LinkedIn has become nowadays one of the biggest job search vectors for many people and, on the other hand, a powerful tool for recruiters and human resources professionals.
However, like any tool, it has features that are worth knowing. Did you know that your job application can be automatically rejected even before a human reviews it?
LinkedIn uses automations that, while streamlining the selection process for recruiters, can also lead to the premature rejection of potentially qualified candidates. We will tell you how you can avoid it.
The hidden feature that can be your biggest obstacle
Jerry Lee, founder of Wonsulting and job search specialist, has revealed on his Instagram profile how LinkedIn, one of the most used platforms for job search, implements certain automations that can be decisive.
When looking for a videographer in New York, Lee discovered that, although he had not personally rejected any candidate, several were automatically labeled as “not suitable” by the LinkedIn system.
Automation settings: a double-edged sword
This happens because LinkedIn’s algorithms use default automation settings that filter candidates based on specific criteria.
Among these, we find two main settings that directly influence the process:
- Location-based filtering: Applicants who do not meet the established location criterion are automatically labeled as “not suitable”. Interestingly, this setting cannot be modified, representing a significant challenge for those seeking opportunities in new locations.
- Selection question criteria: Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements set in the selection questions are immediately discarded. This setting, however, can be adjusted by the recruiter.
How to handle automation in your job search
Although these automation tools save time for recruiters, they can also unfairly reject valuable candidates. So, what can you do as a job seeker to increase your chances of overcoming these automatic filters?
Strategies to optimize your profile and applications
- Adjust your location: If you are applying to positions in different geographies, consider how your current location may affect your chances. Including a local address, if possible, could be beneficial.
- Carefully answer the selection questions: Make sure to understand and effectively answer the selection questions to meet the necessary criteria that will allow you to pass the first round of filters.
- Optimize your profile with keywords: Align your profile and resume with keywords and skills that are common in the job descriptions you aspire to. This is not only useful for overcoming automatic filters, but also for catching the attention of human recruiters.
While LinkedIn’s automations and other similar platforms offer clear advantages in terms of efficiency, it is also crucial for candidates to understand and adapt their strategy to this digital environment.
Ultimately, proper knowledge and handling of these tools can make the difference between being prematurely rejected and getting an interview.
