How to Share a LinkedIn Job Posting: A Recruiter’s Guide

Sharing a job posting on LinkedIn might seem straightforward, but maximizing its impact requires finesse. It’s not just about hitting the “Share” button; it’s about crafting a compelling message that grabs attention, reaches the right audience, and ultimately attracts top talent. Here’s how to do it right.

The most direct way to share a LinkedIn job posting is by navigating to the job posting on LinkedIn, clicking the “Share” button located beneath the job description (typically on the left side if viewed on a desktop or at the bottom of the screen on a mobile device), and then crafting a compelling update message to accompany the job link. You can share the post to your personal feed, to specific groups, or even send it directly to individual connections through LinkedIn Messaging. The key is to personalize the message and explain why this specific job might be of interest to your network.

Mastering the Art of Sharing LinkedIn Job Postings

Sharing a job posting is only the first step. The real magic lies in how you share it. Think of your LinkedIn network as a carefully cultivated garden. You don’t just throw seeds randomly; you nurture them with intention. The same principle applies here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Effectively

1. Find the Job Posting: Locate the job you want to share. This could be on your company’s careers page that automatically posts to LinkedIn, a job you manually created, or even a job posted by another company (if you believe it would benefit your network).
2. Click the “Share” Button: Beneath the job description, you’ll find the “Share” button. Clicking this opens a window where you can craft your post.
3. Craft a Compelling Message: This is where you shine. Don’t just share the job link and leave it at that. Tell your network why they should care. Consider the following:
   • Highlight the Unique Aspects of the Role: What makes this job different from others? Is it the company culture, the exciting projects, or the opportunity for growth?
   • Target Your Audience: Tailor your message to the specific audience you’re trying to reach. If you’re sharing in a specific group, mention why this job is relevant to that group’s interests.
   • Use a Strong Call to Action: Tell people what you want them to do. “Apply now,” “Share with your network,” or “Tag someone who would be a great fit” are all effective calls to action.
   • Include Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags help increase the visibility of your post. Use relevant industry-specific hashtags or hashtags related to the job title or company culture.
4. Choose Your Sharing Option: You have several options:
   • Share to Your Feed: This is the most common option, sharing the post with your entire network.
   • Share to a Group: This is ideal if the job is relevant to a specific community.
   • Send as a Private Message: This allows you to target specific individuals who you think would be a good fit for the role.
5. Review and Post: Before hitting the “Post” button, double-check your message for any typos or errors. Make sure the link is working correctly and that your message is clear and concise.
6. Engage with Comments: Monitor your post and respond to any comments or questions. This shows that you’re actively involved and helps build engagement.

Beyond the Basic Share: Advanced Strategies

• Employee Advocacy Programs: Encourage your employees to share job postings on their own LinkedIn profiles. Employee shares often have higher engagement rates because they come across as more authentic.
• Targeted Advertising: LinkedIn’s advertising platform allows you to target job postings to specific demographics, industries, and experience levels. This is a great way to reach passive candidates who might not be actively searching for a job.
• Use Rich Media: Include a video or image in your job posting share. Visual content is more engaging and can help your post stand out from the crowd. Consider a short video highlighting the company culture or the benefits of working for your organization.
• Track Your Results: Pay attention to the analytics for your shared job postings. Which messages are performing best? Which groups are generating the most applications? Use this data to refine your strategy and improve your results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I share a job posting to multiple LinkedIn groups at once?

Yes, you can share a job posting to multiple groups. However, it’s generally best to customize your message for each group to ensure it resonates with the specific audience. Avoid simply copy-pasting the same message across multiple groups, as this can come across as impersonal and spammy.

2. How often should I share a job posting?

There’s no magic number, but avoid over-sharing. Sharing the same job posting multiple times a day can annoy your network. A good rule of thumb is to share a job posting once or twice a week, varying the message each time. You can also re-share a job posting if there’s been a significant update, such as a new closing date or a change in the job description.

3. What are the best hashtags to use when sharing a job posting?

The best hashtags depend on the specific job and industry. Some general hashtags to consider include: #hiring, #jobsearch, #careers, #jobopening, #recruiting. For more specific hashtags, consider the job title (e.g., #softwareengineer, #marketingmanager), the industry (e.g., #techjobs, #healthcarecareers), or the company culture (e.g., #lifeatgoogle, #workatamazon).

4. How can I make my job posting share stand out?

To make your job posting share stand out: use compelling visuals, write a captivating message, highlight the unique aspects of the role, and use relevant hashtags. Consider including a video testimonial from a current employee or sharing a story about the impact the role has on the company.

5. Should I tag people in my job posting share?

Tagging can be effective, but use it sparingly and thoughtfully. Only tag people who you genuinely believe would be interested in the job or who could help spread the word. Avoid tagging people randomly or excessively, as this can be perceived as spam.

6. What if the “Share” button is missing from the job posting?

If the “Share” button is missing, it could be due to a few reasons. The employer may have disabled sharing for that specific job posting. Alternatively, you may not have the necessary permissions to share the post (if it’s an internal job posting). You can try contacting the employer or the LinkedIn administrator for more information. You could also copy the URL and create your own post.

7. Can I edit a job posting share after it’s been posted?

Yes, you can edit a job posting share after it’s been posted. Simply navigate to the post on your LinkedIn profile and click the “Edit” icon (usually three dots in the upper-right corner). This allows you to make changes to your message, add hashtags, or tag people.

8. How do I track the performance of my job posting share?

You can track the performance of your job posting share by visiting the post on your LinkedIn profile and clicking the “View stats” link (if available). This will show you the number of views, likes, comments, and shares your post has received. You can also use LinkedIn Analytics to track the overall performance of your LinkedIn activity.

9. Is it better to share job postings from my personal profile or my company page?

Both personal profiles and company pages have their advantages. Sharing from your personal profile can feel more authentic and generate higher engagement. Sharing from your company page can help build brand awareness and establish your company as an employer of choice. Consider using a combination of both.

10. What’s the best time of day to share a job posting on LinkedIn?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, mid-week mornings (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday between 9 AM and 11 AM) tend to be the most effective times to share content on LinkedIn. However, it’s important to consider your target audience and their online habits. Experiment with different posting times to see what works best for you.

11. How can I encourage my employees to share job postings?

Create an employee advocacy program that incentivizes employees to share job postings on their LinkedIn profiles. Provide employees with pre-written messages and visuals that they can easily share. Recognize and reward employees who actively participate in the program. Make it easy for them.

12. What are the ethical considerations when sharing a job posting?

Ensure that the job posting is accurate and transparent. Avoid exaggerating the benefits of the role or misrepresenting the company culture. Be mindful of privacy concerns and only share job postings with permission. Always be respectful and professional in your interactions.

Sharing a job posting on LinkedIn is more than just a click of a button; it’s a strategic move that, when executed correctly, can significantly impact your hiring efforts. By understanding the nuances of crafting compelling messages, targeting the right audience, and tracking your results, you can transform your LinkedIn network into a powerful recruitment tool. Remember, authenticity and engagement are key to success.