Employability
3 min read
How Recruiters Use LinkedIn to Find Candidates and How to Get Found
Synopsis
Recruiters don’t browse LinkedIn randomly. They search using filters, keywords, and signals. If your profile isn’t aligned, you won’t appear. Here’s how to get found.
If you are not on LinkedIn, you are missing out on real job opportunities. Recruiters rely heavily on the platform to find talent, sometimes even before posting a job publicly. At Yotru, we talk to employers and recruiters every week, and this guide explains how they use LinkedIn and what you can do to appear in their searches.
The Two Main Ways Recruiters Use LinkedIn
1. Job Posts and Inbound Applicants
When a company posts a job, it is usually published through their Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which connects directly to LinkedIn. You apply through the LinkedIn job ad, and your application lands in the recruiter’s inbox.
The problem is that recruiters often receive hundreds of applications, and many are not a good match. Recruiters are measured by how quickly they fill roles, so they usually shortlist three to five qualified candidates quickly. If your LinkedIn profile or resume is not tailored to the role, you may be overlooked.
Pro Tip
Recruiters use LinkedIn for inbound applicants and search. High volume means only relevant, tailored candidates get shortlisted quickly.
2. Direct Sourcing with LinkedIn Recruiter
Many recruiters skip job ads completely and use LinkedIn Recruiter, a paid search tool that allows them to filter profiles by skills, location, and experience.
If your profile does not include the right keywords, you will not appear in their searches. Having a LinkedIn profile is only the first step. Using the right words in that profile is the next step.
Hint
Recruiters use LinkedIn Recruiter to search by keywords. If your profile lacks the right terms, you won’t appear in results.
How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Recruiter-Ready
Fill Out Your Headline and About Section
Your headline should clearly describe what you do or what you want to do next. The About section is your short story: where you have been, what you are good at, and what kind of roles interest you. Look at job posts for your target role and borrow the language that fits your experience.
Add Skills Everywhere
List your core skills in the Skills section and naturally include them in your job descriptions. Each skill acts as a keyword that recruiters can find.
Use a Clear, Friendly Photo
You do not need a professional headshot. A simple, well-lit photo with a neutral background is enough. Profiles with photos receive more views and build trust faster.
Make It Easy to Contact You
Check your privacy settings and make sure recruiters can message you. It is better to receive a few irrelevant messages than to miss an opportunity because no one could contact you.
Turn On “Open to Work”
You do not have to display the green banner if you prefer privacy. What matters most is turning on the setting in your account that signals you are open to opportunities. This puts you in recruiter search filters.
Add Locations You Would Consider
Recruiters often search by location. If you are open to remote or regional work, list those areas to increase your chances of being discovered.
Actions That Boost Visibility
- Set job alerts so you can apply early.
- Comment on posts that interest you.
- Make small updates each week, even if it is just adding one skill.
- Follow hashtags like #Hiring and #JobSearch to find new roles.
- Check profile analytics to see who is viewing your profile.
LinkedIn rewards consistency. Even a small amount of activity can make your profile appear higher in search results.
Important
Apply early, stay active, update regularly, engage with content, and monitor analytics. Consistent activity improves your visibility in recruiter searches.
The Yotru Takeaway
At Yotru, we believe that every job seeker should have a fair chance to be seen. Our AI-powered resume builder helps you find and use the same keywords recruiters search for, based on real job descriptions.
When your resume and LinkedIn profile match, recruiters do not just find you, they notice you.
You do not have to post daily or try to become an influencer. Focus on creating a clear, complete profile that reflects your skills and goals. Let LinkedIn work for you while you prepare for your next opportunity.
About the Author
Lakshmi Reddy
Career Specialist
Lakshmi Reddy
Career Specialist
Lakshmi is a seasoned Career Specialist, contributing research and insights on hiring trends, resumes, and career pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recruiters use tools like LinkedIn Recruiter to search profiles using filters such as skills, job titles, location, and experience.
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