Avoid the "Interested" Comment Trap

LinkedIn has become a vital platform for professionals to connect with potential employers, explore job opportunities, and build their professional network. However, with the sheer number of job posts on the platform, many job seekers feel overwhelmed and are unsure about how to approach a job post they're interested in. One approach that is often taken is to leave a comment on the post simply saying "Interested." While this may seem like a quick and easy way to express interest in a job, it's actually not a good option for several reasons.

The Lack of Valuable Information

According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, recruiters receive an average of 250 applications for each job posting. With such a large pool of candidates, standing out from the crowd is essential. Commenting "Interested" on a job post doesn't provide any valuable information to the recruiter or hiring manager. They already know that the job is interesting, as that's why they posted it in the first place. A comment like "Interested" doesn't tell them anything about your qualifications, experience, or why you're a good fit for the role. In fact, it may actually hurt your chances of getting noticed by the recruiter or hiring manager, as it comes across as lazy and unprofessional.

Examples of Ineffective Comments

Here are some examples of ineffective comments that job seekers often use on LinkedIn:

"I'm interested in this job."

"Interested"

"Check my profile."

While these comments express interest, they don't provide any real value to the recruiter or hiring manager. They don't demonstrate the candidate's experience, qualifications, or skills, which are essential factors that recruiters and hiring managers look for in a candidate.

Yes, it's not a meaningful engagement

Furthermore, LinkedIn's algorithm may even work against job seekers who comment as "Interested." The platform's algorithm prioritizes engagement, and comments like "Interested" may not be considered as meaningful engagement.

Personalization is Key

Instead of commenting "Interested" on a job post, it's much more effective to take the time to craft a personalized message to the recruiter or hiring manager. This message should highlight your relevant experience and skills, explain why you're interested in the job, and ask any questions you may have about the position. By taking the time to write a thoughtful message, you're showing the recruiter or hiring manager that you're serious about the job and that you've put in the effort to research the company and position. Use the InMails to reach out to the hiring manager.

Examples of Effective Messages

Here are some examples of effective messages that job seekers can use on LinkedIn:

"Hello [Recruiter/Hiring Manager's Name],?

I came across your job posting for [Job Title] and I'm excited to apply for the position. With [Number of years] years of experience in [Industry/Field], I believe I have the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this role. I'm particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the job/company] and I would love to learn more about how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration, [Your Name]."

Another one:

"Hi [Recruiter/Hiring Manager's Name],?

I hope this message finds you well. I'm interested in the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and I wanted to reach out to learn more about the position. As someone with experience in [Industry/Field], I'm confident on this opportunity! Let me know how we can take this forward!

Networking is Key

LinkedIn's research has shown that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. By customizing a message and building a connection with the recruiter or hiring manager, job seekers are effectively networking and increasing their chances of being considered for future job opportunities. If you have any connections at the company, it's always a good idea to reach out to them and ask for an introduction or a referral. This can help get your foot in the door and increase your chances of being considered for the job.

In today's highly competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. By taking the time to craft a personalized message when expressing interest in a job on LinkedIn, you can make a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers and increase your chances of getting noticed. Don't miss out on potential job opportunities by simply commenting "Interested" on a job post. Instead, put in the effort to write a thoughtful message that highlights your experience and skills, and shows why you're the perfect fit for the job.

Conclusion:

LinkedIn is a powerful platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers, explore job opportunities, and build their professional network. However, it's important to approach job postings on the platform in the right way if you want to increase your chances of landing a job. Simply commenting "Interested" on a job post may seem like an easy way to express your interest, but it's actually not a good option. It doesn't provide any valuable information to the recruiter or hiring manager, and it can be seen as lazy and unprofessional. Instead, take the time to craft a personalized message that highlights your experience and skills, and shows why you're the perfect fit for the job. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of getting noticed and landing the job you want.