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Why Do Jobs Get Reposted on LinkedIn? The Recruiter’s Secret Playbook

The question of why jobs get reposted on LinkedIn is one that plagues job seekers and even seasoned professionals. The short answer? Reposting a job on LinkedIn is a strategic tactic employed by recruiters and companies to increase visibility, refresh the candidate pool, and ultimately, find the right fit for the role. It’s not always a sign that something is “wrong” with the job or the company. It’s often simply a matter of optimizing their recruitment process.

The Nuances of Reposting: Unpacking the Why

The motivations behind reposting a job are multifaceted and rarely boil down to a single reason. Think of it as a recipe, with multiple ingredients contributing to the final outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors at play:

Visibility Boost: LinkedIn’s algorithm favors fresh content. A newly posted job gets pushed to the top of search results and appears more prominently in users’ feeds. This is the most common and straightforward reason. After a few weeks, a listing can sink into obscurity, making a repost a quick and effective way to re-engage potential candidates.
Expanded Candidate Pool: Maybe the initial applicant pool didn’t quite hit the mark. Perhaps the quality wasn’t there, or the required skillset was more niche than initially anticipated. Reposting widens the net, attracting a fresh wave of candidates who might have missed the initial posting or weren’t actively looking at the time. A repost allows the company to reach a different demographic or attract those who weren’t in the market when the original posting went live.
Updated Job Description: The needs of the role might have evolved. Perhaps responsibilities have shifted, required skills have been adjusted, or even the title has changed slightly. A repost with an updated job description ensures that potential candidates have the most accurate information and that the company attracts applicants who are truly aligned with the current requirements. It shows responsiveness to market feedback.
Budget Considerations: Some LinkedIn job posting packages have time limits. Once the posting expires, it needs to be renewed. Often, it’s simpler (and sometimes cheaper) to repost the job than to renew the original listing. Strategic budget management is a key driver for many companies.
Internal Candidates in the Mix: Sometimes a role is posted externally while internal candidates are being considered. If the internal candidates don’t pan out, the job might be reposted to continue the external search. This isn’t necessarily negative; it’s often a matter of ensuring the best person fills the role, regardless of their current employment status.
Company Branding and Outreach: Repeatedly posting jobs, especially at a growing company, reinforces the perception that the company is thriving and hiring. This positive branding can attract top talent, even if they weren’t actively searching for a job. The repetition embeds the company’s name in the minds of potential candidates.
Testing Different Keywords: Recruiters often experiment with keywords in job titles and descriptions to optimize for search. Reposting with altered keywords can help them gauge which terms attract the most relevant applicants. This is particularly common in fields with rapidly evolving terminology.

Debunking the Myths: What Reposting Doesn’t Always Mean

It’s tempting to jump to negative conclusions when seeing a job reposted, but resist the urge! Here are a few common misconceptions:

High Turnover: While excessive reposting of the same role over a short period could indicate high turnover, it’s not always the case. Consider all the factors mentioned above before assuming the worst.
Undesirable Company Culture: Again, reposting is not a definitive indicator of poor company culture. A growing company might simply be expanding its workforce, leading to frequent job postings.
The Company Can’t Find Anyone Qualified: This is a possibility, but it’s far more likely that the company is simply being selective and aiming for the perfect fit. High standards don’t necessarily equate to an inability to find qualified candidates.

Navigating the Reposted Landscape: Strategies for Job Seekers

So, how should you approach a job that you see reposted on LinkedIn?

Don’t Hesitate to Apply (Again): If you previously applied and didn’t hear back, don’t assume you’re automatically out of the running. Reposting is a chance to re-submit your application with an updated resume or cover letter, highlighting any new skills or experience you’ve gained since your initial application. Tailor your application specifically to any changes in the job description.
Network, Network, Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters or hiring managers at the company. A personal connection can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed, especially when the job has been reposted.
Refine Your Search Criteria: If you consistently see the same jobs reposted, consider refining your search terms to be more specific. This will help you filter out irrelevant postings and focus on opportunities that are truly aligned with your skills and experience.
Research the Company: Take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

FAQs: Decoding the Reposting Riddle

1. How long does a job posting typically last on LinkedIn before it needs to be reposted for optimal visibility?

Typically, the sweet spot for a LinkedIn job posting is around 2-4 weeks. After this period, the algorithm tends to push it down in search results. While it remains visible, its reach diminishes significantly, making a repost a worthwhile investment.

2. Does LinkedIn notify applicants when a job they applied for gets reposted?

No, LinkedIn does not automatically notify applicants when a job they’ve applied for is reposted. It’s up to the job seeker to monitor the job board and actively check for repostings.

3. Is it better to apply to the original job posting or the reposted one?

Always apply to the most recent posting. This ensures your application is seen by the recruiter with the latest context and information about the role. Recruiters often prioritize applications received after the repost.

4. What are some red flags to watch out for when a job is reposted excessively?

Excessive reposting (e.g., multiple times within a month or two) could be a red flag. Investigate the company further. Check Glassdoor reviews to get a sense of employee sentiment and potential issues with turnover or company culture.

5. How can I use LinkedIn to track whether a job I’m interested in has been reposted?

Save the job to your “Saved Jobs” list. This allows you to easily check back and see if the posting date has been updated. Alternatively, you can set up job alerts based on specific keywords and company names to be notified of new postings or reposts.

6. Does the frequency of reposting vary by industry or job function?

Yes, it does. Industries with high demand for talent (e.g., technology, healthcare) tend to see more frequent reposting. Similarly, roles that are difficult to fill (e.g., specialized engineering positions) might be reposted more often than entry-level positions.

7. Are there alternatives to reposting that recruiters might use to increase visibility?

Yes. Recruiters might use sponsored job postings (paid advertising on LinkedIn) to boost visibility. They might also actively source candidates through LinkedIn Recruiter or promote the job through their personal networks.

8. How does reposting affect the number of applications a job receives?

Reposting almost always leads to a significant increase in the number of applications. This is due to the increased visibility and the opportunity for a fresh wave of job seekers to discover the role.

9. What are some strategies for making my application stand out when applying to a reposted job?

Customize your resume and cover letter to directly address the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight relevant accomplishments and quantify your impact whenever possible. Also, network with employees at the company to get insider insights and potentially a referral.

10. Should I mention in my cover letter that I’m aware the job has been reposted?

It’s generally not necessary to explicitly mention that you know the job has been reposted. Focus on demonstrating your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

11. Can reposting be a sign of a poorly written job description that isn’t attracting the right candidates?

Yes, absolutely. A vague, unclear, or overly generic job description can deter qualified candidates. If a job is being reposted frequently, the recruiter should review and revise the job description to be more specific and appealing.

12. How does applicant tracking system (ATS) software handle reposted jobs, and does it affect my application?

Most ATS software will treat a reposted job as a separate, new listing. Therefore, you should submit your application again to ensure it’s seen. Some advanced ATS systems might link applications from the original and reposted listings, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and reapply.