LinkedIn Adds Curbs on Low-Quality Job Applications as Submissions per User Jump 46%
Updated
Updated · WIRED · Aug 25
LinkedIn Adds Curbs on Low-Quality Job Applications as Submissions per User Jump 46%
3 articles · Updated · WIRED · Aug 25
Summary
This month, LinkedIn is rolling out prompts that tell seemingly underqualified applicants they are likely a poor fit and suggest other roles instead.
The change follows a surge in application volume: submissions per applicant on LinkedIn are up 46% from February 2020, and total applications have risen 22% since ChatGPT launched.
Recruiters say one-click applications, AI-written resumes and auto-apply tools now generate hundreds or even 2,000 applicants within 24 hours, forcing teams to sift through bogus or low-effort submissions.
With U.S. job openings down from a 12.3 million peak in March 2022 to about 7 million since mid-2024, companies are adding AI interviews, knockout questions and skills tests to restore hiring friction.
That shift is also pushing candidates toward referrals and internal networks; one former hiring chief said online applications now lead to a phone screen less than 2% of the time.