How To Turn Off Easy Apply on LinkedIn: A Comprehensive Guide for Recruiters and Job Seekers Alike

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to know how to turn off Easy Apply on LinkedIn. The straightforward answer is: You can’t completely “turn off” Easy Apply as a global feature. It’s integrated into LinkedIn’s job posting system. However, you can prevent your job postings from offering the Easy Apply option when you create them. This is achieved during the job posting creation process. You simply select the option to require applicants to apply externally – typically to your company’s applicant tracking system (ATS) or career page. Now, let’s dive deeper and address the nuances of this crucial functionality.

Understanding LinkedIn Easy Apply: A Double-Edged Sword

LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature is, in essence, designed to streamline the application process. For job seekers, it’s a boon – a quick and efficient way to apply for multiple positions without the hassle of lengthy forms. For recruiters, initially, it seems like a dream: a flood of applications with minimal effort required from candidates.

However, the reality is often more complex. The ease of application can lead to a deluge of unqualified candidates, overwhelming recruiters and making it harder to identify truly suitable individuals. This is why understanding how to manage and, in some cases, “turn off” (or, more accurately, bypass) Easy Apply is essential.

Disabling Easy Apply for Specific Job Postings: The How-To Guide

The key is to manage the application method during the job posting creation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Start a New Job Posting: Click on the “Jobs” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. Then, click “Post a free job” (or “Post a job” if you’re using a paid recruiter account).

2. Fill in the Job Details: Provide all the necessary information, such as job title, company, location, and job description.

3. The Crucial Step: Application Method: This is where you control Easy Apply. Instead of selecting the default “Easy Apply” option, choose “Apply on company website” (or a similar option depending on LinkedIn’s terminology at the time).

4. Provide the External Link: You’ll be prompted to enter the URL to your company’s career page or the specific job application page within your ATS.

5. Complete and Post: Finish filling out the remaining details and publish your job posting.

By selecting “Apply on company website,” you ensure that candidates are redirected to your specified URL to complete their application. This gives you greater control over the application process and allows you to use your own screening criteria.

Why Bypassing Easy Apply Can Be Advantageous

While Easy Apply offers convenience, there are several compelling reasons to require external applications:

• Higher Quality Candidates: Candidates willing to take the extra step to apply on your website are generally more interested in the position and the company.
• Better Data Capture: Applying through your ATS allows you to collect more detailed information than LinkedIn’s Easy Apply provides. This data is valuable for tracking recruitment metrics and improving future hiring decisions.
• Customized Application Process: You can tailor the application process to your specific needs, including asking specific screening questions or requiring candidates to complete assessments.
• Brand Experience: Directing candidates to your website allows you to showcase your company culture and values, creating a more engaging and informative experience.
• Compliance and Legal Requirements: Some industries have very specific application data requirements to ensure compliance with legal hiring standards.

FAQs: Demystifying LinkedIn Easy Apply

Let’s tackle some common questions and concerns surrounding LinkedIn Easy Apply:

1. Can I turn off Easy Apply for all my existing job postings at once?

Unfortunately, no. LinkedIn doesn’t offer a global setting to disable Easy Apply for all existing postings. You need to edit each job posting individually and change the application method.

2. Will turning off Easy Apply significantly reduce the number of applicants?

Potentially, yes. You might see a decrease in the total number of applications. However, the applications you do receive are likely to be of higher quality and from more genuinely interested candidates. Focus on quality over quantity.

3. Is there a way to filter Easy Apply applications more effectively?

LinkedIn offers various filters for managing applications, including filtering by skills, experience, education, and keywords. Utilize these filters extensively to quickly identify qualified candidates within the Easy Apply pool. Look for “Starred Attributes” that show the candidate’s self-rating of key skills for your opening.

4. Can I track where my applications are coming from (e.g., Easy Apply vs. External)?

Yes. LinkedIn provides analytics that show the source of applications. You can track how many applications came through Easy Apply versus your external link. This data can help you evaluate the effectiveness of each method.

5. Does LinkedIn charge extra for using Easy Apply?

No, Easy Apply is included in LinkedIn’s standard job posting packages. There are no additional fees specifically for using this feature.

6. Can I use a third-party ATS with LinkedIn Easy Apply?

Yes. Many ATS platforms integrate with LinkedIn Easy Apply. Candidates can apply through LinkedIn, and their information will automatically be imported into your ATS. Check with your ATS provider for specific integration instructions.

7. What are “Screener Questions” in Easy Apply, and how can I use them?

Screener questions are brief, multiple-choice or short-answer questions you can add to your Easy Apply job postings. These questions help you quickly filter out unqualified candidates by assessing their basic skills, experience, or knowledge. Use these strategically!

8. Is it possible to A/B test job postings with and without Easy Apply?

Yes, you can test this. Create two identical job postings: one with Easy Apply and one directing applicants to your website. Monitor the application quality and volume for each posting to determine which method works best for your specific needs and target audience.

9. Can I require a cover letter with Easy Apply?

Yes, you can require a cover letter. When creating your job posting, you can add a screener question that requires applicants to upload a cover letter. However, be mindful that requiring a cover letter might decrease the overall number of applications.

10. How does Easy Apply impact the candidate experience?

It can significantly improve the candidate experience by making it quick and easy to apply. However, if the application process is too impersonal or if candidates don’t receive timely feedback, it can have a negative impact. Focus on clear communication and a positive experience regardless of the application method.

11. What’s the difference between Easy Apply and LinkedIn Recruiter?

Easy Apply is a feature available to anyone posting a job on LinkedIn. LinkedIn Recruiter is a paid subscription service offering advanced search filters, project management tools, and insights for sourcing and managing candidates. Recruiter builds on the Easy Apply functionality but vastly expands the recruiter’s reach.

12. How often does LinkedIn update its job posting features, including Easy Apply?

LinkedIn regularly updates its platform, including job posting features. Stay informed by following LinkedIn’s official blog and resource pages for recruiters. Expect iterative changes and improvements over time. Always keep your understanding of these features current.

By understanding the nuances of LinkedIn Easy Apply and strategically managing your job postings, you can optimize your recruitment process and attract the right candidates for your organization. Remember to balance convenience with control to achieve the best results.