeline updated by promptly removing candidates who are no longer in consideration is an important part of managing your recruiting workflow. Following the steps above, you can quickly remove candidates directly from your pipelines or their profiles. Develop consistent removal habits to keep your pipeline focused on qualified, interested candidates. With a best-in-class pipeline, you can focus your recruiting efforts on top talent and make the best possible hires.