Using QR Codes for Job Applicant Tracking (Yes, Even Offline): How-Tos and Use Cases

What Are Tracking Links and How Do ATS Platforms Use Them?

Most applicant tracking systems (like Workday, Greenhouse, etc.) use tracking parameters in job posting URLs to understand where applicants are coming from. These might look like:

www.Job-Posting-URL?source=LinkedIn

This ?source= parameter allows the ATS to tag each applicant with their click source — be it LinkedIn, a career site, or a referral. These source fields then feed into reports like:

• Source of hire
• Cost per applicant
• Campaign ROI

But this data usually only works in online environments.

Turning Tracking Links Into QR Codes: The Missing Offline Piece

Here’s where it gets interesting: You can take those ATS tracking links and convert them into QR codes — instantly turning any offline recruiting campaign into something measurable.

Think:

• Posters on college campuses
• Banners at hiring events
• Table tents at coffee shops
• Window decals at retail stores

Each printed QR code links back to a trackable job URL. When someone scans and applies, your ATS captures the exact source. No guesswork, just real data.

Bonus Power Move: Dynamic QR Codes with Yohn.io

What if you could print one QR code — and update where it points later instead of having to prepare new custom materials for every campaign or event?

That’s exactly why Yohn.io offers dynamic QR codes with updateable destination URLs.

You can:

• Print a batch of flyers ahead of event season
• Reassign the QR’s tracking link as needed (?source=JobFair_March, ?source=OpenHouse_June, etc.)
• Save money, reduce waste, and stay agile

Looking Beyond the First Click

QR codes are incredibly effective for capturing where job applicants begin their journey — whether that’s a campus poster, a store window, or a referral from a colleague. But forward-thinking talent teams are now looking at how to track and optimize the entire candidate experience, beyond just the source.

An example of a later touchpoint in the hiring process would be interview platforms like Jobma.com or Hireflix, or skills assessment tools like TestGorilla and Codility — many of which rely on links or QR codes to engage with applicants. Integrating behavioral data at these later stages helps close the loop on your recruitment analytics — especially when paired with early-stage QR tracking.

In short: combining early tracking (QR codes) with later-stage insights (interview and assessment platforms) gives your hiring funnel end-to-end visibility.

Use Case #1: Location-Based Applicant Tracking

Imagine you’re a nationwide retail chain. You’re hiring in 500+ locations. Wouldn’t it be powerful to know which store locations are bringing in the best candidates?

With QR codes placed at store entrances, fitting rooms and checkout counters you can route candidates straight to your job site — and tag each one with a source like ?source=Store_Chicago_WickerPark.

This approach also works beautifully for:

• Education fairs
• Posters in colleges or other educational institutions
• Hiring pop-ups
• High-traffic community centers

Use Case #2: Employee Referrals — Now in Their Pocket, Not on Paper

Referrals are still one of the highest-converting sources of hire. But paper flyers and static links? They're easy to forget — or lose.

With Yohn.io, your employees can carry their personal referral QR code right in their Apple or Google Wallet. That means:

• No printing or distributing flyers
• No awkward "uhh... I think there's a link somewhere..." moments
• Just a quick tap to open their wallet card and share their unique QR code

Each wallet pass links to a trackable referral URL (like ?source=Referral_JSmith), so referrals are automatically attributed — and employees get the credit they deserve. Combine it with your referral bonus program, and you've got a seamless, high-impact and super-trackable referral engine that’s ready to go 24/7.

Let’s Talk: Ready to Upgrade Your Applicant Tracking Strategy?

If you’re running job campaigns and wondering how to better track performance across offline and in-person touchpoints, QR codes are your secret weapon — and Yohn.io is built to help you deploy them at scale.

Let’s chat. Contact us today and let’s design a QR code-powered applicant tracking strategy that actually works.