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Mastering LinkedIn Job Applications: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve taken the plunge and thrown your hat in the ring for that dream job on LinkedIn. Excellent! But knowing you’ve applied and tracking that application are two different beasts entirely. The million-dollar question is: How do you mark a job as applied on LinkedIn? The straightforward answer is that LinkedIn doesn’t have a direct, universal “Mark as Applied” button for every job you see. However, there are several savvy workarounds and features you can leverage to achieve a similar result and keep your job hunt organized. Let’s unpack them.

Understanding LinkedIn’s Application Ecosystem

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s appreciate the lay of the land. LinkedIn’s job application process isn’t monolithic. It’s more like a bustling marketplace with different stalls and vendors. You’ll encounter three main types of application scenarios:

Easy Apply: This is LinkedIn’s in-house application system. You apply directly through the platform using your LinkedIn profile. These are typically the easiest to track.
Apply on Company Website: You’re redirected to the company’s career page to complete the application. LinkedIn’s tracking capabilities here are limited.
External Application Tracking Systems (ATS): Some companies use dedicated ATS platforms (like Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, etc.) that are integrated with LinkedIn. Application status updates might (or might not!) be shared back to LinkedIn.

Knowing which type you’re dealing with is key to managing your application workflow.

Strategies for Marking Jobs as Applied

Given the varying application types, here’s how to effectively keep tabs on your submissions:

1. Leveraging LinkedIn’s “Applied” Filter

For Easy Apply jobs, LinkedIn automatically moves the job posting to the “Applied” section under the “Jobs” tab. This is your most reliable automated tracking system.

How to Access: Go to the “Jobs” tab on your LinkedIn homepage. In the left-hand sidebar, you’ll see a “My Jobs” section. Click on “Applied.” Here, you’ll find a list of all jobs you’ve applied to directly through LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature.
Why it Works: This filter shows all jobs where you’ve used the Easy Apply functionality. It’s a convenient way to see a consolidated list.

2. The Power of “Save” and Notes

For jobs where you applied on an external website, the “Save” feature becomes your best friend. Think of it as creating your own personalized “Applied” marker.

How to Use: When viewing a job posting, click the “Save” button (the flag icon). Then, go to your “Saved Jobs” (found under “My Jobs” -> “Saved”).
Adding Notes: This is where the magic happens. Click on the saved job. You should see an option to “Add notes.” Here, you can type in “Applied on [Date]” or any other relevant details (e.g., “Completed application on company website,” “Sent follow-up email”).
Why it Works: You’re essentially creating a manual tracking system within LinkedIn. The notes allow you to add crucial information about your application status.

3. Creating a Custom Job Tracking Spreadsheet

For the truly dedicated job seeker, a spreadsheet is the ultimate control center. This allows for a much more detailed and customized approach.

What to Include: Columns could include: Job Title, Company, LinkedIn Job Link, Application Date, Application Method (Easy Apply, Company Website, etc.), Status (Applied, Interviewing, Rejected, etc.), Notes (Communication history, next steps, etc.).
Why it Works: This provides comprehensive control and a detailed record of your job search. It also facilitates easy tracking of follow-ups and progress.

4. Using Third-Party Job Tracking Tools

Several third-party tools integrate with LinkedIn and offer advanced job tracking features. These often come with browser extensions that automate some of the tracking process.

Examples: Teal, Simplify, and Huntr are a few popular options.
Why it Works: These tools often provide features like automatic application tracking, resume customization for each job, and even email reminders for follow-ups. However, be mindful of privacy and data security when using external tools.

FAQs: Navigating the LinkedIn Application Maze

Here are some frequently asked questions to further refine your LinkedIn job application tracking strategy:

1. Can I undo an Easy Apply application?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t offer a direct “undo” button for Easy Apply. The best you can do is contact the hiring manager or recruiter directly (if possible) and explain your situation. However, be prepared that it may not be possible to retract the application.

2. How can I see the status of my Easy Apply applications?

LinkedIn sometimes provides status updates for Easy Apply applications (e.g., “Viewed by the recruiter,” “Application received”). These updates typically appear in the “Jobs” section or in your LinkedIn notifications. However, these updates are not always consistent.

3. Why doesn’t LinkedIn always track my applications when I apply on a company website?

LinkedIn’s ability to track applications submitted on external websites depends on whether the company’s ATS is integrated with LinkedIn and whether they choose to share application status data. This is not always the case.

4. Is there a way to filter my “Saved Jobs” to only show jobs I’ve applied to?

No, LinkedIn doesn’t offer a filter to specifically isolate applied-to jobs within your “Saved Jobs.” You’ll need to rely on your notes or a separate tracking system to differentiate them.

5. How often should I update my LinkedIn profile during my job search?

Regularly! Update your profile with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments. A fresh profile signals to recruiters that you’re actively seeking opportunities. Aim to update it at least monthly, or whenever you gain a new relevant skill or accomplishment.

6. Should I connect with recruiters on LinkedIn?

Absolutely! Connecting with recruiters in your field can significantly boost your job search. Personalize your connection request with a brief message explaining your interest.

7. What if a job I Easy Applied for disappears from the “Applied” section?

This can happen for various reasons (e.g., the job posting was removed, a technical glitch). If you’re concerned, try contacting the company directly to inquire about your application.

8. How can I improve my chances of getting noticed after applying?

Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Ensure your profile is complete, up-to-date, and keyword-rich.
Network strategically: Connect with people at the company you’re applying to.
Send a personalized connection request: Follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter with a brief, tailored message expressing your continued interest (but avoid being overly persistent).

9. Is it worth applying for jobs that are several weeks old on LinkedIn?

It depends. If the job is still listed, it’s likely still open. However, be aware that older postings may have a higher volume of applicants.

10. How do I ensure my LinkedIn profile picture is professional?

Use a high-quality headshot with good lighting and a neutral background. Dress professionally and smile genuinely. Avoid selfies or casual photos.

11. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for jobs on LinkedIn?

Not tailoring your resume: Customize your resume to match the specific requirements of each job.
Ignoring the cover letter (if required): A well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
Having an incomplete or outdated LinkedIn profile: Ensure your profile is a strong representation of your skills and experience.
Not proofreading your application materials: Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression.

12. Can I export my application history from LinkedIn?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t offer a feature to directly export your application history. You’ll need to rely on your own tracking methods (spreadsheet, notes, etc.) to maintain a comprehensive record.

Conclusion

While LinkedIn may not offer a simple “Mark as Applied” button for every job, these strategies will empower you to manage your job search effectively. Remember, a proactive and organized approach is crucial for navigating the competitive job market. By combining LinkedIn’s built-in features with your own personalized tracking system, you can stay on top of your applications and increase your chances of landing that coveted interview. Good luck!