The LinkedIn Job Application Crunch: Why Postings are Closing After Just 51 Applications

If you’ve recently tried applying for jobs on LinkedIn only to find postings closing after around 50 applicants, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 75% of job applications come in within the first 72 hours of posting (LinkedIn, 2023a). For competitive roles, this early interest means that job listings often close quickly. But why is this happening, and what can you do about it?

Why Are Job Postings Closing So Early?

• High Application Volume: The average corporate job posting receives around 250 applications, particularly for remote roles, which attract more interest than in-person positions (Jobvite, 2023a). Closing applications early helps recruiters manage this volume efficiently.

• Quality Over Quantity: Research by TalentWorks shows that hiring managers find the best candidates within the first 50 applicants (TalentWorks, 2023). Many prefer a smaller pool to allow for a more thorough review of each candidate.

• Automated Tracking Systems (ATS): According to Capterra, 75% of recruiters use ATS, many of which close postings automatically once they reach a set number of applications (Capterra, 2023). This prevents systems from being overwhelmed and allows recruiters to focus on the first wave of applicants.

• Time-to-Fill Pressure: LinkedIn data shows that 57% of recruiters aim to fill roles within two weeks (LinkedIn, 2023b). Closing applications early helps companies expedite the hiring process and meet this goal.

What Can Job Seekers Do?

Here’s how you can stay competitive in this fast-paced environment:

• Apply Quickly: Jobvite found that applying within the first week doubles your interview chances (Jobvite, 2023b). Set up LinkedIn alerts to stay on top of new postings.

• Optimize Your Profile: Profiles with a professional photo receive up to 21x more views and 36x more messages from recruiters (LinkedIn, 2023c). Highlight key skills to attract direct interest from recruiters.

• Network and Connect: Networking accounts for up to 85% of filled positions (LinkedIn Research, 2023). Connect with hiring managers and recruiters to increase your chances of learning about roles before they’re posted.

• Target High-Impact Roles: Candidates whose skills closely align with the job description are 2.6x more likely to get an interview (Workopolis, 2023). Focus on roles where you can truly stand out.

Stay Ahead of the Trend

As competition rises, job postings may continue to close early. Understanding these factors and adapting your approach can help you navigate today’s job market.

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Sources:

1. LinkedIn. (2023a). Top Job Search Trends. LinkedIn Business. Retrieved from https://business.linkedin.com

2. Jobvite. (2023a). Recruiter Nation Report. Retrieved from https://www.jobvite.com

3. TalentWorks. (2023). Ideal Candidate Pool Size for Hiring Efficiency. Retrieved from https://www.talentworks.io

4. Capterra. (2023). Recruiter Survey on ATS Usage. Retrieved from https://www.capterra.com

5. LinkedIn. (2023b). Hiring Insights 2023. LinkedIn Business. Retrieved from https://business.linkedin.com

6. Jobvite. (2023b). Job Application Timing and Success. Retrieved from https://www.jobvite.com

7. LinkedIn. (2023c). Profile Optimization Tips. LinkedIn Business. Retrieved from https://business.linkedin.com

8. LinkedIn Research. (2023). The Power of Networking in Job Search. LinkedIn Economic Graph. Retrieved from https://economicgraph.linkedin.com

9. Workopolis. (2023). How Matching Job Descriptions Boosts Interview Odds. Retrieved from https://www.workopolis.com