Back to Projects
Chrome Extension

LinkedIn Applicant Counter

A privacy-first Chrome extension that automatically reveals the real number of applicants on LinkedIn job postings. It parses job data already available to your browser and displays a clean, accessible count on the page.

LinkedIn Applicant Counter screenshot

🔍 What is LinkedIn Applicant Counter?

A privacy-first Chrome extension that reveals the true applicant count on LinkedIn job postings by parsing data already available to your browser - no servers, no tracking.

The Problem

LinkedIn often abstracts applicant counts (e.g., “10+ applicants”), making it hard to gauge true competition. Manually digging through DevTools works, but it’s tedious and inconsistent across job templates.

The Solution

The extension automates the known manual method: it observes page data and safe, allowed globals to extract applicant counts when available, then renders a small banner at the top of the job view - no servers, no tracking.

🎯 Core User Features

  • Automatic detection on linkedin.com/jobs/view/* pages
  • Accessible UI with aria-live status and clear typography
  • SPA navigation handling; avoids duplicate banners
  • Privacy-first: no external servers; minimal local storage

🏗️ Technical Architecture

  • Manifest v3 content script runs at document_start and observes SPA route changes
  • Multiple bounded strategies: DOM scripts, safe globals, and best-effort fetch when CSRF is available
  • Toolbar badge shows last detected count; popup surfaces recent activity

Project Details

My Role

Founder & Lead Developer

Timeline

1 week to MVP

Technologies

JavaScript
Chrome Manifest v3
Content Scripts
Chrome Storage
Tailwind-esque CSS

Value

  • Apply strategically with real competition data
  • Works wherever LinkedIn exposes counts via page data
  • Lightweight, fast, and unobtrusive