Don’t Fall for These 3 LinkedIn Myths That Could Sabotage Your Job Hunt!

In a stunning milestone, LinkedIn has just crossed the monumental threshold of 1 billion members, with a staggering 49 million users diving into the platform every single week! Over the past two decades, LinkedIn has transformed spectacularly, yet this evolution has inadvertently given rise to a surge of misinformation surrounding the platform itself. Isn’t that ironic?

Having been on LinkedIn since its inception, I’ve navigated its waters for over ten years, expertly managing the “enterprise agreement” — LinkedIn’s flagship suite of tools — at various Fortune 500 companies. Not only that, but I’ve also been honored to share my insights at LinkedIn’s renowned events across the globe, including their premier gathering, “Talent Connect.” So, let’s dive into some insider knowledge about how to make the most of this incredible platform:

1. The ‘Open To Work’ Banner Boosts Your Job Search!

Despite the myths that persist, let’s set the record straight: the ‘Open To Work’ banner is a game changer. Initially crafted in response to pandemic layoffs, this feature is designed to ease your job search journey.

With two options at your fingertips, you can signal to potential employers that you’re ready for new opportunities. Choose to notify only recruiters, or flaunt the eye-catching green “Open To Work” banner for all to see. Think of it this way: using these features can significantly enhance your visibility. Recruiter outreach spikes by 40% when you opt for the recruiter-only alert, while the green banner can lead to a 20% increase in messages from the LinkedIn community. Just imagine the doors that could open!

As a recruiter, I can’t fathom why anyone would shy away from utilizing these features. They’re your ticket to more InMail messages and connections. Why would you miss out?

2. Don’t Be Deterred by Job Posts With Hundreds of Applicants!

Okay, let’s tackle this misconception head-on: seeing a job listing with 500+ applicants should not intimidate you! That number reflects merely the clicks on the ‘apply’ button, and doesn’t tell the entire story.

At one Fortune 500 company I worked for, a jaw-dropping 99% of applicants dropped off before completing their applications due to cumbersome processes. So, for every 100 who hit apply, we’d only receive one valid submission! While that’s an extreme case, you can reasonably expect about 80% attrition in most situations. This means the actual pool of serious applicants is much smaller than you think.

Moreover, the reality of application submissions is that a significant chunk of applicants aren’t even qualified. With decades of experience, I can confidently say that the typical signal-to-noise ratio hovers around 25% signal to 75% noise. In other words, for every hundred applications, only 25 meet the minimum job requirements. So, if you meet or exceed the qualifications, don’t hesitate—apply!

3. Unlock the Full Power of LinkedIn – There’s More Than Meets the Eye!

While the vast majority of LinkedIn’s one billion users interact with the public-facing app, there’s a treasure trove of professional tools hidden behind the scenes. For sales professionals, there’s Sales Navigator, a powerful tool that helps identify ideal prospects in target organizations. And for recruiters, we have our own secret weapon: LinkedIn Recruiter.

On average, recruiters spend more time actively searching for candidates than sifting through incoming applications. It’s like fishing with a spear instead of a trawler net! With LinkedIn Recruiter, we gain access to every single member on the platform, allowing us to connect with a global talent pool. The more optimized your profile, the more likely you are to be discovered by recruiters. So, complete your profile, showcase your skills, and engage with posts from companies and professionals you admire. In today’s post-pandemic job market, being found by a recruiter could be your easiest path to securing a new role.