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About Apply Start

Apply start is the first step a job seeker takes to apply for a job on Indeed. It happens when they click the Apply now button on a job post. This shows a strong interest in the job, even if the person does not finish the full application.

You can find apply start metrics in Indeed’s analytics.

Benefits

Measure performance

  • Accurate and reliable metrics
  • One step closer from click to hire
  • Captures high-intent job seekers

Track more accurately

  • Not affected by third-party cookie blocking
  • Works better than traditional conversion tracking

Finding your apply start metrics

Visit the Jobs and campaigns tab of your Analytics page for:

  • Apply start percentage
  • The total number of apply starts
  • Cost per apply start
  • Apply start engagement summary
  • Apply start rate for your highest and lowest-ranked jobs

Apply starts vs applications

You may find that the number of applications for a job exceeds the number of apply starts. There might be two reasons for this discrepancy:

  • The job seeker applied without clicking Apply now, for example, by using a direct link to the application.
  • The job seeker began the application process a day or more before completing it. To prevent this discrepancy, look at the data for a longer period.

Troubleshooting

Low click-to-apply start ratio  

Issue: Job seekers click but don't start applying.

Solution: Improve job descriptions to drive interest.

  • The job description may lack key details.
  • The job title doesn't match the job description.

Low click-to-apply start ratio  

Issue: Job seekers start but don't complete applications.

Solution: Shorten and simplify the application process.

  • The application process may be too long or complex.
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About Apply Start