We can all agree the modern job search can feel overwhelming and futile. You spend hours browsing endless job boards, submitting hundreds of applications, and rarely hearing back from recruiters. It’s easy to get discouraged. But there is hope! With the right strategies, you can take control of your LinkedIn job search and get noticed by hiring managers. In this article, I’ll share three unconventional yet highly effective LinkedIn job hunting tactics to help you stand out from the applicant herd and efficiently land interviews for your ideal roles.
1. Leverage LinkedIn's Advanced Job Search Filters
Most people do very basic keyword searches when looking for jobs on LinkedIn. But this can return an overwhelming number of irrelevant results. Instead, take advantage of LinkedIn’s advanced job search filters to laser target open positions perfect for you.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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- Go to the Jobs tab and enter a broad search term like “project manager” or “sales representative.”
- You’ll likely get 100,000+ results. Click on “All Filters” on the right sidebar.
- Use the filters to narrow down your search criteria. For example, filter by:
- Date posted – choose “Past week” or “Past month” for recent openings.
- Experience level – entry level, mid-senior, director, etc.
- Company – target companies you’re interested in.
- Location – choose your desired city/region.
- Job type – full-time, contract, remote, etc.
- Industry – hone in on your industry of choice.
- Job function – sales, marketing, engineering, etc.
- Keep applying filters until you get a manageable list of 10-50 highly targeted job matches.
This prevents you from wasting hours submitting hundreds of applications into a black hole. You can focus your time on tailored openings that closely match your background and preferences.
2. Connect with Company Insiders to Get Referrals
Referrals can dramatically improve your chances of getting an interview. When you have an inside connection, recruiters are much more likely to notice your application. When browsing job posts on LinkedIn, look for openings at companies where you already have existing connections.
Reach out and say something like:
"Hi [Name], I noticed [Company] has an opening for [Job Title] that looks like a great fit for my background in [Skill]. Would you be open to referring me for this role? I'd love to learn more about the team and position from you."
To further expand your referrals network:
- Connect with alumni from your university or previous companies.
- Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups to meet professionals in your field.
- Attend local job fairs, conferences, and networking events.
Leverage your growing network to get insider referrals and boost your likelihood of getting tapped for interviews.
3. Set Up Job Alerts to Pounce on New Openings
Timing matters when applying for jobs. Positions tend to get flooded with applicants within the first 1-2 weeks of being posted. Beat the herd by setting up LinkedIn job alerts so you get notified immediately when your dream job is listed.
Here’s how to create alerts:
- Go to the Jobs tab and click on “Job Alerts” in the left sidebar.
- Enter your target job title and location.
- Use filters to customize alerts for your ideal role criteria.
- Choose whether you want alerts sent to your email, LinkedIn notifications, or both.
- Click save.
Now LinkedIn will automatically send you a notification whenever a new job match is posted so you can apply ASAP before the rush. Being an early applicant can give you a major advantage in the initial screening process.
Take Control and Get Noticed
With the right strategies, you can take the job search into your own hands. Optimize your LinkedIn profile, selectively apply to targeted openings, leverage your connections for referrals, and set up alerts. Follow these tips to ensure your applications get prioritized and you start landing interviews!
