I want to give up on LinkedIn and other job sharing sites.

I want to give up on LinkedIn and other job sharing sites.

I am looking for a job for the last 6 months. I have worked with consultant on my LinkedIn profile, applied to jobs on various sites, like LinkedIn and Indeed, but nothing. I reached to my network and let them know I am looking, but nothing there either. I wonder whether applying through job sharing sites is a waste of time. There are so many applicants... Are the job sites for the companies better? Do all companies post on LinkedIn? Can I beat the market through direct apply?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

21 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    I'm not sure. But I do know that everything in the job market has slowed waaaaay down from last fall

  2. Anonymous

    To be clear, LinkedIn, like the majority, scrape job postings. This means that not all may be current, just depends how they work on their ATS. It's never going to hurt to go directly to the careers tabe on the company's website. Typically those are more up to date than other postings you see out there. To be ULTRA clear, there are many candidates for MOST of the postings. BUT the number you see does NOT mean that they have actually applied. That means they've clicked on it, provided some information. Most of those are not direct applies to the actual posting for the company. It just depends on how the company has set up their account with LI, Indeed, etc. You can't beat the market as it is tough all around.

  3. Marcia Smith

    Soooo - there is a lot here. Just because you hired someone to redo your profile does not mean that they did a good job. And just because you are reaching out to people - does not mean that you are crafting a good message that will make them want to respond.

    Also - your resume needs to clearly match the job description and really show off your skills - by highlighting specific accomplishments using numbers and quantitative data and showing how the results benefitted your employer.

    Here is an example of a message that I sent to quite a few people who I found when I searched for people who were in the HR are recruiting field in the nonprofit industry:

    Hi!

    I’m reaching out because I am in the market for a new opportunity, and I understand you recruit for positions in the nonprofit field. Here is the type of role where I can bring the most value:

    Position — full-time, regular, 100% remote position in the nonprofit or higher education fields

    Example Titles — Grants Manager/research Support Manager – I’m not looking for a grant-writing position but rather managing grantees or helping research organizations put together their applications and help with post-award activities

    I would love the opportunity to explain further how I can bring value to a company and role. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request, and have a great day!

    I had 2 recruiters offer to help me.

    I have obtained 1 job on LinkedIn and 2 from Indeed.

    Good luck and hang in there - the job market is brutal these days!

  4. Anonymous

    Different companies approach LinkedIn differently. LinkedIn can be great, depending. My manager likes to get into the mix and actively sourcing candidates on LI (that is not his job, but that's his background). I got my last two jobs via LinkedIn. You've reached out to your network, but what steps have you taken to grow your network? Also, what I've noticed with LinkedIn is that many of the postings will take you right to the company site to continue with the application process. Keep in mind, too, that right now it is pretty brutal for job seekers.

  5. Zeecil Kimmel

    My current job found me on LinkedIn. But this was last year and I am hearing from others that the market has changed. I would continue on LinkedIn but also branch out. It never hurts to expand your tools. Best of Luck to you.

  6. Anonymous

    I just recently finished a round of job searching - and it seems like it's just recruiters are posting on job sites now! Several years ago, I started a list of companies that I might like to work at, and would check their sites directly once or twice per week.

    I did use LinkedIn and Indeed to search, but when I found something, I went directly to the company website and applied there. It made my life easier, and I was able to get almost 400 resumes out into the world.

  7. Marcia Smith

    I totally agree. I always go to the link directly to the employer's listing when I find job opportunities listed on LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, or elsewhere. Great advice!

  8. Sandra (Sandi) Buhlman, CPTM

    I use LinkedIn the most, but I also regularly check the direct job sites of the top 5 companies I WANT to work for once a week.

    Also, go check out this.

    Hire Me Podcast: Overview | LinkedIn

  9. Anonymous

    At most of the companies I’ve been at, they gather applications from the direct website, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc and those all go to the same place in the ATS (applicant tracking system). So it doesn’t matter where you apply, it’s still going into the same pool of applications. If you’re wanting to stand out, direct messaging the recruiter or networking is really the only way to do it. Otherwise you are relying on your resume to get you noticed.

    That said, I can tell you I landed my last job by applying. I didn’t network with anyone, I didn’t live in this state or have a ton of experience. My resume was good and I made my LinkedIn profile stand out as much as possible and I got the interview and took it from there. Also after each interview I sent thank you notes that reiterated why I was the best choice. But it took time. Job hunting is hard!

  10. Anonymous

    I would use all methods to apply for jobs. There are many jobs that don't advertise on LinkedIn. Many use other job sites. Don't limit yourself but pay attention to where your field and desired company size is advertising.

    The last 6 months have seen a lot of layoffs in HR and tech roles in many large companies. If you are seeking a tech role, make sure you have examples of your work out there and stay active on the programming sites.

  11. Anonymous

    Be sure to also post your resume on all the major sites like careerbuilder, Monster, zip recruiter, and any industry specific sites. I also recommend looking at contract work. It’s easier to find a job when you are already working and paying your bills.

  12. Anonymous

    the market right now is a long long haul to find a new role with some roles taking 6-12 months for folks to find work. If you are out of work it may take on the longer side of things. Try posting in your feed on linkedin that you are open and the types of roles that you would consider. The bigger your network the more likely you will find a role. Definitely keep pushing but there is not a way to beat the market...

  13. Anonymous

    Don’t give up I know it’s easier said than done it took me 4 years but it was worth the wait. I just completed my first week in my new role. Keep pushing.

  14. Anonymous

    Yes, in my opinios for sure. LinkedIn was a good tool. In the beginning. Now it is all about being ghosted. And for me it is the same as Facebook. I do have an account (LI) which I hardly use. FB is a huge no no for me. Racism and discrimination and they hardly do anything against it. Yes, they block persons who go against it.

  15. Anonymous

    I agree there is some ghosting going on but there are a lot of legitimate jobs posted there. What industry and what type of roles are you searching for? You can also try Indeed.

  16. Anonymous

    She said she has already applied to jobs on Indeed.

  17. Anonymous

    I found my previous two jobs on linked ( over 10years) the first one I found was a switch in careers, the second was a move up from that role I stayed at those two jobs for 5 years each I left the last job as I had a toxic boss who was in appropriate and a bully. I am an older woman and he made fun of me all the time, and commented on my age he made sure I never got anywhere , hr was his friend they knew him for years !the. Last job I got by applying on their website however linked and Glassdoor helped by having employee reviews and tips about interviewing etc if I decide to move on from here later I’ll use linked in again good luck! It took me a year to find my new job and I am happy I did

  18. Anonymous

    I am not sure if you're in the tech or tech-adjacent industry, Built In is a great way to find jobs but also gauge the company culture!

  19. Anonymous

    I’ve been in tge same situation but for much longer. In my case, I suspect ageism is also a factor.

  20. Anonymous

    My daughter, her boyfriend and scores of their friends are experiencing job search woes and they in in their late 20's, early 30's and in an array of industries. More than ageism, companies really don't want to pay well, except for in tech. Older applicants may have higher wage history/expectations and may be passed over, more for that reason, than specifically because of their age.

  21. Anonymous

    It’s not easy right now finding a job I would keep my activity on linked in monster etc and then Add to it by just going to the company’s site and applying there as well , also go to as many job fairs as you can I attended several here on fairy god boss and while I didn’t get a job I got several new connections some from HR some CEOs every little bit helps also watch for job fairs set up by companies themselves virtual and live.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members