How Recruiters Use Creepy Links to Track Resume Views
It works both ways. Recruiters track candidates, and savvy candidates track recruiters.
The hiring dance is full of uncertainty. Candidates wonder if their resume was seen. Recruiters wonder if passive candidates are interested in the job descriptions they sent.
Creepy links are increasingly becoming the secret weapon on both sides of the table.
For Candidates: The "Seen" Receipt
When applying for a job, you usually send a PDF into a black hole.
By hosting your resume online (Google Drive, Notion, personal site) and sending a trackable link, you gain a massive psychological advantage.
- Validation: Seeing a click confirms you passed the ATS filters.
- Circulation: Multiple clicks from different locations/devices suggest your resume is being shared internally among the hiring committee.
For Recruiters: Tracking Passive Talent
Headhunters often reach out to candidates who already have jobs. These candidates rarely reply.
By sending a Job Description via a creepy link, a recruiter can see who is clicking.
Even if the candidate doesn't reply, a click indicates curiosity. The recruiter now knows this person is at least looking, which makes them a prime target for a follow-up call.
Ethical Hiring
Tracking in recruitment is standard (ATS systems track everything). However, using open-aware links adds a layer of transparency. It moves the process from "automated filtering" to "verified engagement."
Whether you are hiring or looking to be hired, knowing the status of your document is key to managing expectations.