How to use LinkedIn Easy Apply to get Jobs?

If you’re applying for jobs and not getting shortlisted, there’s a very real possibility that your resume is drowning inside a pile of thousands of applications submitted through LinkedIn Easy Apply.

The job market is getting tougher, and applying is becoming ridiculously easy — which means competition is exploding, recruiter attention span is shrinking, and your application is probably getting ignored.

Everyone can apply with two clicks.
That’s the problem.

If you want to get shortlisted, interviewed, and hired — you need to stop playing the Easy Apply lottery and start applying like someone who actually wants the job. Here’s the exact strategy I use (yes, I’m also switching right now), and this process consistently increases response rates.

Why LinkedIn Easy Apply Doesn’t Work Anymore

Because it’s too easy.

People apply for 200+ jobs in a week, with zero customization or thought. Recruiters receive so many resumes that each one gets just 6–10 seconds of attention. And when hundreds of resumes look the same, you become invisible.

So if your job strategy is:

  • Click Easy Apply

  • Pray

  • Refresh Gmail

  • Repeat

…then forget getting shortlisted.

Time to upgrade your process.

The System That Actually Gets You Shortlisted

Here’s the exact job application framework I follow — crisp, practical, and designed to help you stand out.

Step 1: Track Your Applications

A simple Google Sheet with:

  • Company name

  • Role

  • Link

  • Recruiter / hiring manager

  • Date applied

  • Status

  • Follow-up dates

This keeps you organized, consistent, and disciplined. Most people don’t get rejected — they just forget to follow up.

Step 2: Custom Resume for Every Job

Using one resume for all roles = guaranteed rejection.

Instead:

  • Highlight content skills when applying for content roles

  • Highlight paid ads skills when applying for performance roles

  • Highlight community + engagement when applying for community roles

One resume does not fit all.
The recruiter should feel: “This person is exactly what we’re looking for.”

Step 3: Add a Short Custom Cover Letter

Not a long emotional speech — just a few lines:

  • Who you are

  • Why this role matters to you

  • Why you’re relevant

  • A line that connects you to the company’s mission or industry

You don’t need perfection.
You need resonance.

Step 4: Use ChatGPT Smartly

Upload:

  • Your resume

  • The job description

Then ask ChatGPT to roast your resume or suggest improvements.

Important:
Take inputs.
Don’t blindly copy-paste.

Let AI help you think sharper, not lazier.

Step 5: Identify Decision Makers & Ask for Referrals

A referral pushes your application ahead of the crowd.

How to do it:

  • Go to the company’s LinkedIn page

  • Check employees

  • Look for first-degree or second-degree connections

  • Request a warm intro

  • Or directly message someone politely

One internal referral = your resume actually gets seen.

Step 6: Email the Recruiter & Hiring Manager

This step alone boosts your chances massively.

Use tools like:

  • apollo.io

  • snov.io

  • ContactOut

Find their email and send a crisp note:

  • Who you are

  • Which role you applied to

  • Why you fit

  • Attach resume + cover letter

Now your application is:

  • On LinkedIn

  • In the recruiter’s inbox

  • Possibly in the hiring manager’s inbox

Visibility = higher chance of being shortlisted.

Step 7: Follow Up With Discipline

Most candidates give up after one attempt.

I follow a structure:

  • Day 0 → Apply

  • Day 5 → Follow-up 1

  • Day 10 → Follow-up 2

  • Day 20 → Follow-up 3

Polite, consistent follow-ups work.
Hiring teams are slow — don’t take silence personally.

What NOT to Do While Job Searching

Avoid these amateur mistakes:

1. Mindlessly Applying to 100 Jobs

All you’re doing is:

  • Damaging your first impression

  • Wasting your chances to reapply

  • Letting LinkedIn auto-reject you

Apply strategically, not randomly.

2. Panicking When You Don’t Get Calls

You’ll naturally start thinking:

  • “Will I get a job?”

  • “Will I get the salary I want?”

  • “Is my experience even relevant?”

Chill.
This worry spiral destroys your process.

Stick to your system.
Don’t let anxiety hijack your brain.

3. Spending the Entire Day Applying for Jobs

A job search isn’t just applying — it’s preparing.

Use spare time to build skills that give you leverage:

  • Excel

  • Data analysis

  • Writing

  • Marketing tools

  • AI tools

  • Domain knowledge

Future you will thank you.

Don’t Rely Only on LinkedIn

Most people sit on LinkedIn and refresh job posts like it’s the stock market.

Huge mistake.

Companies often post roles:

  • First on their careers website

  • Then on Naukri, Indeed, Wellfound, niche job boards

  • And only later on LinkedIn

If you find a role early, your chances of getting seen skyrocket.

Final Thoughts: The Job Market Rewards Serious Candidates

LinkedIn Easy Apply is convenient — but convenience kills your chances.
If you want to stand out, you need intentionality, consistency, and a clear gameplan.

The job search system that works today is built on:

  • A strong tracker

  • Custom resumes

  • Smart cover letters

  • AI-assisted improvements

  • Referrals

  • Direct emails

  • Follow-ups

  • Patience

This process works.
It takes effort, but it puts you in control instead of leaving your fate to an algorithm.

Trust the process.
Back yourself.
And apply like someone who actually wants the job.

You got this.

Good luck!