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How to Import Individual Candidates from LinkedIn Profiles into PyjamaHR

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Executive Summary

PyjamaHR’s Chrome Extension allows you to import individual candidates directly from their LinkedIn public profiles into your ATS, streamlining proactive sourcing and talent pipeline building. This guide covers everything you need to know: setup, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and best practices—so you can source top talent efficiently, even if they haven’t applied to your jobs.

Detailed Overview

What Is the LinkedIn Candidate Import Feature?

The PyjamaHR Chrome Extension enables recruiters to add candidates from LinkedIn public profiles directly into PyjamaHR. This is especially valuable for proactive sourcing—when you want to reach out to passive candidates who haven’t applied to your job postings.

Key Use Cases:
- Sourcing passive candidates who haven’t applied to your jobs
- Building talent pipelines for hard-to-fill roles
- Quickly adding high-potential profiles you discover on LinkedIn

Integration with PyjamaHR:
- Imported candidates appear in your PyjamaHR ATS, ready for assignment to jobs, pipeline stages, or further engagement.
- Works alongside job posting, Apply Connect, and other sourcing workflows.

Business Impact:
- Reduces manual data entry and copy-pasting
- Centralizes all candidate data in one place
- Enables faster, more targeted outreach to top talent

Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Individual Candidates from LinkedIn

Prerequisites

  • PyjamaHR account (Premium or eligible AppSumo plan; see notes below)

  • Google Chrome browser

  • PyjamaHR Chrome Extension installed and logged in

  • LinkedIn account (any type; works on public profiles)

1. Install and Set Up the PyjamaHR Chrome Extension

  1. Download the Extension:
    Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “PyjamaHR”.

  2. Install:
    Click “Add to Chrome” and follow the prompts.

  3. Log In:
    Open the extension and log in with your PyjamaHR credentials.

Screenshot suggestion: Show the Chrome Web Store page and extension icon in the browser toolbar.

2. Open the Candidate’s LinkedIn Public Profile

  • Navigate to the LinkedIn profile of the candidate you want to import.

  • Ensure you are on the public profile page (not a search results page or messaging window).

Screenshot suggestion: Highlight LinkedIn profile page with the extension icon visible.

3. Use the Chrome Extension to Import the Candidate

  1. Click the PyjamaHR Extension Icon in your browser toolbar.

  2. Look for the “Add to PyjamaHR” Button
    - This button should appear either as a floating button on the LinkedIn profile or within the extension popup.
    - If you don’t see it, refresh the page or restart your browser.

  3. Select the Target Job (Optional):
    - If prompted, choose the job in PyjamaHR to which you want to assign the candidate.
    - If the dropdown disappears quickly or doesn’t load, see Troubleshooting below.

  4. Confirm Import:
    - Click “Add” or “Import” (button label may vary).
    - Wait for the confirmation message (“Candidate successfully added”).

  5. Check in PyjamaHR:
    - Go to your PyjamaHR dashboard and verify the candidate appears in your pipeline or candidate list.

Screenshot suggestion: Show the “Add to PyjamaHR” button and the confirmation message.

4. Assign or Engage the Candidate in PyjamaHR

  • Assign the candidate to a job, pipeline stage, or talent pool as needed.

  • Add notes, tags, or schedule follow-ups.

Special Notes & Scenarios

  • Contact Info Requirement:
    The extension can only import email/contact details if they are visible on the candidate’s LinkedIn profile. If you’re not connected and the info is hidden, only public data will be imported.

  • AppSumo Customers:
    Access to this feature may be limited or in staged rollout. If you don’t see the import option, check your plan or contact support.

  • Bulk Import:
    As of now, only individual (one-by-one) imports are supported. Bulk import is under development.

Advanced Usage & Best Practices

Power User Tips

  • Refresh and Re-login:
    If the extension doesn’t appear, refresh the LinkedIn profile or log out and back in to the extension.

  • Use on Public Profiles:
    Works best on public LinkedIn profiles. For private or restricted profiles, data may be limited.

  • Tag Candidates Immediately:
    After import, use PyjamaHR’s tagging and notes features to organize sourced candidates for future campaigns.

Integration Strategies

  • Combine with Job Posting:
    Use Apply Connect and job postings for inbound applicants, and the Chrome Extension for outbound sourcing.

  • Pipeline Building:
    Import high-potential candidates into talent pools, even if you don’t have an open role yet.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:
- Always check that the extension is up to date.
- Use the extension on individual profile pages, not search results.
- Assign imported candidates to jobs or pipelines promptly.

Don’t:
- Don’t try to bulk import from search results (not supported yet).
- Don’t expect to import private contact info if you’re not connected to the candidate.
- Don’t use the extension on non-profile pages (it won’t work).

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

Issue

Solution

“Add to PyjamaHR” button not visible

Refresh the page, restart Chrome, or reinstall the extension. Ensure you’re on a public profile page.

Dropdown to select job disappears quickly

Try refreshing the page, clearing browser cache, or updating the extension. If persistent, contact support.

Candidate not appearing in PyjamaHR after import

Wait a few minutes and refresh your PyjamaHR dashboard. If still missing, check for extension updates or report to support.

Can’t import if not connected to candidate

Only public info will be imported. For full details, connect with the candidate on LinkedIn first.

Bulk import not available

Only individual imports are currently supported. Bulk import is in development.

AppSumo customer can’t access feature

Feature may be in staged rollout. Contact support for latest eligibility.

Extension keeps loading or crashes

Reinstall the extension, update Chrome, or try on a different profile. If unresolved, send a screen recording to support.

When to Contact Support

  • Persistent technical errors (extension not loading, import fails repeatedly)

  • Feature not available despite eligibility

  • Data not syncing between LinkedIn and PyjamaHR

Comprehensive FAQ

1. Can I import candidates from LinkedIn if they haven’t applied to my job?
Yes, as long as you’re on their public profile page and using the Chrome Extension.

2. Does this work with LinkedIn Recruiter or only standard LinkedIn?
Works on any public LinkedIn profile, regardless of your LinkedIn account type.

3. Can I bulk import multiple candidates from search results?
No, only individual imports are supported at this time. Bulk import is in development.

4. What data gets imported?
All visible public profile data, including name, headline, and contact info (if available).

5. What if the candidate’s contact info is hidden?
Only public data will be imported. You may need to connect with the candidate for more details.

6. I’m an AppSumo customer and don’t see the feature. Why?
Feature rollout may be staged. Contact support for your eligibility and timeline.

7. The extension says “success” but I don’t see the candidate in PyjamaHR.
Refresh your dashboard. If still missing, check for extension updates or contact support.

8. Can I assign imported candidates to specific jobs?
Yes, you can select the job during import or assign them later in PyjamaHR.

9. The job selection dropdown disappears too quickly. What should I do?
Refresh the page, clear your cache, or try reinstalling the extension.

10. Is there a video guide?
Yes, support can provide a video walkthrough on request.

11. What browsers are supported?
Google Chrome only.

12. Can I import from other job boards or only LinkedIn?
The extension is designed for LinkedIn, but similar workflows may exist for other boards—see related articles.

Related Features & Next Steps

  • Apply Connect Integration:
    For direct applicant imports from LinkedIn job postings.

  • Talent Pools:
    Organize sourced candidates for future roles.

  • Job Posting via PyjamaHR:
    Publish jobs to LinkedIn and other boards for inbound applicants.

  • Candidate Tagging and Notes:
    Enhance imported profiles with custom tags and notes.

Recommended Articles:
- Using the PyjamaHR Chrome Extension
- How to Post Jobs on LinkedIn via PyjamaHR
- Managing Talent Pools in PyjamaHR

Summary

Importing individual candidates from LinkedIn profiles into PyjamaHR is a powerful way to supercharge your sourcing and build a robust talent pipeline. By following the steps and best practices in this guide, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and maximize your recruiting efficiency—no more manual copy-paste, just seamless sourcing from LinkedIn to your ATS.

Still have questions?
If you encounter any issues not covered here, please contact PyjamaHR support with a detailed description and (if possible) a screen recording for fastest resolution.

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