Navigating LinkedIn for new job opportunities

In today’s competitive job market, standing out to hiring managers takes more than just a polished CV. LinkedIn has become the first place many recruiters look, making it a powerful tool for professionals who want to showcase their skills, build their network, and attract the right opportunities.

Typing “Interested please” or “Interesting” under a LinkedIn job post might feel like a quick way to get noticed, but it rarely works. As recruiters, we see these kinds of comments every day, and they rarely lead anywhere. With limited time, we instead focus our attention on candidates who make the effort to apply properly and present their experience clearly.

It’s natural to want to take the path of least resistance, but your job search isn’t the place to cut corners. LinkedIn is a professional platform, and the way you show interest is visible not only to recruiters but also to your current colleagues or employer. A hasty comment can send the wrong message.

A better approach is to pause. Before responding, click through to the role, read the requirements carefully, and decide whether your skills are really a fit for the employer’s job description. If you think you’re a good match for the role, prepare a tailored application that highlights your accomplishments and shows why you’re the right candidate. It’s this kind of attention to detail that makes a lasting impression.

It’s also worth being cautious of reposted job ads that generate engagement but don’t actually connect you with the employer; your time is better spent engaging directly with genuine opportunities.

If you want to stand out, skip the shortcuts. Show your professionalism through thoughtful, well-prepared applications, and you’ll give hiring managers a real reason to pay attention.