And Why Features Like “One Click Apply” Leave Recruiters Frustrated
This article also appears on our LinkedIn page as part of our ongoing thought leadership series.
Today’s competitive talent market demands more than a high volume of resumes. The Marcus-Levi Group’s approach—rooted in building deep, personal connections and uncovering unique client needs—shows that success isn’t about numbers. It’s about relationships and results.
This white paper examines common pain points faced by HR professionals and hiring leaders:
- Why “One Click Apply” buttons often fall short
- Why top-tier candidates aren’t using mass-apply tools—and still need to be actively recruited
- How culture-focused, quality-driven strategies can help hiring managers better engage leadership talent
1. Rethinking LinkedIn’s “One Click Apply” with a Curated Approach
The Problem: Volume Over Quality
While the “One Click Apply” feature simplifies the application process, it often floods HR teams with non-tailored submissions. This contradicts our philosophy of precision hiring, where quality matters more than quantity.
The Marcus-Levi Group’s Aligned Solutions:
- Curated Candidate Selection: Our approach replaces mass application models with intentional, targeted outreach to individuals who reflect both the capabilities and cultural alignment you need.
- Enhanced Pre-Screening: We support your internal team by recommending pre-screening questions and assessments that surface true leadership potential early in the process.
- Deep Connection Over Digital Convenience: Building genuine relationships is central to our method—we go beyond resumes to uncover alignment between candidate aspirations and organizational goals.
2. Attracting Top-Tier Talent: Beyond Generic Job Postings
The Problem: A Mismatch in Expectations
High-caliber candidates often skip roles that sound transactional or vague. They’re drawn to opportunities that reflect an organization’s deeper purpose and vision for leadership.
The Marcus-Levi Group’s Aligned Solutions:
- Culture-First Recruitment: Our process brings your culture to life through stories and testimonials that speak directly to leadership values and growth potential.
- Authentic Employer Branding: We help our clients craft clear, thoughtful job descriptions that showcase your mission, team dynamics, and long-term opportunities.
- Transparent Compensation & Benefits: We encourage openness about salary and benefits to establish trust with the right candidate from the start.
- Streamlined, Personalized Processes: Our role is to support a smoother candidate experience while maintaining clarity and intentionality at every step.
3. Reframing the “Open to Work” Signal
The Problem: Passive Visibility Isn’t Enough
While tools like “Open to Work” offer visibility, they don’t always connect the right candidates to the right opportunities. Many high-potential individuals still go unnoticed without active engagement.
The Marcus-Levi Group’s Aligned Solutions:
- Active Engagement Strategies: Our team invests in nurturing strong relationships with top talent, even when they’re not actively applying.
- Personalized Outreach: We believe in tailored outreach—reaching out with relevance and purpose that reflects a candidate’s strengths and aspirations.
- Full Picture Candidate Evaluation: Our approach goes deeper than job titles. We help identify leadership stories, skills, and values that align with the client’s environment and goals.
Transforming Recruitment Through Precision and Connection
In 2025, hiring demands a balance of agility and depth. Mass applications and passive signals are no longer enough. For hiring managers, the difference often lies in how well you understand the talent market—and who you trust to help you navigate it.
Next Steps for Hiring Leaders:
- Audit your job postings: Are they attracting the leaders you need?
- Revamp your application flow: Remove friction, add intention.
- Invest in relationship building: Move beyond transactions to real connections.
About The Marcus-Levi Group
At The Marcus-Levi Group, we specialize in precision executive search that prioritizes culture fit, leadership alignment, and long-term impact. Our hands-on approach goes far beyond algorithms and job boards—we build real relationships that lead to real results.
If your team is struggling to attract the right leadership talent in today’s complex hiring landscape, we’d love to connect. Let’s talk about how our personalized recruitment process can support your next strategic hire.
The Marcus-Levi Group 
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