LinkedIn's Quick Apply

Is LinkedIn’s Quick Apply helping or hindering your job search?

In today’s fast-moving job market, tools like LinkedIn’s Quick Apply feature offer jobseekers a way to act fast, often with just a single click. On the surface, it’s a game-changer: a faster, easier way to connect with opportunities and keep your job search moving.

But from where we sit as recruiters, reviewing hundreds of applications each day, we’re seeing a growing challenge. While Quick Apply can certainly serve a purpose, it’s increasingly being used in ways that may actually be working against candidates - not for them.

The appeal of Quick Apply – and the catch

We completely understand the appeal. You’re eager to find your next role. You’ve been advised, perhaps even by other recruitment professionals, to apply broadly. And when time is tight or job ads feel urgent, it’s tempting to apply quickly, without tailoring your CV or message for each role.

But here’s the issue: when everyone is doing that, your application risks getting lost in a sea of others, many of which, truthfully, aren’t a strong match for the job.

As recruiters, we want to help employers find the best possible candidates and we want to help you stand out. But when job postings receive hundreds of Quick Apply submissions, often within the first few hours, it becomes harder to identify the truly relevant profiles. It’s not about quantity; it’s about quality and alignment.

High volume, low relevance

The reality is this: many Quick Apply submissions come through without any tailoring, without a cover note and in some cases, without much thought about the role itself. That’s not a reflection of the candidate’s potential, it’s a reflection of the pressures and pace of modern job hunting.

However, what this high volume of low-relevance applications creates is a bottleneck. Recruiters and hiring managers are left to sift through hundreds of applications, with only a small percentage being genuinely aligned with the job. Strong candidates can be missed. Opportunities for meaningful engagement are lost. And for jobseekers, this can lead to frustrating silence or automated rejections.

Our advice: apply with intention, not just speed

At March Recruitment, we advise candidates to treat every job application as an opportunity to show relevance, enthusiasm and effort. A well-considered application will always carry more weight than a quick, generic one.

Here’s how to make your applications count:

• Read the job description carefully. Don’t assume the title tells the whole story.
• Tailor your CV. Highlight the skills and experience that speak directly to the role.
• Include a short, personalised note. Even a few lines explaining why you’re applying can make a big difference.
• Don’t be put off by the number of applicants. Many will have applied quickly and without relevance. A strong, relevant application still stands out.

The pressure to apply widely – and why it may be misguided

We know some jobseekers feel pressured to “apply for everything.” It’s advice that comes from a good place, often meant to keep morale up and doors open. But it’s also advice that, in practice, can lead to fatigue and missed opportunities.

A more focused approach, applying for fewer roles but with greater intent, tends to produce better results. It shows employers you’re thoughtful about your next step, and it gives you a stronger narrative when you do land interviews.

Quick Apply isn’t the enemy – but it shouldn’t be the default

Quick Apply has its place, particularly for roles where speed is essential or where you already meet the core criteria. But we always encourage candidates to think of it as a starting point, not the whole process.

If you do use it, take an extra moment to review the job, update your CV accordingly, and, if possible, follow up with a direct message or email that adds that all-important personal touch.

Final thoughts

The job search is a process and it can be both exciting and exhausting. At March Recruitment we’re here to support you through it, with advice that’s honest, practical and built on real experience.

Our role isn’t just to fill vacancies, it’s to help match the right people with the right roles, in a way that’s meaningful for both sides. And that starts with intentional, well-matched applications.

So if you’re navigating your next career move, take a moment before clicking “Quick Apply.” Ask yourself: Is this role right for me? Am I showing why I’m right for it?

In a crowded market, thoughtful applications still stand out  and we’re here to help you make sure they do.