cover letter linkedin easy apply

Here’s When You Can Use the “Easy Apply” Option on LinkedIn (and When You Can’t)

Applying for jobs—as we all know—can be a cumbersome process. You could easily spend hours manually entering your work history into an online application, uploading a keyword optimized resume , and tracking down the hiring manager’s name for your customized cover letter.

I’m tired just thinking about it!

That’s why that shiny blue “Easy Apply” button you see on job postings on LinkedIn can be so darn alluring. Just one click and I’m done? Sign me up!

Not so fast. As with all quick fixes, the easier option has its drawbacks. Primarily, you’re trading customization for simplicity. When a recruiter receives an “Easy Apply” application, all they see is a snapshot of your LinkedIn profile—namely your photo, headline, past and present job titles, education, and any skills you’ve listed. That’s it! So if your LinkedIn profile isn’t up to date, is very bare-bones, or doesn’t tell your complete career journey, you probably won’t be hearing from prospective employers anytime soon.

So when should you use the “Easy Apply” option?

When Your LinkedIn Profile Is in Top Shape

If you’ve created a dazzling LinkedIn profile full of relevant keywords, rich descriptions of your experience, tangible achievements, and a stellar headline, you’re in a much better place to use the “Easy Apply” button because you’re offering hiring managers a clear picture of how you’re qualified for the role. If your LinkedIn doesn’t check all these boxes, don’t even think about using the “Easy Apply” button until you’ve fully optimized your profile for your job search (this article on the best tips for an amazing LinkedIn profile as a job seeker can help).

But it’s also impossible to capture the full breadth of your experience on your profile (or resume, for that matter—hence why you should always tailor it to the job) so keep in mind that you’ll still run into opportunities when “easy applying” won’t make sense. In short, only use the button when your profile is a strong match to the job requirements, and opt for a general application when it’s not.

When It’s Not Your Dream Job

As you casually peruse the latest job postings on LinkedIn, you find an opportunity that sounds interesting. Sure, it’s not your dream job, but you wouldn’t mind learning more about the company.

In this scenario, the easy option might be the way to go so you can focus your energies on applying to jobs you really want while still broadening your reach.

If you hear back, that’s great! If not, that’s fine, too, because you know it’s not a role you actually wanted that badly. Just understand that by using this button, you’re a lot less likely to get a response—so think wisely about whether or not it’s worth the risk.

And please, please don’t rely on the “Easy Apply” button if you’ve found your dream job at your ideal company. If you’re jumping-out-of-your-skin excited about an opening, you should set aside time to create a tailored resume and draft a killer cover letter—and reach out to the hiring manager or another networking contact who works there for that personal touch.

When You’re Planning to Attach a Customized Resume, Too

LinkedIn allows you to attach additional documents to your application, so if you have a tailored resume ready to go (or you can whip one up real quick ), the “Easy Apply” button may be a great option.

Keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile will be the first thing a recruiter sees when receiving your application, so you’ll still want to make sure that part’s up to date. If your profile doesn’t look great, the hiring manager may not even bother opening your beautifully written resume.

When You’re Not Making a Major Career Pivot

Chances are if you’re planning to make a big career change, a lot of thought went into your decision. Maybe you’ve always harbored a secret fascination with robotics, maybe a chance encounter with an inspiring author made you realize you’re meant to be a writer, or maybe you’ve been diligently assembling an arsenal of leadership skills with the hopes of stepping into a management role. Whatever you have in mind, there’s simply no way that a LinkedIn profile can accurately tell the story of your career journey.

That type of job search requires a different set of tools (like an engaging cover letter), and sadly, the “Easy Apply” button won’t do it for you (maybe someday—that would be incredible).

When You Just Don’t Have the Time

Sometimes you’re working 16-hour days or so overloaded in your life that you can barely focus on your much-needed job search. If you’re pressed for time and know that you won’t be able to tailor a resume or complete an arduous online application before the job posting disappears (which happens all too often), the easy button might be your only option. And that’s perfectly fine in certain instances.

However, it’s always safer to take the extra time to fill out a complete application when life calms down and you’re not strapped for resources.

When It’s Worked for You in the Past

Applying for jobs is never going to be an exact science, so your search will likely include some trial and error. If you’re tempted to use the “Easy Apply” option, give it a try for one or two jobs and make a note of whether it yields any interviews. Hearing back from recruiters is always a good sign that you’re doing something right.

Conversely, if you rarely or never hear back when you use the easy button, it may not be the right tool for you and it’s probably worth pursuing other options, whether that’s applying directly on the company website or doing some networking.

While it won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution for every application you submit, clicking “Easy Apply” can be a fine option, depending on the circumstances. That said, nothing will ever beat a tailored resume, customized cover letter, or personal referral—statistically, it’s just the best option.

Do this before you use LinkedIn "Easy Apply" to job search

Mogul Millennial Staff

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete BEFORE you apply

The first thing a recruiter will do after they receive your Easy Apply app is look at your LinkedIn profile. Before you start applying to jobs, you need to make sure your profile is up to date and accurate AF. In other words, your profile picture should be on point, and all of your jobs and relevant skills should be listed with keyword-rich descriptions.

2. Go ahead and customize your resume

Although including your resume is not mandatory for some Easy Apply jobs, attaching a customized resume will help you stand out from the other Easy Apply applicants. Just like you would do with any other job you are applying to, you should ALWAYS customize your resume. It doesn’t matter if you are applying for the job on the company’s website, Indeed, or through LinkedIn, customization is key.

3. Don’t forget the cover letter

If you REALLLLLY want to boss things up, you should even write and include a customized cover letter for the job you are applying to. Since Easy Apply often gives you the option to upload one attachment, include your cover letter in the same PDF file as your resume so that it’s a single document to upload.

4. Be the follow-up King (or Queen)

For most companies, they get hundreds of applicants after posting a single job, so why not do as much as you can to stand out? For some Easy Apply job postings, you can see who posted the job or who is the recruiter. If not, just do your research on LinkedIn, and I’m sure you can find the right person to contact.

After you apply, follow up with a nice, thoughtful email (or in-mail), letting them know that you have applied and that you are eager to discuss the position with them.

Tweet us and let us know how you like Easy Apply! Good luck on your job search!

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How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 13, 2023

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The brutal truth of job searching is this:

If you want to find a job fast, you need to apply for a high number of jobs.

Companies post job openings and then change their mind. Or they change the requirements. Or they decide to “hold off” for a month, which turns into three months or forever.

The bottom line is: There are a million things that can go wrong, with no relation to your skill or how much you prepare to ace the interview . So you need to apply to a lot of employers if you want to get hired quickly.

But how can we send out a high volume of applications quickly and easily? That’s where LinkedIn Easy Apply comes in.

Using this specific feature when applying for jobs on LinkedIn is one of the best ways to get a high number of applications out quickly.

Here’s how…

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply

LinkedIn Easy Apply is a one-click application feature on a select number of job postings featured on LinkedIn.com. We estimate that between 35-45% of jobs feature the “Easy Apply” option on LinkedIn, depending on industry and position. When an employer decides to allow Easy Apply, you can submit your LinkedIn profile in response to a job ad.

This can save you tremendous time in your job search, because unlike most job search websites , you won’t need to fill in ANY personal details. You just attach your resume, click submit, and move on.

applying for jobs on linkedin - easy apply with no cover letter

Should You Send a Cover Letter with LinkedIn Easy Apply?

It is not necessary to submit a cover letter when using LinkedIn Easy Apply. Unless you know the hiring manager’s name or know something specific about the position that you’d like to address, our advice is to skip the cover letter so you can apply for more jobs. While some employers appreciate a cover letter, it usually won’t be a deal-breaker for employers who allow LinkedIn Easy Apply.

They’re going to be looking at your profile when they see your submission, not checking for a cover letter.

Now that you know what LinkedIn Easy Apply is, let’s talk about why it’s so effective and how you can start using it. Here’s why we recommend using LinkedIn Easy Apply…

LinkedIn Easy Apply is the Best Way to Send Out a Lot of Applications to High-Quality Companies

Job searching isn’t all about volume. You should be networking , doing thorough research to find companies to apply to, etc.

But volume does help in your job hunt, for reasons mentioned in the intro of this article.

And LinkedIn Easy Apply is the best way to add that volume to your job hunt… without having to write a cover letter, fill in pages and pages of online info, etc.

The companies that post jobs on LinkedIn tend to be high-quality and reputable, too, and since LinkedIn is such a large job search site, you can do almost all of your “volume” applying through LinkedIn if you want. (Note: you should still be networking and doing more targeted methods like emailing companies directly, too. I’m just suggesting that LinkedIn can be the only job board you use).

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

Now let’s look at how to actually use LinkedIn Easy Apply to get your info in front of companies.

1. Log into LinkedIn

This is pretty self-explanatory, but you need to have a LinkedIn account to do this, and you need to put detailed info on it, since that’s what employers see when you apply.

If you need help with setting up and optimizing your LinkedIn, here’s what to put on your profile .

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

Next, enter basic search terms into LinkedIn’s search box at the top of the screen.

You could search for a job title like, “Software Engineer” or “Sales Manager”. That’s how I recommend starting.

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

After you type in your basic search, you’ll want to use LinkedIn’s filters to narrow your search further – by location, industry, etc.

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

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

Here’s what the “Easy Apply” button will look like when available:

As mentioned earlier, you’ll see this on around 35-45% of LinkedIn job postings. So it won’t be there every time, but you should see that button pretty often in most industries.

5. Start applying

Now you’re ready to start applying. Click the “Easy Apply” button, attach your resume (after quickly tailoring it for the job description ), and submit your info! It’s that easy.

Note: If you see relevant job postings that don’t feature the Easy Apply option, it still may be worth applying. Clicking the button when it doesn’t say “Easy Apply” usually takes you to the company website. If their application process looks straight forward and easy, then it’s still worth applying directly.

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

Try to spend one hour in total the first few days. Before discovering this method I probably spent half that much time on a single application online… for a company that didn’t even get back to me!

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

Common Questions about LinkedIn Easy Apply

What about finding a job through my network? I’ve been told that’s the most effective way.

You’re right. Networking is the fastest way to get a job potentially.

So if you have a connection to a company through a colleague, it’s always better to use that.

DO NOT send out a generic LinkedIn Easy Apply application if you have a more personalized method to get in touch with a company.

However, for all those times you don’t know the hiring manager or have anyone in your network who does, applying for the job on LinkedIn is a great approach. That’s what this article is about.

Do I need to tailor my resume?

I’m a big believer in tailoring your resume. It works for sure. Even though this method is all about volume and speed, I’d say you should still tailor your resume for the job description, or at least for the general type of job you’re applying for.

So, let’s say you want a software sales job… At minimum, you should tailor your resume work history and other info for that general type of job. Optimize everything to show how you’ll be an asset to them in a software sales position.

Then, if you also want to apply for jobs in software project management, that’s another resume tailored to that type of role. That’s the minimum of what you should be doing.

I wrote this step-by-step guide on how to tailor your resume for any job . You might want to check it out if you need help with this step.

Isn’t this spam?

Not if you’re qualified for the job! Why does a company care if you applied to many positions within an hour of your time? In fact it’s none of their business. Each company is receiving one single application from you. I don’t see how that can be seen as spam on their end.

What about quality? This seems all about quantity.

You can choose how selective to be and how much time to spend researching each company. My goal is to show you how to find a job fast, and without the stress and frustration. There’s no rule saying you need to apply for each job in 4 minutes or less though. Take your time and do more research for each company if you’d like!

Now you know how to save time and send out more applications by applying for jobs on LinkedIn and using Easy Apply.

If you have a question about any of this, leave a comment below.

About the Author

23 thoughts on “How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews”

Does it help to have a LI premium account when hiring managers are looking at your resume? I get a pop-up message implying it might help.

I’ve never paid for LinkedIn premium to be honest, and as a recruiter, I never cared if a job seeker has it. The only time I had a premium account was Sales Navigator, and that was to help me work as a recruiter, not to find a job. And in this case, my employer was paying for it. I don’t think you need it, to be honest.

Cover letters are great if you need to explain a specific situation… being unemployed 15 months… trying to completely change careers… etc.

I’m getting an error message when I try to use Easy Apply… states “try again”. No other info, FAQ etc. Have you seen this? If so, any suggestions on how fix this?

Probably just a temporary technical glitch. I’d try again in 1-2 days. I’m not sure beyond that. I might try logging out and back in, or trying on a different device, too. But those are just my best guesses.

Hey – is there an updated version ?

Unfortunately, no. We haven’t created a new tutorial for the newer version of LinkedIn yet.

I like this method. But I just did a search for job postings and hit the Apply button. I was then re-directed to either the company’s career page to apply or to a third-party vendor such as Workday just like the other job boards (Glassdoor, Indeed). Is it still better to submit your resume through LinkedIn rather than one of the other job boards?

Do you feel this still works with applicant tracking systems? I would think if you don’t tailor your resume to the keywords you are just going to sit in the system because it got graded too low

I’d do a bit of tailoring with this method now. Great point. Spend a few minutes making sure you’re mentioning keywords from the job description, etc.

Excellent tutorial! This is what I’ve been telling my friends and family to do all along… They always wonder how I find decent jobs so quickly, and your method is exactly what I’ve been doing for several years. It’s just nice to see someone besides myself finally advocate for this method. People want to look for super specialized jobs, when in many cases, they just need a job to get them through until they find that specialized position. Thanks again!

Biron, does it matter whether your resume is a .pdf or a .doc?

Great question.

As a recruiter, I always preferred getting it in Word format (.doc). Our recruitment agency would “stamp” our logo in the top corner, and then send it off to clients. And we could make an edit if needed (after speaking with you).

Advantages to a PDF, though:

Formatting will look the same on all devices, always. Cannot be edited. Revision history cannot be viewed.

The choice is yours. I’d probably use .doc but if any of the advantages of a PDF appeal to you, then you can certainly use that.

no way; quality over quantity. find 20 jobs you want and do 3 *well tailored* applications every day for a week. do the same thing every week til you get a job. it’s more labor intensive, but I’d rather put in a few extra hours up top to have a better job for years after

I like the tutorial, I am going to try it out today. I will keep you posted on how it works out!

You need to note that your method isn’t surefire and can heavily depend on the job. When there are only 10 “quick” apply posts that appear for a nationwide search for the term, maybe the field is a little specialized. Likewise, it looks like, in some fields, recruiters do not want to use that option and strongly prefer the long, slow, tedious application method for all applicants.

I’m over 50 and have been looking for a full time job for more than 2 years. Do you think this method help me?

It’s definitely worth trying. It takes very little time commitment, mental effort, etc. That’s why I love this method.

Great tutorial. I used it tonight to send out some job applications.

Do you have any idea how long it takes most companies to see your application on linkedin and reply to you? I’m hoping they respond fast because I have already been job searching a month with other methods.

It should go to their email right away, or very fast. Definitely the same day you send it.

But there’s no way to know how quickly a company will look or respond. I think most companies respond within a few days but you might not even hear back from others, so it varies a lot.

How damaging or helpful is it to have a cover letter when applying to jobs on LinkedIn or Indeed? Because I am a recent graduate, will I need a tailored cover letter to make my application more appealing? I find this step slows down the process a lot.

You’re right, it slows down the process a ton.

Cover letters are great if you need to explain a specific situation… being unemployed 15 months… trying to completely change careers… etc.

Otherwise, I don’t think it’s needed at all on websites like LinkedIn. It won’t be harmful. That’s why I love this method with LinkedIn because it’s not expected at all by the employer.

I haven’t used Indeed in a while so I am not sure for that. Is it the same setup as LinkedIn these days?

If there’s a space to write a cover letter in the actual online form, I’d do it. You don’t want to leave it blank if they offer an opportunity to explain why you’re applying.

But you can keep it brief. Tell them what you noticed about the job, why you thought to apply, and what skills would help you perform well in the job. If you do just that, you’ll have a better cover letter than most people because it’s tailored to THEM.

Hope this helps!

In my opinion the cover letter is everything. It’s about building a relationship and getting the attention of the hiring manager with a story that shows you are a good fit, take initiative and have the drive to craft a messages that shows you care.

Comments are closed.

Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

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Forage puts students first. Our blog articles are written independently by our editorial team. They have not been paid for or sponsored by our partners. See our full editorial guidelines .

The saying “time is money” takes on a whole new meaning when you’re looking for a job. Searching for a job is a job in and of itself, one you’re probably not getting paid for. To help speed up the process, you might consider using LinkedIn Easy Apply. After all, applying to jobs with the click of a button saves a ton of time, right?

While it’s true that using LinkedIn Easy Apply might save you time, there could be some disadvantages. That said, you can use LinkedIn Easy Apply to find job search success if you’re intentional about it. This guide covers:

What Is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

What is linkedin apply, how do you use linkedin easy apply, crush the interview.

Forage’s free job simulations equip you with the skills and experience to speak confidently about the role during interviews.

LinkedIn Easy Apply lets you easily apply for jobs. Click the button, answer a few quick questions, and hit submit. While there’s a little more to it than that, the idea is to speed up the application process for you and employers.

A picture of the LinkedIn Easy Apply Button

LinkedIn Easy Apply is different from LinkedIn Apply. When you hit the Apply button, you’re taken to the employer’s website to apply there. When you use Easy Apply, you’re applying directly through LinkedIn . Even if you submit the exact same information and documents, it’s still a different process.

It’s important to note that hitting the Apply button does not give the employer the ability to see your LinkedIn profile if it’s set to private. However, depending on the recruiter’s LinkedIn subscription, they may be able to see that you started applying.

And you’ve probably noticed that job postings with either button have a running tally of how many applicants have applied for the role. This figure reflects the number of applicants who have completed the application, not those who clicked the button but never applied.

Number of applicants who applied to role using LinkedIn Apply

Using LinkedIn Easy Apply is, by design, pretty easy.

Click the button, and a series of pop-up boxes will appear. There’s no preset number of boxes, but a counter tells you how much of the application you have left to complete (expressed as a percentage).

Picture of a pop up from LinkedIn Easy Apply

The first pop-up is usually for your name and contact information. After that, it depends!

In most cases, the first thing the recruiter asks for is your resume . You can create one using your LinkedIn profile or submit one you’ve uploaded. After that, there may be a few that ask about the core qualifications for the job . For example, if the job posting says you need a minimum of five years of experience in marketing, one pop-up may ask, “Do you have at least five years of experience in marketing?”

Sample resume request box from LinkedIn Easy Apply

After getting through all of the pop-ups you’ll get to the final screen where you can review your answers, go back and change things, then click submit. And that’s it! Your application is off to the recruiter.

In the event you can’t finish your application that day, you can save it and come back later.

In some cases, though, the first screen that appears is the only one you have to worry about. It asks for your contact information, resume, and that’s it! All you have to do is click “submit application” and you’re done.

picture of single pop up in LinkedIn Easy Apply

>>MORE: How to Upload or Add Your Resume to LinkedIn

That’s how the process works. But the real question is: Should you use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

An informal Forage poll on LinkedIn found that 38% of recruiters said you should use LinkedIn Easy Apply, while 54% said you shouldn’t. Why the mixed results? It may have to do with how recruiters use LinkedIn Easy Apply versus how job seekers use it.

Former Meta university recruiter and former career coach Cidnye Work says that job seekers can use LinkedIn Easy Apply, but how you use it matters.

“Easy Apply can be helpful to speed up the application process and some companies actually set up Easy Apply as their primary and preferred method for candidates to apply! Where folks get it wrong is just clicking on the Easy Apply button to mass apply to hundreds of jobs without being intentional.”

In essence, hitting “apply” every time you see a posting you’re kind of interested in or are kind of qualified for does you no good. While it seems like you’re saving time, in the end, sending tons of applications that never get a response is a bigger waste of time than targeting your job search to jobs you really want and are well-suited for.

Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Easy Apply

While there are some pros of using LinkedIn Easy Apply (like it makes things easy!), there are also cons to consider before you start using the feature.

LinkedIn Easy Apply Pros

Streamlines the application process. You can easily apply for any job without having to jump to another website, create new accounts, or retype the information that’s already on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
It’s sometimes the only way to apply. While this is more fact than pro, the reality is that some companies use LinkedIn Easy Apply in lieu of an applicant tracking system or even email.
Apply from wherever. Positions at popular companies often get hundreds (or thousands!) of applications and companies may stop accepting new ones sooner rather than later. If you’re on the bus or out with friends and get an alert, LinkedIn Easy Apply lets you submit your application quickly.

LinkedIn Easy Apply Cons

Hard to stand out. LinkedIn Easy Apply makes it easy to apply for jobs but makes it hard to create an application that stands out from the others. Nearly everything is pulled from your existing profile, which may not be the best information to share with the recruiter for this particular role.
Easy can mean “lots.” One tricky thing about LinkedIn Easy Apply is that you’re not the only one using it! While there can be a lot of competition for any job posting, LinkedIn Easy Apply means a specific posting may get more applications than those without the Easy Apply option.
No way to expand and explain. With rare exceptions (see below), there’s no cover letter or other way to discuss your skills, abilities, and qualifications beyond your application. Unless you’ve got a standout resume and work history, the recruiter may not understand why you’re the best person for the role.

How Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

While Easy Apply makes it easy for you to submit your application wherever you are, you may not get the results you’re hoping for. And while you could decide you’ll never use it, there may be times it’s unavoidable. So, how can you use LinkedIn Easy Apply and increase the odds you’re scheduled for an interview?

Update Your Profile

One of the first things a recruiter sees when you apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply is your LinkedIn profile. So, before beginning your job search, make sure your profile is accurate and up to date.

While your resume and LinkedIn profile should never be carbon copies, if you send in an updated resume without an updated LinkedIn profile, the recruiter may wonder why you only put in the work on what is essentially half of your application.

Include a Tailored Resume

“Since you can still upload a resume document with Easy Apply, you will want to make sure you are uploading one that is tailored for that specific job,” says Work. It requires extra effort on your part (which may partially defeat the purpose of Easy Apply), but in the long run, it’s worth it. “More often than not you are going to have the most success with fewer quality applications over more quantity of applications,” explains Work.

>>MORE: Resume Keywords: What They Are and How to Use Them

Unless the recruiter specifically asks for a cover letter , you won’t need one when applying via LinkedIn Easy Apply. But keep in mind that cover letters are another chance to set yourself apart from other candidates. So, look for opportunities to do just that. “If there is a spot for you to leave a note for the hiring manager or add any additional information about yourself on the Easy Apply application, be sure to include that as well! You still want to do what you can to stand out amongst the pool of applicants,” says Work.

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Image credit: alexeynovikov/Depositphotos.com

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LinkedIn Easy Apply: Is “One-Click Apply” Hurting Your Chances?

December 20, 2021

Job searching is a numbers game. It all comes down to how many jobs you apply for, and how many applications a company receives.

But when each application involves submitting your resume and writing a cover letter, this process becomes tedious without resorting to the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn.

In this article, we’ll delve into exactly what Linked Easy Apply is, when and how you should use it, and how to make your applications stand out.

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Linkedin Easy Apply was launched in 2011, designed to help make job applications simpler for applicants while increasing application volume for companies looking to hire.

It works exactly as the name suggests. When companies enable it, job seekers will see a one-click button on LinkedIn that allows them to start the application process without leaving the platform.

Here’s an example of a job with LinkedIn Easy apply enabled:

After clicking on the blue Easy Apply button, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact details, some of which LinkedIn conveniently fills in for you. (That’s where the “easy” comes in.)

You can also attach your resume and review everything before submitting your application to the relevant recruiter or employer, who then automatically gains access to your LinkedIn profile.

When Should You Apply to Jobs Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

LinkedIn Easy Apply is a great way to expedite job applications and is one of the many reasons LinkedIn is so popular for finding jobs .

As with all time-saving devices, however, you risk compromising the quality of your applications if used incorrectly.

For example, using LinkedIn Easy Apply means:

Your application is less informative, making your first impression weaker.
It doesn’t describe your value or highlight your potential to the recruiter or potential employer.
Other applicants use it too, and the sheer number of them means your application may end up buried.

However, there are times when Easy Apply is a valid means of applying.

Let’s cover them in more detail.

1. Your LinkedIn Profile is Rock Solid

The first thing an employer will see from an Easy Apply application is your LinkedIn profile, even if you attached your resume.

With that in mind, a well-optimized LinkedIn profile can compensate for the drawbacks of using Easy Apply, particularly if it includes:

A photo that’s both professional and friendly.
A strong and impactful headline rich in industry-specific keywords and phrases.
Work experience that demonstrates your value to the recruiter, reinforced by good recommendations made by authoritative people in your network.
Personal details such as hobbies, passions, or charitable causes you support.

2. The Opportunity Perfectly Matches Your Profile

There will be times in your job search when you come across a position seemingly tailor-made to your skillset.

In those cases, your LinkedIn profile is probably well-matched to the position by default and doesn’t require any further justification.

Basically, if you’ve put a lot of work into your profile, it aptly describes your professional value and abilities, and it matches the role being advertised, we suggest using Easy Apply.

3. You Don’t Have Enough Time to Respond

Timing is key when applying for jobs, and there are two time-sensitive examples where Easy Apply is appropriate.

The first is when the job application has a deadline. A missed deadline is almost always a missed opportunity.

The second is when your work and personal responsibilities are overwhelming, and you don’t have time to spend on a lengthy application.

In such cases, using Easy Apply can be the difference between applying or missing out altogether. While a limited application isn’t ideal, it’s better than no application at all.

4. You Aren’t Getting Enough Applications Out

Success in the job market is often a numbers game.

If you find yourself in a position where you aren’t applying for enough jobs, LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature will help mitigate that.

While these one-click applications aren’t always as impactful as traditional applications, it does allow you to target opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t prioritize.

Overall, Easy Apply is useful for those looking to increase their application volume, though it’s best not to rely on it as a primary tactic.

5. It’s Not a Dream Job Opportunity

When you’re in the market for a new job, you’ll come across two types of positions:

Jobs you might see yourself doing, but aren’t a perfect fit for either your skills or experience.
Your dream job. One that makes you excited to get out of bed and start the day.

A successful job search strategy will make time for both.

For those extra special opportunities, we suggest taking the time to craft a carefully targeted application, including a cover letter and resume.

For other work, Easy Apply is a way for you to broaden your reach and exposure without taking up too much time.

Do All LinkedIn Job Openings Allow Easy Applications?

No, turning on Easy Apply is optional for the advertiser (employer or recruiter).

If they do turn it on, the job post will have the Easy Apply button, allowing you to apply for the job without ever leaving LinkedIn.

Here’s how that looks if you missed it earlier:

Otherwise, the job post will only have a standard Apply button.

Using this button will direct you to the company’s website to complete their application process — which is probably what they want, and likely why they haven’t opted to use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply.

Here’s how that looks:

What Do Employers See on LinkedIn When You Easy Apply?

When an employer or recruiter uses the Easy Apply feature to attract applicants, they end up with a long list of candidates.

This list is viewable inside their LinkedIn account, showing only a brief summary of each candidate. This includes a photo, name, headline, education, number of connections, keywords, and contact details.

Here’s an example:

As you can see, there’s not a whole lot of information go on, which is why employers and recruiters will click on individual applicants to learn more about them.

To narrow things down, they can filter Easy Applications in two ways:

The first is the View Criteria Match . This offers them a list of skills and functions to determine how well you’re suited to the position. The keywords you’ve used in your Skills and Endorsements will be displayed here.
The second is Match Score . This uses your job title, location, experience, and industry to determine how well you’re suited for the position. It relies on LinkedIn’s proprietary scoring algorithm.

These are just more reasons to ensure your LinkedIn profile is optimized, assuming you didn’t have enough already. 😉

Should You Add a Resume When Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

When using LinkedIn Easy Apply, you have the option to attach your resume, and we suggest you do.

As mentioned earlier, there’s a surplus of other applicants who use Easy Apply, so attaching your resume to your application will help to differentiate yourself.

This doesn’t negate the need for a strong profile as recruiters will still see your profile first, and your resume and LinkedIn profile will always work best in combination.

Should You Add a Cover Letter When Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

No, it isn’t necessary to attach a cover letter when you use LinkedIn Easy Apply.

To do so successfully you’d need to know the name of each recruiter or hiring manager, and spending time searching for that information negates the efficiency of Easy Apply.

Employers who allow for the Easy Apply application know what they’ll be receiving, and they won’t be expecting a cover letter.

Is Easy Apply Hurting You?

Easy Apply can be an extremely useful tool in your job search, but you need to be careful about when you use it.

If it’s a less desirable opportunity, one that doesn’t really align with your LinkedIn profile, or you simply don’t have the time, spending a few seconds on “Easy Apply” still puts you in the running.

On the other hand, if you really want the job and you have time to go all out on a customized application, it’s better to do so in order to give yourself the best possible chance at snagging the job.

LinkedIn Easy Apply: What Is It And How To Use It

Linkedin Summary
Best Linkedin Profiles
Linkedin Headline
Linkedin Easy Apply
Free Linkedin Backgrounds
Linkedin On Resume
Linkedin Profile Tips
How To Use LinkedIn For A Job Search
How To Add Skills On LinkedIn

Find a Job You Really Want In

The process of applying for a job through a company’s website can be tedious and time-consuming. You’ll often need to create a company-specific account, manually enter your work history , and sign one form after another.

In contrast, LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature presents a seemingly better alternative – a simple button that automatically applies you for a job listing.

However, it’s important to understand its drawbacks and what you’re sacrificing for speed and convenience. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what employers see when you use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply option, it’s pros and cons, and when you should and shouldn’t use it.

Key Takeaways:

When using the Easy Apply, you will get a pop-up box that asks for your email, phone number, and attached resume before you submit.

You should use this option when you don’t have time to go through a company’s website to apply, and when the role isn’t your dream job.

Easy Apply is quick and easy, but it doesn’t let the hiring manager get to know you and won’t answer any of their questions.

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

When you should use linkedin’s easy apply feature, when you shouldn’t use linkedin’s easy apply feature, advantages and disadvantages of linkedin easy apply, quality vs. quantity.

Each job posting on LinkedIn presents you with two options:

Apply. The “Apply” button takes you to the company’s website, where you can apply for the job through their standard process.

Easy Apply. The “Easy Apply” button brings up a simple pop-up box that prompts you for your email, phone number, and attached resume before submission.

Although the Easy Apply route is much more straightforward, it gives employers a fairly bare-bones overview of who you are.

Your Easy Apply application will show your:

Name and number of connections

Location and industry

Past job titles

Email and phone

And that’s it.

Recruiters can then decide from here to click through to your profile or read your resume.

Although using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply button comes with some serious downsides, there are situations where it’s perfectly fine to use it.

Feel free to use Easy Apply when:

Your LinkedIn Profile is Top-Notch. An optimized LinkedIn profile can compensate for some of the deficits of the Easy Apply option.

Don’t even consider using the option if your profile doesn’t pass the following requirements:

Rich descriptions of your work experience. Your work experience descriptions shouldn’t only mention your skills but demonstrate how you created value for past employers.

Make sure you use an action-oriented tone and numbers to highlight the positive results you’ve generated.

Impactful headline. The headline is one of your LinkedIn profile’s most visible parts, stretching across the top of the page .

Therefore, it’s critical that it makes a positive impression and explains exactly what you bring to the table.

Strong resume. Your LinkedIn profile doesn’t replace a well-written resume .

A resume allows you to tailor your experience and qualifications to an online job listing. It would be impractical to do the same with your entire LinkedIn profile.

Aligned industry. A standard application allows you an opportunity to explain how your skills in a different industry can be transitioned to the job in question.

Professional photo. The right photo can convey many positive soft skills , such as charisma, empathy, and energy.

Make sure to choose one that’s friendly and appropriately professional.

Quality recommendations. Humans value social proof in all aspects of life, and the job-search game is no exception.

Side projects. A candidate with interesting side projects indicates many positive characteristics, such as their drive, innovative spirit, and a true passion for the subject matter.

Critical match. The “View critical match” feature shows hiring managers a breakdown of how well a candidate’s profile fits the job description.

This metric is used when recruiters filter Easy Apply applicants by “Match Score.”

Have at least 50 connections. Many employers don’t care about a candidate’s number of connections, but some instantly view an extremely low count as a red flag.

The role isn’t your dream job. Perhaps you’re pursuing your dream job and happen to spot an unrelated role that seems interesting.

You don’t have the time. Sometimes you’re just overloaded with work and other life responsibilities.

You’re sending a tailored and keyword-rich resume. A customized resume filled with results-focused job experiences and strategic keywords goes a long way to compensate for the bare-bones overview the Easy Apply feature provides.

Companies often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidate resumes for relevant keywords.

You intend to reach out. Hiring managers are aware that most Easy Apply candidates are spamming their applications to as many companies as possible without actually reading the job description.

Easy Apply has worked for you in the past. Although there are some fundamental guidelines, applying for jobs isn’t an exact science.

If you’ve heard back from recruiters and successfully used Easy Apply in the past, then don’t let us stop you.

When you’re not making a major career pivot. When you are planning on making a major career change, you’re going to put a lot of thought into it. Chances are you won’t be using Easy Apply to submit your resume.

When making a career change, a LinkedIn profile alone won’t be able to tell the story of your career journey.

Even if you meet the criteria listed above for using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature, you absolutely shouldn’t use it if you’re:

Searching for your first job. With experienced candidates flooding even entry-level vacancies , you’ll stand no chance if you use Easy Apply with no prior work experience .

The standard application process gives you at least some opportunity to demonstrate your school accomplishments, drive, and other personality traits.

Making a career change. Successfully transitioning industries similarly requires you to explain how you can compensate for lack of relevant work experience.

Applying for your dream job. The main benefit of Easy Apply is that it allows you to devote more time to find your ideal role.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using LinkedIn Easy Apply to help you make your decision:

Advantages:

It’s quick. Using this feature is quick and easy. You are able to submit many job applications to different job posts in different companies in no time.

Don’t have to make new resumes. It will help you avoid typing redundant information in every job application that you apply to. The information populates in the standard fields in the job posting with information already on your profile.

Easy to apply to different platforms. you will be able to apply to different job without having to leave the LinkedIn platform.

See connections. You will be able to check to see who works the company among your connections and school alumni.

Disadvantages

Despite the relative ease of using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply button, consider the negative aspects of the feature:

Employers are flooded with applications. Employers receive hundreds of online applications for top positions.

Weak first impression. Studies show that recruiters spend an average of seven seconds scanning each resume.

Doesn’t answer the recruiter’s questions. Hiring managers seek to answer two key questions when sifting through applications: “How does this candidate bring value to the company?” and “What makes this candidate a better choice than the others?”

The basic job titles that the Easy Apply feature provide are relevant information, but they’ll rarely be enough to answer the above questions convincingly.

Missing references. Many company websites allow you to include internal references who recommended you for the job.

To succeed in a competitive job market , you have to find a way to stand out among hundreds of other applicants.

When considering a candidate, recruiters seek to answer what makes the person uniquely qualified for the job. If your application can’t answer this question, then it won’t matter how many hiring managers read it.

While LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature certainly has its uses, you need to strongly consider whether the convenience is worth the sacrifices.

No matter what you choose to do, improving your resume and cover letter is always sound career advice. Use the countless resources here at Zippia to aid your job hunt, and good luck.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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Don't Apply To a Job With...

Don't Apply To a Job With Just Your LinkedIn Profile

5 min read · Updated on April 05, 2022

Applying for a job using LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature is tempting, but you should use it with caution.

Applying for a job in today's market can be tough — and time consuming. You'll spend anywhere between 15 minutes to more than an hour filling out a single application.

While some of those job applications will parse information from your resume, partially filling in the blanks, others will require you to dig through files to find every residential address, job, and supervisor you've had for the last 10 years.

This leads many frustrated job seekers to turn to simpler methods, like LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" button. But is that really the best way to apply for a job?

What is the "Easy Apply" button?

LinkedIn has become a first-stop for many job applicants; why shouldn't you go to LinkedIn to look for a job? There are over 20 million jobs listed, with some companies only using LinkedIn to find candidates. To make applying easier on job seekers, LinkedIn created the “Easy Apply” button.

This option provides you with a simple way to apply for a job: You click the button and enter your email address and phone number, and that's it! Sometimes you'll be required to upload your resume, while sometimes it's optional. Either way, it makes applying to a job as easy as clicking a few buttons.

Should you use LinkedIn's “Easy Apply” feature?

Unfortunately, the "Easy Apply" button is similar to emailing your resume to a bunch of hiring managers and hoping someone opens the email. When you choose to apply to a job without uploading your resume, the only thing employers get is access to your LinkedIn profile.

Initially, all they will see is “[Candidate Name] applied to [Job Title]” along with your profile photo, headline, and location. If you haven't taken the time to perfect your LinkedIn profile and write a catchy headline , then you're not standing out from the crowd.

This means there's no incentive for the employer to look at your profile in detail. If they're not reading about your experiences, what's the point in applying?

“So what … ?”

Everything you send in response to a job opening must answer the employer's “So what…?” question. As you are probably aware, hiring managers only spend about six seconds glancing at a resume before deciding if the candidate is a fit. Imagine how little time they're spending sifting through a bunch of emails from LinkedIn with a candidate's name and profile headline.

How long do you spend scanning your own email looking for the messages you're going to open? Which messages do you ultimately read? Usually the ones from people you know or has a compelling subject, right?

The headline on your LinkedIn profile is your subject line, so make sure it covers the following:

Does your LinkedIn profile have a headline that answers the “So what…?” question?

Will it entice a hiring manager to open your application?

If not, then your application will end up in a black hole.

Why LinkedIn doesn't answer the hiring manager's questions

The information contained in your profile provides a high-level overview of your professional accomplishments, experiences, skills, and education. It is your personal brand and is meant to be used as a networking tool, with LinkedIn providing the platform for you to reach out to people in your industry, relevant recruiters, and even hiring managers.

Of course, your LinkedIn profile can be optimized so you show up in searches that recruiters perform when they seek candidates. However, they still need to know what value you add to their company — and hiring managers may not be able to tell if you're a good fit from your LinkedIn profile alone.

Your targeted resume to the rescue

Meanwhile, your keyword-rich resume shines a bright spotlight on career accomplishments as they relate to a particular job. Resume writers, hiring managers, HR personnel, and recruiters all advise that you tweak your resume with each job to which you apply .

That specificity and customization are what helps companies gain an understanding of how you add value to their team. If they feel like you're a good fit, then you win an interview.

Does all of this mean you should never use “Easy Apply”?

Never is a heavy word; there are two acceptable times you can effectively use the “Easy Apply” button:

1. When you intend to upload your targeted and keyword-rich resume with the application

Be aware that even if you're intending to attach a resume to your “Easy Apply” application, that hiring managers will still see your LinkedIn profile first. The resume you upload is provided to the employer as a hyperlink on your application.

Your resume will only be read if the hiring manager doesn't feel they're getting enough information from your LinkedIn profile. If your LinkedIn profile turns them off in any way, they may not bother reading your resume at all.

2. When you intend to follow-up

Companies have become savvy to the fact that job seekers only glance at job descriptions when there is an “Easy Apply” button. For them, the “Easy Apply” option tells them that you just clicked a button and probably have no clue as to the full extent of the job.

However, when you follow up with them, it shows you're truly interested. Following-up also gets your name in front of them more than one time.

In a world where “there are no shortcuts to any place worth going” (Beverly Sills), using the “Easy Apply” feature for your dream job is less than advisable. You will be able to properly market your skills to a job with a great resume. Use your LinkedIn profile for what it was intended — networking.

Ready to impress prospective employers? Make sure your resume is too by working with one of our expert resume writers .

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Writing a LinkedIn cover letter

LinkedIn is a popular professional social network that allows employers to post open positions and receive applications. In some cases, these applications require a cover letter submitted directly through the platform. While a LinkedIn cover letter is similar to a standard one, being on the platform allows you to leverage certain personalization features to impress recruiters and give you the best chance of landing the job you want.

How to make a cover letter on LinkedIn

When it comes to cover letter examples , LinkedIn doesn’t supply any. The platform has its own set of rules and expectations, and it's important that you follow them. Here are a few things you need to know about navigating the process and making sure your professionalism shines through.

Search for a job post

LinkedIn makes it easy for job hunters to search for roles they’d like to apply for. From your profile page, simply click on the “Jobs” icon at the top of the page. On the “Jobs” page, you’ll be able to see the top opportunities LinkedIn recommends based on the qualifications listed in your profile.

The site will also provide a plethora of other suggestions, including keywords to search, companies hiring for your skills, and jobs where you’re likely to be a top applicant.

Apply through the “Apply” or “Easy Apply” functions

When you choose a particular role, LinkedIn will show you a detailed job description, as well as the posting date, number of applicants, and current employees you may know. There will also be an option to either apply for the position or save the posting to come back to it later.

To apply for the position, click the “Apply” button. In some cases, this button will take you to the employer’s website to submit an application through their online system. If there’s an “Easy Apply” button, clicking it will usually take you to an on-platform application.

There, you’ll be asked to upload your resume as a file attachment, fill in your personal details, and possibly answer a few questions. There may also be a message box where you can type your cover letter.

Personalize your cover letter

Applying on LinkedIn provides added benefits for applicants. In many cases, you’ll have the unique ability to see who posted the job and what their role is. There’s often a button next to this feature that allows you to message that person to ask questions about the posting.

The bottom of the job description also usually includes a link to the company page. From there, you can sometimes see the profiles of employees in key roles.

You can also click the “People” tab on an employer’s LinkedIn page to search for the name of a hiring manager. This will help you personalize the cover letter templates you use so you can address them to the right person instead of simply including a generic greeting.

Highlight relevant skills and experience

Another benefit of using LinkedIn to apply is that employers can see the relevant skills and experience listed in your profile. Consequently, they’ll be able to cross-reference the skills you include in your cover letter and resume.

Though many resume articles may tell you that this information is sufficient for your letter, keep in mind that LinkedIn doesn’t always provide adequate space to discuss your skills in context. Your profile won’t be able to align those skills with the employer’s posted job description.

For that reason, it’s important to connect the dots for the employer in your LinkedIn cover letter, explaining how your background, skills, and experience have set you up for success and make you the best candidate for the position.

This tactic is crucial for differentiating yourself from other applicants on LinkedIn and is especially important for roles where the platform indicates that there are already many applicants.

Include a call to action

This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles .

Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or portfolios you’ve included on your profile or application.

Tell the hiring manager you’d love to set up an interview or a time to talk further about how you can help the company reach its goals. Let them know you’re available to chat through LinkedIn and provide another contact method in case they prefer an alternative venue.

Proofread and edit

LinkedIn makes writing a cover letter quite easy. That said, it’s important to remember that while social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.

To appear as professional as possible, make it a point to proofread and edit your LinkedIn cover letter and resume to confirm that they’re error-free. If you’ve used a cover letter or resume template , alter parts of it to reflect your unique skills and background.

Send your application

Once everything is complete, submit your job application on LinkedIn by clicking the appropriate button. You also have the option to save your application so you can finish and submit it later.

Remember that employers can’t see your application until it’s submitted. If you forget to take this step, you won’t be in the running for the position you’re interested in.

Expert Tip:

Consider using a typing assistant or online proofreading tool to help you edit your cover letter before you send it. That way, you can spot errors and make changes inside the LinkedIn message box as you type, so you won’t have to worry about coming across as unprofessional.

To-do’s after sending your application

You may wonder what happens next once your application package is in the employer’s hands. Unlike the company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) , which may or may not give updates about your application, you can track your applications on LinkedIn.

Simply navigate to the “Jobs” tab on your profile, click “My Jobs” on the left-hand side, and choose “Applications” to see the jobs you’ve applied for. You can also adjust your notification settings to receive job application updates via email or the LinkedIn app, including recruiter views or resume downloads.

If you want to continue your job hunt and submit another resume and cover letter , LinkedIn makes it easy. If requested or given room to do so, including a LinkedIn cover letter in each of those applications can go a long way toward helping you stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Finally, if you haven’t heard back from the company within one to two weeks, consider sending a follow-up message via LinkedIn.

Remind the hiring manager or recruiter of your qualifications, highlight why you’re a great fit for the role, and let them know you’re enthusiastic about the possibility of an interview to discuss how you can be of value to the company.

“While social media platforms can seem casual, that doesn’t mean you should take your cover letter and application any less seriously.”

Use LinkedIn to your advantage in your search for the perfect role

As easy as it is to apply for a job on LinkedIn, it’s still important to ensure that your cover letter and application come across as poised and professional.

Before applying, familiarize yourself with the platform functions and use them to research the recruiter or hiring manager’s name. When you write your cover letter, personalize your greeting using that name instead of going with something more generic.

Additionally, give context to the experience and skills you’ve listed and explain why you’re a good fit for the role, using your LinkedIn profile as a resume example of sorts. Include a call to action at the end, and don’t forget to proofread your letter before sending it off.

If you’re coming up blank trying to compose your letter, consider using a LinkedIn cover letter example as your guide.

Reviewing cover letter and resume examples can help you determine the appropriate structure and maintain a professional tone throughout. With the right resources, you can draft a standout cover letter that gets your application moved to the top of the digital stack.

Get ahead of the competition

Make your job applications stand-out from other candidates.

Including Salary Requirements in Cover Letters

Strengths and Weaknesses in Cover Letters

How to End a Cover Letter With Confidence

How to Start a Cover Letter To Keep Recruiters Reading

Customers Interviewed by:

Writing a good cover letter starts with the first word, so you need to know how to start a cover letter right.

Starting a cover letter on the right note is crucial to grab the recruiter’s attention. Whether you’re struggling with a blank document or have a solid foundation, a cover letter needs a punchy opening to make an impact on the hiring team.

What are the key ingredients to starting the perfect cover letter?

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What to include in your cover letter header.
How to start a cover letter greeting.
How to write an impressive cover letter opening paragraph.
How to start a cover letter off strong.
Examples of how to start a cover letter.

Each puzzle piece of your cover letter opener creates a detailed picture of who you are as a candidate. It proves to the recruiter that you’re worth contacting for a job interview . Make a standout first impression with your cover letter by including:

A header with your contact information.
A personalized greeting.
A powerful opening statement.

Create your cover letter with AI to customize it for the job description. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

What to include in a cover letter header

The top of your cover letter should include a header with your critical contact information, like:

Your name and professional title.
Your phone number.
Your email address.
Your LinkedIn profile link.

You can also include other relevant links. These could be to your portfolio website, GitHub, Medium profile, or other industry-specific resources. They will help the recruiter understand your skills.

Include the date, the recipient, the company name, and the address or location of the organization. (This will depend on whether it’s an in-person, hybrid, or remote environment.)

Below is an example of a cover letter including personal information in the header with the date and company information below. This example was created with the Jobscan Cover Letter Generator .

a screenshot of a cover letter header with personal information and contact details

Use our Cover Letter Generator to save yourself time writing your cover letter. The header section will auto-populate based on your resume, so all the details match perfectly.

How to write a cover letter greeting

If you usually start your cover letters with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern,” it’s time to reinvent your greetings. Not only is this a boring way to start a cover letter, it can come across as lazy.

With a little investigation, it’s easier than ever to find the names of the recruiters or hiring teams. By taking a little time, you can personalize your greeting to boost your chances of a recruiter reading your cover letter from start to finish.

Beat out the 84% of job seekers who don’t find the hiring manager’s name to personalize their applications and go the extra mile.

How can you find the right person to address in your cover letter?

Turn to LinkedIn or the organization’s website.

On LinkedIn, you can either search for the company’s recruiter or talent acquisition team members. Or you can go to the “People” tab of their LinkedIn page to explore the current employees.

Suppose you’re looking for a job at PCL Construction and want to find the name of the recruiter who will likely be reading your cover letter. You can go to the search bar and find the recruiter managing that department by city.

With just a quick search, you’ll find the hiring team members in charge of the role you’re applying for!

A screenshot of a LinkedIn search for a recruiter

You can also go directly to a company’s website and look for the “Team” or “About Us” page for information.

Targeting a greeting to a specific person is easier to do in smaller organizations. If you’re applying for a role at a large company, you can still write an engaging but more general greeting on your cover letter, such as:

Dear [Department] Hiring Manager,
Dear [Department] Team,
Dear [Director of or Head of] Department,
Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager,

How to write a powerful cover letter opening paragraph

Recruiters spend just seven seconds scanning a candidate’s application , so it’s critical to capture their attention in the first line.

Be concise in your cover letter and choose your words with the desired impact in mind. Avoid falling into the old traps of opening your cover letter by stating what role you’re applying for and how you found it. Remember, you have a precious few seconds to illustrate how you can help the organization fulfill its needs, so make every sentence count.

Read the examples below and ask which one will have a greater impact on employers.

“I am thrilled to apply for the Research Analyst position at YouGov, where my experience in leading market research projects that boosted client engagement by 25% and my expertise in data interpretation have consistently delivered actionable insights and strategic recommendations. Using my skills in analyzing primary research data, I’m looking forward to helping your organization make data-backed decisions to drive growth and profitability in your projects.”

“I am excited to apply for the Research Analyst position at YouGov, an esteemed global online research company well-known for its accurate data and market insights. With my background in managing market research projects, interpreting data, and delivering actionable recommendations, I believe I can contribute significantly to your team.”

The point of your cover letter isn’t just to restate your skills from your resume . You need to prove the impact of your skills and how you’ll bring that impact to the organization.

It’s not about you, it’s about the company’s needs.

Tips for writing a strong cover letter opener

Now that you know what puzzle pieces you need to start a cover letter right, here are some tips to help wow the recruiter with its content.

1. Let your enthusiasm and passion shine through

Your resume illustrates your skills and qualifications , but your cover letter is the place to tell a story. Share what company qualities excite you, what draws you to the organization’s mission or values, and what direct experience you have with the company’s product or service.

Communicating your enthusiasm gives the recruiter an idea of how engaged and dedicated you’ll be to your performance.

With over five years of hands-on experience in property management, I am deeply passionate about creating exceptional living experiences for residents. Your industry-leading services and premium standards in property management systems make me excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication and expertise to your esteemed team.

2. Mention any mutual connections

If you have a professional connection in the company or were referred to a position, name-drop that connection at the top of your cover letter. A connection can help boost your chances of getting an interview, especially if that person can act as a reference.

Give your connection a heads-up if you discovered the opportunity on your own without a referral. That way, if they’re asked about you informally by the hiring team, they’ll know to expect questions.

If you want to give your cover letter a boost with a connection, you can reach out to someone in the company before you apply. Be genuine and try to connect with someone on the team you would be working with. Ask an authentic question or reach out to discuss their experience in the company. Tell them you want to apply for an opening. But don’t try to reach out to anyone just to get a name to plug in your cover letter. It can come across as disingenuous.

My interest in the Health Systems Analyst role was significantly piqued after speaking with Jane Doe, an eHealth Policy Analyst at your organization. Jane highlighted the cutting-edge technology initiatives and collaborative atmosphere within your IT department, which align perfectly with my 7 years of experience in healthcare IT, focusing on electronic health records (EHR) systems and data security.

3. Incorporate your company research

Writing a compelling cover letter requires that you do some research to show the recruiter that you’re aligned with the company’s values, mission, and culture. You need to express to the recruiter why you want to work at their specific organization .

Keep an eye on industry news and learn about the company’s latest projects. By incorporating details about what the organization is currently achieving, you position yourself as a better interview candidate over other applicants.

Your recognition as an industry leader, demonstrated by winning the Best Employer Award for three consecutive years and your successful launch of the community outreach initiative, highlights [Company Name]’s dedication to both employee well-being and social responsibility. I have a track record of increasing employee satisfaction by 20% through strategic wellness programs and look forward to contributing to your continued success.

4. Highlight your most impressive achievement

A well-written resume illustrates your achievements , but your cover letter is the best vehicle to add context and tell a compelling story to show off your impact. You can directly tie it into the role you’re applying for and help the recruiter forge connections between what you have accomplished in the past to what you can achieve for the future—particularly for their company.

In my previous role as a project manager at Apex Management Co, I spearheaded a comprehensive cost-reduction initiative that saved $500,000 annually by optimizing supply chain operations and renegotiating vendor contracts. This accomplishment directly relates to the efficiency and budget management skills required for the Operations Manager position at your organization, where I am eager to contribute to your mission of streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

5. Clearly state your unique value

In a sea of applicants, it can feel difficult to set yourself apart. But the truth is, no one has the same combination of experience or skills you do. The key to standing out is learning how to frame your unique value to solve a company’s problems. Expand on the key skills listed in the job description and draw on your research of the organization to explicitly spell out how you’ll benefit the team.

With a unique blend of creative and technical skills, I designed a user interface for the HealthCo App that increased user engagement by 40% through user-centered design principles and rigorous usability testing. I am looking forward to bringing this expertise to your organization as a UX Designer, addressing your need for more engaging and intuitive user experiences, particularly as you expand your digital offerings.

6. Keep your cover letter short

Remember that you want the recruiter to read your cover letter from start to finish, so make sure every sentence is meaningful and cut out the fluff. There should be plenty of white space to break up the text and not overwhelm the reader.

Reference our cover letter examples for inspiration on crafting the perfect cover letter.

Let AI write your cover letter for you

Jobscan’s premium Power Edit includes a cover letter generator that harnesses the power of AI to write a customized cover letter based on your tailored resume and the job description. With one click, you’ll generate a cover letter that follows best practices.

You can use it as a framework to defeat blank page syndrome and include anecdotes, details about your mutual connections, and bits of information from your research to impress the hiring team. You can make any alterations in Power Edit and download the PDF when it’s done and ready to be attached to your tailored resume.

A screenshot of the cover letter generator in power edit

Key takeaways

Your cover letter could be the key to landing the interview. By following these essential tips on how to start a cover letter, you’ll capture the attention of the hiring team from the first sentence.

Remember these cover letter rules as you start your writing.

Make a clear opening statement that shows passion, knowledge, and your unique value.
Keep your cover letter short—stick to a few concise paragraphs to make it readable.
Be specific and clear about what you’ll bring to the role.
Stay away from humor—the tone can be difficult to read.
Avoid reusing the same cover letter and write a custom cover letter for each job.
Don’t overinflate your accomplishments or lie about connections that don’t exist.

When including your contact information on a cover letter or resume, make sure to provide the following details: Full Name: Your first and last name. Phone Number: A number where you can be easily reached. Make sure your voicemail is professional. Email Address: Use a professional email address, preferably one that includes your name. Mailing Address: Include your current street address, city, state, and zip code. LinkedIn Profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile that is up-to-date and professional, include the URL. Professional Website or Portfolio: If applicable, include a link to your personal website or online portfolio showcasing your work. This ensures potential employers have multiple ways to reach you and can view your professional online presence.

A good opening sentence for a cover letter can grab the reader’s attention and introduce your purpose for writing. Here are a few examples: For a job application: “I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With my background in [your field or relevant experience ], I am eager to bring my skills and passion to your team.” For a career change: “With a strong foundation in [current field], I am thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] to leverage my skills in [new field].” For a specific achievement: “Having recently led a successful [project or achievement], I am enthusiastic about applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] to bring my expertise in [specific skill or area] to your innovative team.” For expressing enthusiasm: “I have long admired [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific value or mission], and I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position to contribute to your impactful work with my experience in [relevant experience or field].” For a networking referral: “After speaking with [Referrer’s Name], I am inspired to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] where I can utilize my skills in [specific skill or area] to further your goals.” These starters aim to make a strong first impression by highlighting your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and connection to the company.

Your cover letter opening should contain the following key elements: Your Enthusiasm for the Position: Show genuine excitement and interest in the role you are applying for. This sets a positive tone and captures the reader’s attention. Specific Mention of the Job Title and Company Name: Clearly state the position you are applying for and the name of the company. This ensures the reader knows exactly what role you are interested in. Brief Introduction of Yourself: Include a concise introduction that highlights who you are and what you bring to the table. This can include your current role, relevant experience, or a key achievement. Connection to the Company: Mention something specific about the company that resonates with you, such as their mission, values, recent achievements, or reputation in the industry. This demonstrates that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in working there. A Hook or Key Strength: Highlight a key skill or accomplishment that makes you a strong candidate for the position. This can be a significant achievement, a unique skill set, or relevant experience that sets you apart from other applicants. Here is an example that incorporates all these elements: “I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company, where I can combine my passion for innovative marketing strategies with my skills in digital advertising. With over five years of experience in driving successful campaigns that increased brand awareness and sales, I am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team. I have long admired XYZ Company’s commitment to sustainability and innovative product development, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to your impactful work. My recent achievement in boosting social media engagement by 40% through targeted campaigns is a testament to my ability to drive results and my dedication to excellence.”

To start a cover letter greeting effectively, follow these guidelines: Address the Hiring Manager by Name: Whenever possible, find out the name of the hiring manager or the person responsible for hiring. Addressing the letter to a specific person shows that you have done your research and adds a personal touch. Use a Professional Salutation: Use a formal greeting such as “Dear” followed by the person’s title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) and last name. Avoid using first names or informal greetings. When You Don’t Know the Name: If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, use a general but professional greeting such as “ Dear Hiring Manager ” or “Dear [Department] Team.” Avoid Outdated Phrases: Refrain from using outdated or overly formal phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.” A modern, professional greeting is more effective. Examples: When you know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Ms. Smith,” When you know the hiring manager’s title and department: “Dear Marketing Team Lead,” When you don’t know the hiring manager’s name: “Dear Hiring Manager,” When applying to a specific department: “Dear Marketing Team,” Starting your cover letter with a proper greeting sets a professional tone and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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7 Essential Tips on How to Format a Cover Letter

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7 Essential Tips on How to Format a Cover Letter was originally published on Resume.io .

When you come to writing one of the most important letters in your life, you may need a few ground rules to help you to get started with the format of your cover letter.

That blank page can look awfully daunting otherwise.

Here are some must-follow tips around the structure and content of your cover letter:

Well-designed header

The header section of the cover letter should be attractive and space efficient. Graduates might be tempted to select a header design that reduces the amount of space that they need to fill for their cover letter, but you will have more to say than you think.

The header should contain all essential contact details (in addition to those on your resume) – full name, email, and mobile. You don’t have to include your full address and you definitely don’t have to include the “inside address” of your employer.

Mouthwatering intro

The intro of a recent grad or early career cover letter should be far more than a “this is what I want out of my career.” The hiring manager understands that you want the job – applicants need to prove to them that they are worthy of it. Make a compelling case.

The cover letter introduction should lead with your most relevant accomplishment for the role in question, with a hint of personality around how you achieved it. Avoid a generic cover letter that you send to everyone – you might not have much experience, but you should still strive to be as selective as possible.

Only relevant career stories with context

The length and content of your cover letter should be dictated by the amount of relevant experience that you have to share. Do not feel that you need to fill a page by parroting the responsibilities of the role or long lists of skills and personality traits without evidence.

Empty space is better than empty words – employers will value quality over quantity for the early career professional. What they want to understand in the cover letter is that you understand the demands of the role and can justify why you think you will do a good job.

Conclusion with call-to-action

End the conclusion of the early-career cover letter with a final detail about your personality and motivation and share your interest in learning more about the role. Saying that you hope to have the opportunity of an interview to learn more about the role is a powerful call-to-action which demonstrates your belief in yourself. Remember to keep the tone hopeful.

After the raw content come the syntax and visual choices:

Powerful action verbs

When you only have a certain number of sentences to create a favorable impression, your choice of verb can have a surprising impact on how your messages are received. Insightful action verbs can add a new level of meaning. Did you “manage” or “orchestrate” a project?

A word of warning: sprinkle action verbs and other buzzwords liberally. The cover letter should read like a conversation starter, so ensure that it sounds natural enough.

Impactful fonts, sensible sizes, and shot paragraphs

Increasingly the font size to take up more space on the page will fool no one. Stick with a standard 10 or 12 size and choose a suitable professional font that is easy to read.

Use short 2-4-line non-indented paragraphs and leave a line between each one. Give the reader a natural break between each of your career stories and consider using bullet points for your greatest accomplishments (the ones that you can ideally quantify with numbers). The cover letter should be strictly no more than one page – ideally aim for 3/4 of a page.

Right choice of template

Finally, very few cover letters or resumes are send as a blank word document these days. There are a wide choice of resume and cover letter templates – it is a great idea to use the same visual look for both your cover letter and resume. When a hiring manager is viewing a large number of candidates, this association will stick in their minds.

There is a subtle art to writing a persuasive cover letter when you do not have experience.

Strike a balance between outlining hopes for the future and sharing the greatest hits from your past. Your future employer will want to understand both.

If you are curious to explore further (you should be), the following article from Resume.io provides substantial further food for thought: “ How to Format a Cover Letter in 2022: Examples and Tips ”

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Adding Cover Letter for Easy Apply

No option for this. I was told to attach the letter to my resume (same file). Someone told me however that it causes the resume processing to be messed up and look wierd. If this is true, I dont see the point of cover letters for easy apply

Tips On How To Use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” Button

LinkedIn is a popular networking platform that is used by both job seekers and employers. Those looking for work like to use LinkedIn because a number of open job positions are advertised on the site on a daily basis, and the platform offers a variety of opportunities for career development too. Employers, on the other hand, use LinkedIn to search for talented professionals.

One very likable feature of LinkedIn is its “Jobs” section. Many users like this section because you can use various filters to search for work and, in turn, you get more focused results back surrounding a particular career you’re interested in.

However, almost every job search has its ups and downs, even if you can filter and find jobs quickly. The journey usually starts with a resume being written, and then this resume getting tailored to match as many job postings as possible. Additional time is then spent building a LinkedIn profile to match the resume that has been created, and this is swiftly followed by interview preparation.

And while this has been the tradition for many years, it can be a very time consuming process, that doesn’t always end in joy. Quite often, resumes and LinkedIn profiles don’t match the market demands and this can limit the amount of interviews people receive.

Some candidates will, of course, try to match their resume with each job posting they apply for, but others don’t care all that much and they’ll send out a standard resume regardless of the job.

So, what can you do to speed up the job searching process, and to try and send out as many applications as possible? You can use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” button!

It’s very easy to use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” button, in fact, according to the feedback of some of Careerist’s graduates, the button is one of the most effective tools job seekers can use when applying for work in the IT industry.

Discover more about “Easy Apply” below!

What Is “Easy Apply” on LinkedIn?

“Easy Apply” is a button that appears on some job postings on LinkedIn. And pressing this button allows candidates to apply very quickly for jobs.

In general, all of a candidate's information is automatically filled in, and all the person has to do is check the information, attach a resume and send the application to the company in question. The entire process can take a few minutes to complete, and can work out very effectively for candidates that have a number of positions to apply for.

Although the “Easy Apply” button is liked by several LinkedIn users, it doesn’t actually appear on every job posting. Basically, it’s up to the employer who’s posting the open vacancy to decide whether they want candidates to use the “Easy Apply” function or not.

There are a number of employers who opt to leave out this ability, therefore, candidates wishing to apply for these jobs must apply through normal means.

How To Use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” Button

It’s incredibly simple to use the “Easy Apply” feature on LinkedIn. All you need to do is click on the button when it appears on a job posting. When you click on the “Easy Apply” button, it’ll share your main profile information with the person who has posted the job opportunity.

This information includes your employment history, with all the names and job titles you’ve held in the past.

In short, the main information about you will be sent away to the recruitment team, and you don’t have to leave LinkedIn at all to apply for the role at hand.

In some cases a company may not reply back to you for a long time, but there are many reasons why this might be happening. For example, the job posting may have changed or the vacancy might’ve been put “on hold”. Don’t be too disheartened if you don’t get an immediate response - just keeping going with your job search.

However, before you can actually use the “Easy Apply” button to apply for work on LinkedIn, you must first get acquainted with LinkedIn itself.

So how do you create an account on LinkedIn, and how do you make your profile stand out from other specialists? Keep on reading to find out.

Step 1. Create a LinkedIn account

The first step you’ll need to do is to sign up to LinkedIn. You can do this in a matter of minutes by visiting their website and signing up there.

Once you’ve completed this step you’ll need to start putting your profile together. LinkedIn requires you to add precise and accurate information about yourself and your working life experiences. Don't be afraid to add details about your previous jobs on LinkedIn. It’s expected that you discuss such topics on the platform.

This info matters because it is something employers look at and read when they are searching for their perfect candidate.

Share your other experiences too, like your education, skills and interests and so on.

In addition to this, it’s worth trying to tailor the information you put on your profile to focus on your field of interest too.

Once you’ve done this you are halfway to finding a company and a job for yourself.

Step 2. Specify your job title

You will need to create a searchable and well-known job title for yourself. The job title on your profile will be imperative, and it is likely to be one of the first things recruiters read about you.

For example, when a recruiter searches for a “Manual QA Engineer”, your profile is likely to come up if you use these words in your job title.

Some other good job title examples also include “QA Automation Engineer”, “Systems Engineer”, or “Sales Engineer”.

Step 3. Use filters during your job search

There is no need to scroll down through pages and pages of open job postings just to find the jobs you like - use the filters on LinkedIn to search out jobs that are specific to your industry of choice.

You should filter down your results by location and type of job you want (remote/onsite/hybrid), for example.

Don’t rush in, spend time going through the filters so you can draw a picture of your dream job. When you’re done you’ll be able to see what jobs match your criteria.

Once the job search is well underway, you will spot the “Easy Apply” button popping up next to jobs.

Step 4. Look out for the “Easy Apply” button

The sad truth is that not all job postings will give you the option of using the “Easy Apply” button, instead you will have to apply through the normal process for these jobs.

That being said, a good amount of jobs should have the “Easy Apply” button next to them, but do keep in mind that the situation changes every single day.

You will have to be patient if you plan on using the “Easy Apply” button continuously during your job search, and you may have to actively search out job postings that come with this feature too.

However, if you see an interesting job opportunity that doesn’t come with an “Easy Apply” button you shouldn’t ignore this job, you should apply for it through the normal means. You’ll typically be redirected to the company’s recruitment page and you can apply there.

Step 5: Apply for a job using the “Easy Apply” button

When you click the “Easy Apply” button you’ll stay on LinkedIn, you will be guided through some steps and you’ll quickly apply for the role at hand. There is usually an opportunity to attach your resume to the application, and once you’ve done this you just submit your application.

The application will not be big or time consuming to fill out. It will instead be a very quick process, which is the main attraction of this function.

Step 6. Apply a lot - apply every single day!

It usually takes time to get used to something new, and LinkedIn and its “Easy Apply” button are no exception to this.

Using the “Easy Apply” button will allow you to save time and to send out more applications. So, it might make the job searching process easier for you, and it’s a good place to start your job search.

Nonetheless, applying for work as usual is still necessary because the “Easy Apply” button may not be applicable to all jobs. If you apply for work like this you will probably spend up to an hour filling in an application, and you’re likely to have to tailor your resume extra carefully for each job posting. But it will be essential in some cases.

Although, you should also keep in mind that applying only in this manner does not guarantee that all recruiters will get back to you. There’s still a chance that hiring teams will forget to contact you.

Steps To Take Before You Click “Easy Apply” On LinkedIn

Diving in at the deep end and randomly clicking “Easy Apply” whenever you see it pop up on a job posting isn’t the best idea. Instead, you should try and prepare your profile as much as you can before you start clicking. Here is a brief checklist of what you need to consider doing before starting to apply for jobs through “Easy Apply”.

Step 1. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Check that your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date. Make sure that all the descriptions you’ve listed show your skills and achievements.

Don’t allow your resume and profile to get bogged down with long winded stories - keep them as brief as possible, while still highlighting how you’re a good fit for the role you desire.

Step 2. Skim over job postings

If your aim is to apply for as many jobs as possible, then you won’t have the time or the energy to thoroughly read through every job description. Of course, you have to check the job title, the job’s location, and other points that are essential for you. But perhaps skimming over job descriptions might be more useful.

Let’s be honest, there is no job posting in the world that will be an exact match for your skills and experience. And if you start reading all the tiny details, you will quickly see skill mismatches, and this may prevent you from taking a step forward and applying for the job you really like the sound of. You could miss out on a great opportunity because of this.

When you do read job descriptions and you see skill mismatches, instead of walking away from the job posting, you should make a note of the skills that you are worried about. For example, it could be about a certain piece of software or something to do with coding that you don’t understand. You can then go and find additional trainings and books to boost your skills and knowledge in these areas.

And it’s also a good idea to ask the hiring manager of a job about the things you are concerned about - they may be able to advise you on a way forward.

Step 3. Show recruiters that you understand the role you’re applying for

Your LinkedIn profile should show recruiters that you understand the responsibilities of the job you are applying for. Don’t make recruiters ask you why you want a particular job - let your LinkedIn profile speak for itself, and let it highlight your skills that fit the job you want.

Step 4. Pay attention to your “Headline” and “About” sections

A headline isn’t something that should be copied and pasted from your resume. A headline is there to show recruiters what value you could bring to a company. You only have around 50 words to really sell yourself in this section. So, don’t waste words, write down things that are going to make a real difference.

The “About” section is where you can tell recruiters more about you. You should demonstrate that you have skills that are related to the job you'd like to have and your career values. You want to show employers that you’re the ideal employee who’ll fit perfectly into their company.

Step 5. Use relevant keywords

You need to use keywords on your profile because they stand out to recruiters. Plus, recruiters use keywords to search for potential employees, so the more relevant your keywords are the better your chances are of being found by a company.

If you’re not sure what keywords to use, look at other candidates’ profiles to see what keywords they use.

The top keywords in the Quality Assurance field are keywords related to job titles, like QA Automation, keywords related to tools used in the industry, like Jira, and keywords related to software used in the field, like Selenium.

Don’t forget to use keywords when you’re discussing your interpersonal skills too. They really shouldn’t be ignored - they matter a lot, especially in the tech industry.

Step 6. Don’t apply with zero-connections on your profile

Try and build up your network of connections. These connections can be made up of recruiters, hiring managers, and some other specialists you adore.

It’s also a great idea to connect with someone from the company you wish to work for before you apply for a job at their company. It’s helpful to build a healthy relationship with them before you ask them for something in return, like assistance.

There have been cases when some of our graduates here at Careerist have reached out to, and formed relationships with, recruiters from companies they wanted to work at. In turn, building such a good foundation beforehand, helped recruiters to build trust and to keep the candidates in mind when a new position opened up.

Do your best to raise your profile network to 500 connections.

Step 7. Create a targeted resume

You may have a wealth of experience under your belt, but most recruiters don’t have time to sit down and read all about you. So, there’s no need to discuss your entire career history. Just select the most relevant work experiences that matter most.

When Should You Use The “Easy Apply” Button On LinkedIn

As you can see, “Easy Apply” can be a very helpful tool to use when it comes to applying for a job. However, you should keep in mind there are certain times when it’s suitable to use this button, and times when you shouldn’t use such a button.

The ‘better’ times include:

When you have a great profile and a resume that matches and compliments your profile.
Your keywords have been well thought out.
When you’re a little short on time.

The ‘not so good’ times include:

LinkedIn profile is too brief. “Brevity is the soul of wit”, they say, however, a profile that doesn’t contain enough information usually looks a little unprofessional, and it might not sell you as an ideal candidate for a job. Make sure you have all the descriptions and relevant experiences mentioned on your profile.
If you don’t use an appropriate headline. If you use “Currently looking for…” in your headline, you probably won’t get very far with recruiters. State your current position straight away, and use keywords to make your profile discoverable.
Poor CV layout. Many companies use software that scans resumes and picks up on necessary information for them. If you don’t craft your resume to suit these systems your resume may never be read. Recruiters rarely read all the resumes they get in person anyway.
When you’re required to give a cover letter. If you click “Easy Apply” you’ll likely add your resume, but forget to attach a cover letter that explains more about you and why you’d be a good fit for the role. Not adding such a simple document could cost you a potential job interview because recruiters won’t know much about you. And if your resume is a little confusing to read, for example, you might’ve missed an opportunity to clear up any confusion and to really sell yourself in a cover letter. ‍

It’s important that you clean up your resume and LinkedIn profile before you actively start applying for work in general, and more so if you plan on using the “Easy Apply” button. The primary goal of any profile, and resume, is to show a team of recruiters that you are the best fit for the job, and the ideal person for the company.

So, it’s imperative that your profile and resume catch the eye of a recruiter.

Our graduates here at Careerist always have the support of their career coaches when it comes to writing their resume. And these career coaches also help our graduates to tailor their resumes to suit their future careers in tech.

So, if you need help cleaning up your LinkedIn profile or crafting a resume, be sure to check out our blog.

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Everything You Need To Know About LinkedIn Easy Apply
Step 1: Connect your LinkedIn profile to the LinkedIn optimizer tool. Step 2: Upload your LinkedIn profile as a PDF file to the tool. Step 3: Paste in at least three job descriptions into the tool for best results. Step 4: Once you click "Scan" a LinkedIn Report will be generated.
Should You Use the "Easy Apply" Option on LinkedIn?
While it won't be a one-size-fits-all solution for every application you submit, clicking "Easy Apply" can be a fine option, depending on the circumstances. That said, nothing will ever beat a tailored resume, customized cover letter, or personal referral—statistically, it's just the best option. Jaclyn Westlake is the author of DEAR ...
What you should do before hitting "Easy Apply" on LinkedIn
3. Don't forget the cover letter. If you REALLLLLY want to boss things up, you should even write and include a customized cover letter for the job you are applying to. Since Easy Apply often gives you the option to upload one attachment, include your cover letter in the same PDF file as your resume so that it's a single document to upload. 4.
How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews
2. Enter a job title or job keywords into the search bar. Next, enter basic search terms into LinkedIn's search box at the top of the screen. You could search for a job title like, "Software Engineer" or "Sales Manager". That's how I recommend starting. 3. Use LinkedIn's job search filters to narrow your search.
What Hiring Managers See When You "Easy Apply" on LinkedIn
Here is what you need to know before you "Easy Apply" on LinkedIn: ... Lastly, use the "summary" part of your profile to write a message to employers — think of it as a cover letter.
Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?
Ken Chase. The answer to this question isn't simply "yes" or "no", but rather "it depends". If your job search strategy includes searching for opportunities on LinkedIn, then chances are that you have encountered the "Easy Apply" or "Apply Now" button on some of those job postings. That easy apply feature enables you to send ...
Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?
Using LinkedIn Easy Apply is, by design, pretty easy. Click the button, and a series of pop-up boxes will appear. There's no preset number of boxes, but a counter tells you how much of the application you have left to complete (expressed as a percentage). The first pop-up is usually for your name and contact information.
LinkedIn Easy Apply: Is "One-Click Apply" Hurting Your Chances?
For example, using LinkedIn Easy Apply means: Your application is less informative, making your first impression weaker. It doesn't describe your value or highlight your potential to the recruiter or potential employer. Other applicants use it too, and the sheer number of them means your application may end up buried.
LinkedIn Easy Apply: What Is It And How To Use It
Apply. The "Apply" button takes you to the company's website, where you can apply for the job through their standard process. Easy Apply. The "Easy Apply" button brings up a simple pop-up box that prompts you for your email, phone number, and attached resume before submission.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application
A great cover letter for a job application includes the following parts: An address and salutation. An introduction that tells the hiring manager who you are and what role you're applying for. A statement about your interest in the role, and why you're the best person for the job. A brief section outlining your qualifications and relevant ...
How to Use LinkedIn "Easy Apply": 10+ Tips and Tricks
The application will not be big or time consuming to fill out. It will instead be a very quick process, which is the main attraction of this function. Step 6. Apply a lot — apply every single day! It usually takes time to get used to something new, and LinkedIn and its "Easy Apply" button are no exception to this.
Don't Apply To a Job With Just Your LinkedIn Profile
Unfortunately, the "Easy Apply" button is similar to emailing your resume to a bunch of hiring managers and hoping someone opens the email. When you choose to apply to a job without uploading your resume, the only thing employers get is access to your LinkedIn profile. Initially, all they will see is " [Candidate Name] applied to [Job Title ...
How to Write a Standout LinkedIn Cover Letter
Include a call to action. This is one way writing a LinkedIn cover letter aligns with the conventional wisdom found in many cover letter articles. Make sure to end your cover letter with a clear prompt for the person reading it to take the next step in the hiring process. Reiterate your enthusiasm and invite them to view any materials or ...
Cover letter for LinkedIn Easy Apply : r/cscareerquestions
So my conclusion is to only do a cover letter in specific circumstances: a) the job looks awesome AND you have some particular things about yourself you want to sell that make you special for that job, which maybe the resume facts don't express. OR. b) You're desperate and the application process requires it.
How do you guys handle cover letters with Linkedin Easy Apply?
Recruiter here. If the job doesn't require a cover letter, don't include one. Unless you're making an industry change, recruiters don't read your cover letters. It's dependent upon what the recruiter/poster wants from an applicant. If there are no options to send a cover letter then you don't need one. I've only had one job application ...
LinkedIn Easy Apply
I have been applying to jobs recently through linkedIn and some jobs have the option of applying through the LinkedIn "Easy Apply" Option. Althought a lot of them have recruiters mentioning to include a cover letter when that is not even available as an option on easy apply. Example: " Please send a full CV and application letter through the ...
How to Start a Cover Letter [with Examples]
Use our Cover Letter Generator to save yourself time writing your cover letter. The header section will auto-populate based on your resume, so all the details match perfectly. How to write a cover letter greeting. If you usually start your cover letters with "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern," it's time to reinvent your greetings.
7 Essential Tips on How to Format a Cover Letter
Finally, very few cover letters or resumes are send as a blank word document these days. There are a wide choice of resume and cover letter templates - it is a great idea to use the same visual look for both your cover letter and resume. When a hiring manager is viewing a large number of candidates, this association will stick in their minds.
Adding Cover Letter for Easy Apply : r/linkedin
Adding Cover Letter for Easy Apply. No option for this. I was told to attach the letter to my resume (same file). Someone told me however that it causes the resume processing to be messed up and look wierd. If this is true, I dont see the point of cover letters for easy apply. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.
Tips On How To Use LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" Button
The application will not be big or time consuming to fill out. It will instead be a very quick process, which is the main attraction of this function. ‍. Step 6. Apply a lot - apply every single day! It usually takes time to get used to something new, and LinkedIn and its "Easy Apply" button are no exception to this.

Here’s When You Can Use the “Easy Apply” Option on LinkedIn (and When You Can’t)

When Your LinkedIn Profile Is in Top Shape

When It’s Not Your Dream Job

When You’re Planning to Attach a Customized Resume, Too

When You’re Not Making a Major Career Pivot

When You Just Don’t Have the Time

When It’s Worked for You in the Past

Do this before you use LinkedIn "Easy Apply" to job search

Mogul Millennial Staff

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is 100% complete BEFORE you apply

2. Go ahead and customize your resume

3. Don’t forget the cover letter

4. Be the follow-up King (or Queen)

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How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply

Should You Send a Cover Letter with LinkedIn Easy Apply?

LinkedIn Easy Apply is the Best Way to Send Out a Lot of Applications to High-Quality Companies

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

1. Log into LinkedIn

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

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

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

5. Start applying

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

Common Questions about LinkedIn Easy Apply

23 thoughts on “How to Use LinkedIn Easy Apply to Get Interviews”

Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

What Is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Pros and Cons of LinkedIn Easy Apply

LinkedIn Easy Apply Pros

LinkedIn Easy Apply Cons

How Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Update Your Profile

Include a Tailored Resume

Related Posts

LinkedIn Easy Apply: Is “One-Click Apply” Hurting Your Chances?

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

When Should You Apply to Jobs Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

1. Your LinkedIn Profile is Rock Solid

2. The Opportunity Perfectly Matches Your Profile

3. You Don’t Have Enough Time to Respond

4. You Aren’t Getting Enough Applications Out

5. It’s Not a Dream Job Opportunity

Do All LinkedIn Job Openings Allow Easy Applications?

What Do Employers See on LinkedIn When You Easy Apply?

Should You Add a Resume When Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Should You Add a Cover Letter When Using LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Is Easy Apply Hurting You?

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LinkedIn Easy Apply: What Is It And How To Use It

What is LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Advantages:

Disadvantages

Recent Job Searches

Don't Apply To a Job With Just Your LinkedIn Profile

What is the "Easy Apply" button?

Should you use LinkedIn's “Easy Apply” feature?

“So what … ?”

Why LinkedIn doesn't answer the hiring manager's questions

Your targeted resume to the rescue

Does all of this mean you should never use “Easy Apply”?

1. When you intend to upload your targeted and keyword-rich resume with the application

2. When you intend to follow-up

Recommended Reading:

Related Articles:

Career Advice Newsletter

Writing a LinkedIn cover letter

How to make a cover letter on LinkedIn

Search for a job post

Apply through the “Apply” or “Easy Apply” functions

Personalize your cover letter

Highlight relevant skills and experience

Include a call to action

Proofread and edit

Send your application

Expert Tip:

To-do’s after sending your application

Use LinkedIn to your advantage in your search for the perfect role